The stars aligned with the celebration of the Māori new year at the unveiling of the Matariki Legacy project at Mission Heights in Flatbush.
In one of the largest restoration planting efforts in Aotearoa, 19,000 native trees have been planted in the ngahere (forest).
Arts Out East - the community service promoting creative arts in East Auckland, Mission Heights junior college and primary schools, Pest Free Howick, and design teams Clark Bardsley and Titanium, teamed up on an innovative signage project for the forest.
Howick Local Board chair Damian Light says members attended the official blessing and unveiling of the signage, funded alongside Arts Out East for the Matariki Legacy Project, and are proud of the community engagement around the initiative.
“We Congratulate Mission Heights’ students for their stellar artwork. They are now the kaitiaki of a new ngahere. The brilliant designs light up beautiful signage and showcase the surrounding planting.”
Blessing and opening of The Matariki Legacy project artwork.
The vision for a future forest was conceived alongside the construction of a bike and pump track, aiming to promote safe cycling access within the local community while enhancing the school grounds.
The project engaged the community and school tamariki in planting native trees around the tracks.
Mission Heights maunga whānau staff member Gino Gardi says the project has built strong connections between students, staff, and the community.
“In just four weeks our students planted 19,000 native trees ahead of the Matariki holiday.
“With support from Auckland Council’s Sustainable Schools and Pest Free Howick, plus a successful community day, 1,500 students and hundreds of locals participated in a memorable experience with lasting educational and environmental benefits.”
Matariki Legacy Project artwork a starry success.
Arts Out East Broker Briana Woolliams-James says new seating and signage highlights the achievement with artwork from local students and designers that celebrates local plant life, birds, and insects.
“This star-studded display invites everyone to admire Aotearoa’s largest school planting, enjoy the artwork, and deepen their connection to nature.”
Learn more about the Matariki Legacy Project here.
Mission Heights Junior College (image sourced).
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