Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, May 29, 2023
Since 1977, New Zealand has celebrated Arbor Day on June 5, which is also World Environment Day, observed annually in many countries.
The activities of the Department of Conservation will focus on ecological restoration projects using native plants to restore habitats that have been damaged or destroyed by humans or invasive pests and weeds.
There are many such projects underway around New Zealand and organisations including community groups, landowners, conservation organisations, iwi, volunteers, schools, local businesses, nurseries and councils are involved in them.
These projects are part of a vision to protect and restore the indigenous biodiversity.
Creating a Green City
The Hamilton City Council is inviting Hamiltonians to help shape a green city for future generations.
This year, Arbor Day will be celebrated at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park in Te Kaaroro Nature Precinct on Saturday, June 3, 2023 between 10 am and 2 pm.
There will be planting at the Park from 31 May to 2 June, from 10 am to 2 pm, in the lead-up to Arbor Day.
The Arbor Day planting will contribute to Council’s Nature in the City programme which aims to increase Hamilton’s native vegetation cover from 2% to 10% by 2050.
Arbor Day is not a general public holiday but between 1892 and 1914 government departments, service organisations and schools observed it, usually in July or August, taking a day off to plant trees – mostly exotic species.
Arbor Day was revived in 1934. Since 1977, it is celebrated on 5 June and the emphasis is on planting New Zealand native trees.
The Event in Hamilton
Over the last 17 years, Hamiltonians have planted around 36 hectares of Waiwhakareke, a major ecological restoration project on the outskirts of Hamilton. Building on that mahi, this year another two hectares will be planted by enthusiastic volunteers, that is more than 17,000 eco-sourced native plants.
Mayor Paula Southgate looking forward to community partnership in restoring Nature.
“I love seeing our communities joining together for nature in Hamilton. Thanks to the efforts of countless volunteers, year after year, our city has treasures like Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park. I encourage everyone to come along and take part in Arbor Day. It is a wonderful way to connect with and experience the beauty of Hamilton’s flagship restoration project and lend a hand to nature,” she said.
Arbor Day is supported this year with more than $100,000 of funding, with a contribution of $44,000 from Trees that Count and $60,000 from the Lotteries Environment and Heritage Fund.
A Council message said that everyone is welcome to plant a tree.
The event irrespective of weather conditions, unless there is a weather warning from the MetService,” the Council said.
All visitors and volunteers are advised to be well prepared, with sturdy, comfortable, waterproof shoes or boots (like gumboots), appropriate outdoor clothing, a water bottle and a rain jacket.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Hamilton.
