On 17 June, Whenuakite School set off on an environmentally focused mission. Working with national native restoration organisation Trees for Survival, the group readied themselves to get dirty. Armed with shovels, gloves and determination, the two senior classes arrived at a local property.
After a safety briefing and general rundown, they got straight to work. “Over the last four years, Whenuakite School has planted more than 3,000 trees. It’s amazing to see the plantings grow,” says Jayne Nightingale, the local organiser for Trees for Survival. The seeds were eco sourced and grown by Te Whangai Nursery, then the seedlings were sent out to the school in October and potted up by the eager children. And that wasn’t the only thing taking root. The Year 7 and 8 students took to the soil, removing the plant sleeves and guiding the young native plants into the freshly augured Earth.
“Planting trees can be a really social job,” remarks Year 8 student, Corey. “Getting in there and joining in connects our community and whānau,” adds fellow classmate, Beaudyn.
While large-scale planting projects make a significant impact, students were quick to point out that anyone can contribute.
Year 7 student Isla said, “Planting natives doesn’t always have to be on a massive scale. Just planting a few around your house can encourage beautiful bees and birds, so it’s a win-win!”
However, when you’re aiming to plant 850 trees, help is very much appreciated.
The students were fortunate to have principal Mr Veysi on standby, as well as senior teachers Paige and Chris and a dedicated group of parents.
In the principal’s own words: “Not only does this help our learning, environment and local farmers, it also helps us understand the importance of looking after our own backyards.”
Why bother, though? Planting can seem like a lot of work and, besides, do a couple of trees really help? The answer is: Yes.
I asked my peers, Ana and Ava, and what they told me made a real impact: “Planting trees helps with the earth’s oxygen, provides food for native birds, and helps hold up our riverbanks.”
While exploring the property, the students also saw startling signs of erosion. In areas where no native trees had been planted, neighbouring land had simply fallen away into the flowing river below.
As the morning progressed, the welcoming landowners, Dion and Carmen, reflected on the long-term impact of the project.
“It’s incredible to think how much this land will have changed in three years’ time,” they said.
“To know that the Year 7 and 8 students will be able to look back and see the impact their trees have made, and the change they’ve started, is really powerful.”
After enjoying some delicious homemade pork sausages, the ākonga said their thanks and got ready to leave. It had been an exciting and educational day, one the Year 7 and 8 students will always remember.
Whenuakite School extends its thanks to Jayne Nightingale and Trees for Survival, the parent volunteers, teachers and landowners who helped make the day possible. Most importantly, thank you to the students who took part. Their willingness to roll up their sleeves and contribute shows that even a small amount of mahi can create lasting change.
E noho rā, kia kaha ngā rākau.
Stay well, and may the trees grow strong.
Environmental education and restoration programme Trees for Survival supports over 250 schools across Aotearoa to grow and plant native plants. Schools are provided with a growing unit and, each spring, receive native seedings to nurture and grow ready for planting. This winter, schools are expected to plant 200,000 native plants. Plantings improve water quality, help prevent erosion and increase biodiversity. Supported in their programme nationally by Mastercraft Kitchens.
Words by Thea Dozell (student at Whenuakite School)
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