Mass planting in Te Kuiti for Arbor Day and World Environment Day
Date: 26 May 2008
Planting season has arrived and what better way help than by joining DOC, Waitomo District Council and McDonald's Lime in Te Kuiti to plant 1,700 native trees along the Mangaokewa Stream to celebrate Arbor Day and World Environment Day.
On 5 June New Zealand hosts World Environment Day with the theme being climate change and moving towards a low carbon economy and lifestyle. "Kick the Habit" (the 'carbon' habit) is the international slogan for the event. 5 June is also more widely known as being Arbor Day, and marks the beginning of the planting season. It is a reminder to New Zealanders that we all have a role to play in protecting our native forests and natural habitats. Trees absorb carbon dioxide so conserving our forests will help to achieve domestic climate change goals.
Local Te Kuiti schools will be getting involved in a mass planting on 5 June from 10am - 1pm. On Sunday 8 June there's a community planting day also along the banks of the Mangaokewa Stream. Meet at the DOC office, 78 Taupiri Street at 9.30am for a short walk (15 mins) to the planting site. The planting will finish with a sausage sizzle back at the DOC office. For both events, participants need to bring boots, wet weather clothing, a drink, and a spade.
The other activity that Te Kuiti residents can get involved is a weed swap that runs from the 3rd- 6th of June at the DOC office at 78 Taupiri Street. You can bring one large bag of weeds and swap it for a native tree. Weed swappers can receive a maximum of 5 native plants. The specific weeds targeted are:
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Common spp: Banana Passionfruit; Kahili Ginger; Woolly Nightshade; Chilean Rhubarb; Old Man's Beard.
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Extra special spp: Climbing Asparagus; Climbing Spindleberry; Cathedral Bells; Mile a minute; Alligator weed; Chilean Flame Creeper; Moth Plant