Ngutunui Enviro School students have held their first-ever planting day at a nearby farm in Pirongia as part of the Trees for Survival initiative.
The 29 students planted 725 natives on low-lying fields near a newly created tuna (eel) pond on the Waiwhakaata Trust property, helping to shade the water and provide a healthy habitat for tuna and other wildlife.
Ngutunui Enviro School students planted 725 native trees. Photo: Supplied.
Last spring, Fonterra supported schools across the North Island to pot up to 1000 native plant seedlings which they nurtured in their custom built, irrigated shade houses.
Fonterra is supporting eight Waikato schools – Pukete, Vardon, Hikuai, Motunaoho, Ngāruawāhia, Otewa, Te Awamutu and Ngutunui.
Those students are setting out on planting days now where they plant the native trees along waterways to improve water quality and on hillsides to help prevent erosion. Their planting will also help provide food and habitat for wildlife.
Ngutunui parent Jane Shaw said the planting day was a celebration of the hard work and care the students put into growing the plants and a great example of collaboration between many individuals and organisations who are passionate about making a difference.
“Learning hands-on about plant growth, planting, water quality and habitat restoration was fantastic for the students. A combination of spades, sunshine, and sausages together with Ngutunui’s can-do attitude made for a perfect day,” she said.
Fonterra announced its partnership with Trees for Survival in 2022 and has since supported the planting of thousands of trees across New Zealand.
Trees for Survival Charitable Trust was established in 1991 and supports over 230 schools and local communities across New Zealand to grow and plant native trees along waterways and on erosion prone hillsides.
It is an environmental education programme, teaching the importance of native plants on native ecology and through growing, planting and engaging with their environment, helping create a healthier future for themselves and future generations.
Phil Lyons, Trees for Survival’s national manager, praised the dairy co-op’s support.
“We are extremely grateful for the wonderful support provided by Fonterra. Our organisations share a common purpose to create meaningful impact in our communities through the delivery of a unique environmental restoration and education programme.
“Together, we are inspiring our communities and their tamariki to plant a lasting legacy, while learning about environmental conservation and increasing the biodiversity of local sites.”
Ngutunui Enviro School students enjoying their planting day. Photo: Supplied.
