Hunua Domain has about 11,000 new trees after part of the final push towards a target of planting 1 million trees in this Auckland Council term.
Mayor Phil Goff was delighted with the turnout and says community efforts mean the Million Trees target will be bettered by around 100,000 plants.
Just a week later Friends of Te Wairoa joined Mr Goff and his deputy Bill Cashmore, Franklin Local Board members including chair Angela Fulljames, and community volunteers at the Clevedon Wharf Reserve for more planting.
"Thousands of Aucklanders have pitched in since I announced the plan to plant a million mainly native trees and shrubs across our region. I‘ve been overwhelmed by the support Aucklanders have put into it," Mr Goff says.
Mr Cashmore says support from the community, local boards and the private sector donors has been incredible. "You come out and there are three generations of families pitching in, there are students, scouts and guides, you name it."
Ms Fulljames says the Friends of Te Wairoa group does valuable work that is greatly appreciated by the board. "There are so many good people contributing their own time to making our environment better."
There is still time to register for upcoming public planting events, which also recognise Matariki.
"These events are about giving Aucklanders the chance to celebrate the Matariki tradition of planting the New Year’s crop," Mayor Goff says. "They are also a chance to be involved in ensuring our native plant species thrive, bringing with them habitats for our native bird life."
Find out more about Matariki tree plantings and how you can participate.
