On 21 September, Auckland energy company Vector launched a programme to raise awareness of the need to keep trees clear from power lines with an event that included planting thousands of trees.
As part of the Vector Urban Forest initiative, the power company will replace every tree it must cut down for network management or safety purposes with two new natives. The new trees will be planted in areas that help with local ecological restoration schemes.
3000 seedlings planted
Vector staff joined volunteers at Puhinui Reserve in south Auckland to plant approximately 3000 native seedlings to launch the initiative.
"This is a very high-value ecological area and we know the Puhinui Stream is a spawning zone for īnanga (native New Zealand whitebait)," said Michael Ngatai, Auckland Council Senior Biodiversity Advisor.
"Riparian planting like this helps restore our waterways and protect our native freshwater species."
Andre Botha, Vector's Chief Networks Officer, said, "This initiative is about working together to look after our power, our trees and our communities.
“We hope to encourage Aucklanders to be smart about planting near power lines, and to help us contribute positively to regenerating Auckland's ecosystems."
Find out more
Plant smart around power lines:
- Buy smart: use Vector's table of suitable trees and other vegetation for planting under or near power lines. The species list is a guide only. It is made up of hardy, adaptable, plant species that are easy to grow and buy and good for wildlife.
- If in doubt ask your local nursery for help. Let them know where you live to help with suitable species selection, or buy plants with similar growth habits.
- Remember: before planting a tree, look up and look out for power lines.
Find out more about smart planting around power lines.
