Mōkihi Reforestation Trust’s (MRT) Nature Day in Cromwell was an informative and fun day out for local whānau who provided welcome muscle by planting, weeding and mulching native plants on Saturday (October 29).

Organiser Jane Powe said the highlight was seeing and hearing about bug expert Ruud Kleinpaste’s bugs and making the mōkihi (rafts). 

Tyson inspects the bugs in one of Ruud’s display cases. 

“The children really enjoyed making them, putting seeds in mud and giving them to trustee Greg Lind to kayak them out to the current to float away to spread and grow along the river and lake.” 

MRT trustee Grey Lind grabs the mōkihi to kayak them out for release.

Jane said Ruud was impressed with the activity and plans to use it again in his education sessions with schools. 

Approximately 75 attendees had a chance to get up close and personal with the visiting bugs, including spiders and weta. 

Creeping crawly: A weta checks out a child's palm.

Several activity stations were set up including weeding, mulching, planting, and watering for the afternoon and a lot was achieved before the rain came in. 

Local helpers planting native seedlings.

The hard work did not go unrewarded, as youngsters enjoyed free ice blocks and a sausage sizzle. 

On behalf of MRT trustees the organisers thanked Ruud Kleinpaste, Connect Cromwell, Cromwell Rotary Volunteers, Fresh Choice Cromwell and the community members who came along.

MRT started planting at Richards Beach in 2016 and there are over 3,000 plants at this site. 

For more information about upcoming MRT activities see the group’s website.

Seventy five locals of all ages attended the nature day at Richards Beach. 

PHOTOS: Jane Powe