Planting season sprouts success

It was another bumper planting season with over 150,000 trees put in the ground across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

Approximately 152,900 native trees were planted citywide last season by volunteers, community planting groups and Council rangers.

Head of Parks Rupert Bool says volunteers played a huge role in this season’s success with an abundance of community planting days and group collaborations.

“Our residential red zone had around 34,000 trees put in the ground, with standouts in Goodman Street and our new site alongside Corser Stream in Burwood, the Welcoming Communities event in the Port Hills red zone, and our first te reo Māori bilingual ‘tree rescue’ event at Amelia Rogers Reserve.”

Council's first ranger-led Port Hills red zone planting as part of Welcoming Week where over 600 trees were planted.

Planting efforts at Waikākāriki Horseshoe Lake also saw Conservation New Zealand’s (CVNZ) celebration on 10 August of their two millionth tree planted in Aotearoa.

“An impressive 16,000 trees were planted by volunteers alongside the Eco Action group at QEII Park this year, and 12,000 by volunteers in other community parks across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula,” Mr Bool says.

Additionally, 41,000 wetland trees were planted by Council rangers in Coastal and Plains parks, 13,000 by Council staff and contractors across community parks.

Mr Bool says it’s important to recognise the job isn’t finished yet, with plenty of post-planting maintenance ahead.

“Mulching, clearing weeds and watering are already underway, and any help we can get from volunteers makes a huge difference.

Riccarton High students George and Emma volunteer in the red zone.

“We really appreciate people coming back to continue the work where they planted, or new volunteers getting involved so we can better support the survival of the plantings.”

To volunteer in Parks, fill out this form or email parks.volunteers@ccc.govt.nz.

The Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor has maintenance days in collaboration with CVNZ in the lead up to Christmas at a range of sites.  

Community volunteer groups have various events each year, and the Council website advertises larger planting days, regular working bees and other volunteer opportunities.