Birds and Bees, Flowers and Trees!

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A_R_1stnat-3A_R_1stnat-2  A_R_1stNat-1Last night I had the pleasure of attending the monthly meeting of the Otaki Buzz Club.A group of men and women united by their passion for Bees. Most have hives, some like me are gathering information and getting up to speed before taking the plunge.

Recently I completed a sailing course, along the way learning a whole new language. Now I am confronted with Queens and Drones, uppers and combs, veils and varroa, pupa and propolis, and a whole host of other new concepts around the behaviour of hives and swarms. Two wonderful speakers gave huge insight into ‘best practice’ beekeeping

This caused me to reflect on the ‘state of the nation’ as far as our local environment goes. I know our birdlife is healthy, we have abundant tui, pigeon, and more than enough pukeko. In places there are enclaves of Rosella and Magpie. In the course of cycling and driving on our country roads, it is impossible not to notice the rabbits and hares aplenty. Above, hawks are poised ready to perform any cleanup required.

I am aware that there have been some fabulous catches of snapper, red cod, Kahawhai, and even Tuna this summer, so our oceans would seem to be in reasonable health. The supply of Whitebait and Eels, would seem to be an area of concern, hardly a surprise when so many of their breeding habitat have disappeared, and some of our streams are a ‘work in progress’. More reserves around our river mouths may help here?

Pipi and Toheroa must be under threat, with vehicles up and down our beaches, commercial fishing of tuatua and pipi inside the 6 mile limit mooted between Kapiti and Wanganui.
Pines and willows planted in the Horticultural boom of the late 70’s are being felled at a rapid rate, opening up pastures to more light, and often being replaced by lower growing natives. The natural bush cover is regenerating fast on our retired hill country, slowing down erosion and flood highs, adding to the food resource for birds.

The arrival of the Lifestyle Block has greatly helped our environment, just the number of trees planted, wetlands established, now adding bees to the mix. Bees provide a vital service in our food supply chain, so Viva the Buzz Club, keep up the good work!

An unpolished jewell: 9 Hariata St, Otaki

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Offers around RV $375,000 To be sold by DEADLINE SALE, closing 11am TUESDAY 31st MARCH 2015 (if not sold prior)

Twin sections to total 1821m2 , 4 huge double bedrooms, 3 living areas, garage/workshop and craft area, large glasshouse, mature orchard – it is all here. Handily located close to outlet shops, café, and transport links, in a quiet cul-de-sac.
This noble project is here to be sold, be sure to view!

Grant Robertson