In April the West Coast Blue Penguin Trust, Hokitika Scouts and a few locals began restoring penguin nesting habitat on Hokitika Beach.
The group planted about 60 flax and cabbage trees between two areas where penguins are already nesting in limited patches of coastal scrub including blackberry and gorse.
The next phase will see more flax, various Coprosma, mahoe and cabbage trees planted – improving the area for both humans and penguins.
Many locals who regularly walk the beach have noticed penguin footprints in this area, between the beach and the dunes, especially in the early morning.
In 2010 the West Coast Blue Penguin Trust carried out its annual census. The Hokitika Scouts found a blue penguin colony at the north end of Hokitika beach.
Assistant Group leader of the Hokitika Scouts Kim McPherson says a big part of scouting is helping others and getting children involved in community projects.
“Penguins are dear to our hearts and they’re right at our back door,” she says.
Peter Anderson from Westland District Council says the council is supportive of the project.
“The council sees benefits not only for penguins but for the people of Westland,” he says.
West Roads have donated flax that has been removed from another Westland locality. This will be planted in the next phase and the West Coast Blue Penguin Trust is looking for funding to continue the planting. It is hoped penguin nesting boxes can also be added to the area after the plants and soil structure has become established, probably after three years.
