The Bay of Islands International Academy, Kiwi Coast and Tapuaetahi Incorporation joined together recently to plant 60 rare native trees along a stream on the Te Tii community (Ngāti Rēhia) Farm.
Coastal maire, tawapou and ewekuri (milktree), grown in the nursery of Bret McKay of Hihi, were planted by 40 students together with teacher Mr Michael Baty, parent helpers, Tapuaetahi members and Kiwi Coast crew.
Mr Mariao Hohaia, Executive Manager of Tapuaetahi, welcomed the school to the farm before Kiwi Coast Coordinator Andrew Mentor gave an overview of the Pest Free Purerua project which is eliminating possums, mustelids, feral cats and rats from the 7,500ha peninsula.
Mr Mentor also shared that coastal maire, tawapou and ewekuri were no longer common trees on the peninsula. He said
“While once they were all prolific species, they are now rare, having been decimated by possums, rats and goats around Purerua. These trees will be part of re-establishing bird food and the health of the forest in years to come. Being safe from predators and having abundant food supply will also help bird populations to flourish.”
Tapuetahi Incorporation, Kiwi Coast and Bay of Islands International Academy plan to continue working together in planting, pest control and environmental care into the future.
“We would like to have every student plant a tree when they start school at Bay of Islands Academy to remind them of a small positive act having a significant effect for years into the future. We imagine the student coming back to that tree in 30 or 40 years, sitting in its shade and enjoying the birds and the environment,” said Mariao Hohaia.
If your school would like to get involved in pest control or planting, reach out to Kiwi Coast for support.
