NZ: Turning a Mistake into a Legacy: The Ōhope Beach Golf Links Restoration
Ōhope resident Jo Steens stands on the fresh stump of one of the pōhutukawa felled in August 2023 during an Ōhope Beach Golf Links working bee. Photo / Troy Baker
What began as a regrettable error is being transformed into a flourishing environmental legacy at Ōhope Beach Golf Links. Following the accidental clearing of native vegetation in 2023, the club has wholeheartedly embraced a comprehensive remediation project to restore the Ōhope Spit, an area of significant indigenous biodiversity.
A Growing Restoration Effort
The club has completed its first year of a staged three-year planting plan. Led by member Kara Ryall, a dedicated team of volunteers visits the dunes monthly to weed and water the new growth. To ensure the highest survival rates, the team has implemented a meticulous tracking and numbering system for the plantings.
Year One Planting Success:
- 80 Pōhutukawa: The centerpiece of the restoration.
- 40 Additional Natives: Including Karo, Taupata, Cabbage trees, and Ngaio.
- Strategic Learning: By monitoring which species thrive in different dune elevations, the club is refining its strategy for future planting seasons.
Golf club members take part in a watering day, carrying buckets of water to each of the new trees planted throughout the dunes. Photo / Supplied
Long-Term Commitment
The project is not just about immediate replanting; it is a 10-year commitment to the land. Under the guidance of the Whakatāne District Council, the club’s restoration plan includes:
- Staged Planting: Continuing through 2026.
- Maintenance: Ongoing rabbit suppression and invasive weed control.
- Monitoring: Care will continue until the new trees reach a height of at least 2 meters.
A Positive Outlook
The community response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Resident Jo Steens, who initially advocated for the area’s protection, now sees the project as a “fantastic legacy,” envisioning a future pōhutukawa arboretum.
Club General Manager Ryan Walker emphasized that the club is passionate about this restoration, turning a past mistake into a permanent environmental asset that will enhance the spit for generations to come.
