Trustees, Norrey Simmons and Nick Thomas have been seeing first hand the difference that 2 community groups are making: Friends of Mana Island and Clyma Park Community Garden.

Friends of Mana Island

Norrey Simmons and volunteers arrive on Mana Island to release fairy prion

In January, Norrey Simmons was invited by the Friends of Mana Island to help release fairy prion, a small seabird found in New Zealand and Australia. The young birds brought from Stephens Island in the Marlborough Sounds join other species that have found a new home on the predator-free island: North Island robin, diving petrel, fluttering shearwater, brown teal, bellbird, whitehead and rowi, the little-spotted kiwi.

Norrey was inspired by the dedication of the volunteers and the commitment of Dick Ferneyhough, a former chair of the Wellington Community Trust, who escorted her to the island. ‘It was a wonderful day out – steep, steep hills and brilliant weather.’

At the end of 2015, Friends of Mana Island, who aim to restore the island to how it was 200 years ago, received funding from Wellington Community Trust to complete the next stage of replanting.

Successful applicants 2015/2016

Clyma Park Community Garden

And last weekend Nick Thomas was a guest at  the 5th birthday celebrations for Clyma Park Community Garden in Clyma Park, Upper Hutt.

Neighbours and volunteers celebrating Clyma Park Community Garden’s 5th birthday

Nick grew up in the neighbourhood and was impressed by how the garden has developed and brought together the whole community. ‘They all know each other well, and this has been brought about by their involvement with the gardens.’

Mayor Wayne Guppy preparing to bury the time capsule

As part of the celebrations, Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy buried a 5-year time capsule. Guests were also treated to a delicious afternoon tea, much of it made using produce from the gardens.

Clyma Park Community Garden is a thriving community garden of vegetables and trees that has become a focus for community events. It was a winner in the 2014 Wellington Regional Airport Community Awards, which are supported by the Wellington Community Trust.