A morning of mahi and connection in the Gully
Contributed by Mo Morgan.
On Sunday 16 November, seventeen people from the local Whanganui community gathered in the gully for a morning of mahi - weeding, releasing young natives, clearing paths, sharing kai, and continuing the slow work of restoring this beautiful corner of creation. What has formed here over time is more than a working bee. It’s a group of people who care, working together to make a difference.
Meeting like this is not a new thing for this group. St James Youth have been involved with the East–West Way Gully Regeneration project led by Sonia Forsey for two years. Several times a year they turn up together to help with the project. This year they’ve been joined by their families. Over time they’ve enjoyed watching the transformation of the gully as they’ve cared for it. Together they’ve watched the gully slowly transform—new plantings are beginning to flourish, and alongside them, connection and community is growing amongst those who give their time here.
Being involved in this small but special restoration project has become a shared expression of faith and kaitiakitanga. Caring for the whenua connects the group more deeply with each other, with their place, and with the God who calls all creation good. It’s the kind of grassroots, hope-filled action that sits at the heart of Eco Church - ordinary people responding to God’s love by loving the land right where they are.
