All in good cause

Eastern Ward councillor Lisa Bridson holds some of her haul of Cape pondweed during a clean-up of the Waiwhetu Stream at the weekend.

Lisa joined about 20 volunteers from Friends of the Waiwhetu Stream for a barbecue on Sunday before tackling the demanding job of removing the prolific weed the old-fashioned way. Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington regional council both help fund the group’s activities.

Reserves assets manager Craig Cottrill says the council spends about $30,000 a year on upkeep of the stream, once one of the country’s most polluted waterways. The money is used to plant vegetation and install park furniture along the stream’s banks, as well as to remove pest plants and rubbish.

He says the volunteers deserve credit for their efforts, which are provided without thought of reward during weekends.