Spraying delayed

Aerial spraying to control gorse in Whitireia Park is yet to get under way.

Owing to unsettled weather, the work is likely to take place over the next fortnight, the Whitireia Park Board meeting was told on February 14.

The spraying will cover the area burnt by fire in 2010.

Site preparation is also under way for 3000 plants to create fire breaks, with planting planned for May and June.

World Wildlife Fund’s Habitat Protection Fund has granted $7500 for a lizard survey, weed control, plants and penguin boxes on the western side of the park.

The park board’s bank account showed a balance of $19,967 at the end of December. Wellington Regional Council spent $150,951 maintaining Whitireia Park in 2013.