Hi my name is Leeann Whatuira. I am the founder of our Community Nursery.  We  formed a Incorporated Society in June 2018.  I asked our community how can we address the state of our river (pollution of river, high sedimentation levels, and erosion)  The response back was "Plant Native Trees"  Many people approached us with varying experience relating to environmental issues.  All these people have helped us establish our nursery and continue to provide support in various ways. I had no experience in the propagation of native plants, I called myself the "Native Virgin" so I talked to a friend who loves native trees, we teamed up and started growing plants from home.   Our Community donated potting mix, pots and trays to help us get started.  We then approached the Hawke's Bay Regional Council for funding through their LEAF fund. This helped us through the provision of potting mix and bags.  We approached our local Council to see if there was anywhere where we could establish a nursery. A section was leased to us to establish our nursery.  Funding was secured and our 1st  Shade house was built in 2019.  Fourand a half years down the track we now have 3 Shade Houses, a large hardening out area, a 5 cubic metre potting mix box, and a area for our volunteers to work under.  We have propagated over 50,000 native plants for restoration projects.  We have constructed 19 wicking beds (hardening out area with 1 cm water in each bed). It has been an amazing 4.5 years our nursery has progressed amazingly well.  We want our community to be involved from tamariki to our older generation, it dosn't matter who you are or your ability come on down and join us. If you are in Wairoa please join us on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 11 am to 3 pm. Call in and have a look. We are situated at 72 Lucknow St, Wairoa (At the back of the Old Fire Station)