Teamwork makes the dream work and what a great team we all made!
After weeks of rain, Tamanuiterā made his presence known by bringing us beautiful fine weather as we came together to plant a new ngahere to celebrate Matariki.
Contributing to an increase in native biodiversity and reduced runoff.
Enviroschools Marlborough put an invitation out to all the region’s Enviroschools to take part in a collaborative planting project on the Wither Hills. What a great uptake! The team were were blown away by the enthusiasm and spirit of the students who participated over the 3 days. Each session of planting was finished in record time, with eager students wanting to carry on and plant more. 206 participants from 15 schools soaked up the knowledge that the planting crew and volunteers passed on to them; learning about the trees they were planting, why those species were chosen, how to plant the trees to set them up for the dry summers ahead and the habitat they were building for birds, insects, and other animals.
“On Tuesday the 21st of June, 7 Marlborough Girls College students attended one of the first Matariki plantings of the week. I thought this was an amazing opportunity to connect with other passionate students and bring people together in celebration of Matariki. Incorporating our Marlborough Girls values of whanaungatanga, we worked collaboratively with a group of people in order to achieve the goal of improving the native biodiversity in the community. Due to Covid disruptions throughout the year, it has been challenging organising environmental initiatives. Therefore, the Enviro Team were stoked to be a part of enhancing the environment. – Amelia Robertson, 2022 Environmental Prefect (Manutaki Taiao)
Planters and the planted – looking up the catchment of Wither Hills.
This project really reflected the focus of Enviroschools Marlborough for 2022 – Sustainable Communities. Not only were the students planting a ngahere to share with their friends and family and whole community, but creating a legacy that they will be able to tell their children and grandchildren they were a part of establishing.
A big thank you to all those involved in making this happen: Smart and Connected Forestry, Marlborough Forest Industry Association, Marlborough District Council, Te Uru Rākau.
Take a look at the video from Talking Trees Marlborough shared on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/talkingtreesmarlborough/videos/751653526271279/ for more photos of this fantastic event.
“The MGC girls reflected on how fulfilling we all felt after taking part in this planting and giving back to the community. I’m excited to return in years to come, to see the results of our work.” Lea Poletti, Year 13 student
A stunning, frosty day made the experience even more special.
Health and safety first.
Students get to work planting the specially selected native species.