The Otatara Landcare Group (OLG) was established in 1999 following a public meeting. The mandate for the group is to promote and advocate for the natural values of Otarara, Sandy Point, Oreti Beach and New River Estuary.

The OLG does this by submitting to Council, particularly on native bush issues, managing the Bushy Point Restoration Project and recently opened self-guided walk and publishing, to members, the quarterly Otatara Pigeon Post booklet.

The Group also organises community events like the Otatara Forest Festival with its mud race, raft race and kart race; public nature walks and in 2007 published the “Otatara – A Hidden Treasure” booklet profiling local crafts and walks. In 2008 the OLG designed and erected a new noticeboard at the 4 Square shop and opened the Bushy Point self-guided walkway.

Bushy Point

The Bushy Point Restoration Project is a large scale, long term, project to turn grazing land (owned by the Department of Conservation) into native bush and wetland habitat by planting native species. The volunteers of the OLG also manage over 4 kilometres of pest trap lines for the benefit of native birds – tui, kereru and fernbird.

Read the Bushy Point Annual Report 2008/2009

Access to the Bushy Point area is the end of Bryson Road, where an interpretation sign explains the project and sets you off on the walkway. A second interpretation sign halfway along the walk has a viewpoint panorama and bird drawings. At the far end of the walk a pond has been excavated and restoration plantings are taking place. The walkway is approximately 1 hour return and picnic tables are placed along the route. Public planting days are advertised and all help is appreciated.