Celebrating 30 years of protecting the environment

2024 celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the Southern Environmental Association (SEA). Here are some of the highlights over the last three decades.

Lobbying for the Creation of Tawatawa Reserve (gazetted as a reserve in 2009)
Save our Skyline (SOS), lobbying for the ridgelines to be kept natural between Kingston and Ōwhiro Bay, opposing the development of 5 subdivisions along the ridgelines that is now Tawatawa Reserve
Advocating for the closure of the Ōwhiro Bay Quarry
Native tree nursery built to grow eco-sourced plants
Helping to create Paekawakawa Reserve
Creation of comprehensive Restoration Plan
Fencing-off of wetland to protect/increase invertebrate biodiversity 2019
Lizard garden planted 2020
Predator control implemented 2020
Development of Paekawakawa Link Track
Botanical signage installed around the reserve
SEA Tawatawa Givealittle page
SEA Tawatawa website
Founding member of Southern Wellington Weed Action Coalition (SWWAC)
Tawatawa Reserve information sign and map boards
60,000 trees and shrubs planted in Tawatawa since 1992
750 mammalian pests trapped by SEA volunteers
1,600 volunteer hours per year

Founding SEA members opposing the Ōwhiro Bay Quarry.

Even a visit from renowned environmentalist David Bellamy (top right photo wearing yellow jacket)

Planned subdivisions along the ridgeline between Kingston and Ōwhiro Bay.

Requests for help went far and wide – this plea for help to Prince (now King) Charles.

Tawatawa Reserve circa 2003 from Irwell Street looking west. You can just see the wetland area beginning to form and pines on the western hills (Photo credit: Kathryn Hazelwood).