Hundreds of endemic trees planted by Macleans College Kaitiaki Group

The Macleans College Kaitiaki Group recently planted an erosion-prone slope in Clevedon with over 500 endemic trees including mānuka, karamu, and harakeke.

The enthusiastic group made the most of the reprieve in the wintery weather to clear spaces, dig holes and carefully plant the trees in their new home. Once in the ground, each new plant needed to undergo the ‘pukeko test’ to check it was secured firmly enough to avoid being removed by any wandering birdlife.

This planting event was the culmination of an ongoing partnership with the Trees for Survival programme. The group has nurtured the trees from seedlings, making it especially rewarding to see them thriving in their new environment.

The Trees for Survival programme is a cornerstone activity for the Kaitiaki Group, providing students with hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. Through this initiative, they have learned about wetland restoration, revegetation, and the critical role of biodiversity.

The project not only positively impacts the environment but also educates and empowers Macleans College students to make a tangible difference to the local area.