Primary schoolkids dig trees for Arbor Day
A new Arbor Day initiative announced by Forestry Minister Stuart Nash will see thousands of primary school children get the chance to plant native trees in their communities.
The initiative is open to more than 2,400 primary schools and is a partnership between Te Uru Rākau/NZ Forest Service and the conservation charity Trees That Count.
Mr Nash, also Napier MP, said Kiwis have celebrated Arbor Day for more than 130 years, since the first tree-planting ceremonies in Greytown in the winter of 1890.
While he says many community groups keep the tradition alive on June 5 each year, it has not been widely promoted in the past few years. In recognition of the day, Mr Nash and his children Will and Isabella presented a young kowhai and puahou/five-finger tree to the principal of Napier Central School, Ross McLeod, to help celebrate Arbor Day.
“We want to bring back the celebration of Arbor Day across the country as part of our push towards a sustainable and low-carbon future. Tree planting is one of the best ways to slow the effects of climate change, restore and enhance the environment, and improve biodiversity.
“We particularly want to encourage children to adopt Arbor Day, as future decision-makers. The trees we plant and the actions we take now will influence their lives. By planting trees, they learn more about the importance of the environment for our way of life, culture, and economy," Mr Nash said.
Every primary school will be offered five native trees to plant, through the new Trees for Schools programme.
“Native birds and insects thrive in our indigenous forests, and tree planting protects waterways and prevents erosion in rural and provincial New Zealand. Exotic trees also contribute around $7 billion in annual export revenue - the third largest primary sector by value.
“Forestry and wood processing creates jobs, training and skills opportunities and keeps up the momentum of economic recovery in our regions. Greater use of wood in our buildings and innovative products and industries can also support our drive to a low-carbon future.
“Whether you’re a student, teacher, a farmer, landowner, community group or iwi, or a gardener supporting your local nursery, I would like to encourage every New Zealander to get involved and plant trees this Arbor Day."
Schools who wish to be part of the Arbor Day initiative should register an interest before 30 June through a new portal on the website of Trees That Count. Trees will be delivered to schools from July onwards, along with a poster and educational material to help with tree care and maintenance. The portal is https://www.treesthatcount.co.nz/forschools
The cost of the initiative is estimated at around $150,000, which will be met from within the baseline budget of Te Uru Rākau/NZ Forest Service. It is estimated around 10,000 native trees could be planted this year as a result of the programme.
