A first for Flaxmere with new Trees for Schools project
The first of thousands of trees to be planted by primary school children across the country have gone into the ground, with Tukituki MP Anna Lorck and Forestry Minister Stuart Nash planting a Kōwhai tree at Flaxmere Primary School.
The planting is part of the Trees for Schools programme, a new tree planting initiative launched on Arbor Day in June. The Arbor Day initiative has seen every primary school in the country offered five free native seedlings.
More than half of the country’s primary schools, 1,252 had signed up for the initiative, and Flaxmere Primary was a keen participant.
“It’s fantastic to be at Flaxmere Primary planting the first of many trees our young students across Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand will be planting on their school grounds and in their communities over the coming weeks and months,” said Anna Lorck.
“The response to this programme has been amazing and I am delighted to say that our tamariki will be putting more than 6,000 native trees into the ground.”
Te Uru Rākau/the NZ Forest Service, in partnership with environment charity Trees That Count, will be delivering eco-sourced seedlings from local nurseries in the regions to registered schools between now and September.
Stuart Nash said by planting trees, students learned more about Arbor Day and how trees protect our natural habitat, land, and water, and enhance our climate.
“Trees for Schools is part of our commitment to New Zealand’s sustainable and low-carbon future and reminds us of the major role forestry has in helping us reach our climate change goals.
“This is a fantastic initiative for our young people to be involved in building our future by enhancing and protecting our environment,” Nash said.
