Thousands of native trees and shrubs will take root across Upper Harbour this winter, as schools, community groups and volunteers come together to care for local parks and protect biodiversity.
Winter is planting season, and the Upper Harbour community is getting ready for a big one. More than 9,000 native plants will be planted across 21 community and school-led events in local parks during winter 2026, helping restore habitats and strengthen neighbourhood connections.
The planting days are supported by the Upper Harbour Local Board’s Local Parks Ecological Volunteering Programme, alongside the regionally funded Adopt‑a‑Park schools programme, with events running from June through August.
A shared effort across Upper Harbour
Upper Harbour Local Board chair Anna Atkinson says the annual planting programme is about much more than trees.
“These planting days are a real highlight of winter in Upper Harbour. They bring people together outside, connect adults and children with nature, and create lasting benefits for our local environment,” she says.
“Every tree planted helps restore habitats for native wildlife, improves water quality and builds resilience for the future. We’re proud to support the community groups and schools that make this happen.”
Community and school groups are leading planting efforts across the area, including Greenhithe Community Trust, Habitat Hobsonville, Living Whenuapai, Restore the Landing, Windsor Earth, UWEN, and the Herald Island Environmental Group. Schools including Kristin School, Westminster School, Ponsonby Primary, Hobsonville Point Primary and others are also rolling up their sleeves.
For many volunteers, it’s the sense of shared purpose that keeps them coming back.
Greenhithe Community Trust Eco Facilitator Nicola Robertson supports local volunteers to get involved in community planting days.
"Our Friends groups have been planting native plants in reserves around Greenhithe since 2018, and residents are now seeing the benefits of these efforts. Many are enjoying more native birds in their backyards and reserves.
"Our Friends groups will be planting throughout winter, come along to a volunteer session, connect with other volunteers, and help care for our environment."
Find a planting day near you
Several events are open to the public, offering an easy way for people to get involved, whether they’re seasoned planters or first-timers. Some sites also host ongoing regular planting days, making it simple to join in more than once.
Planting will take place across local parks including Centorian Reserve, William Gamble Reserve, The Landing Reserve, Oratau Reserve, Outlook Reserve, Hobsonville Walkway, Nimrod Esplanade, Riverlea Reserve, Unsworth Reserve, Wainoni Park, Wharepapa Reserve and Pahiki Reserve.
Atkinson says, “You don’t need experience – just a willingness to help. Getting involved is a great way to care for your local park and be part of something bigger in your community.”
How to get involved
Planting dates, times and locations are listed online and may change due to weather or site conditions. For the latest public event information, check the Auckland Parks Facebook page before attending.
If you’re interested in joining a local ecological volunteer group or attending a planting day, this winter is the perfect time to start.
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