Hīnau and Amoka Kaupeka - Sustainable Coastline Planting

On Thursday the 22nd of September Rooms 11 and Room 3 went on a trip to plant native trees alongside the Waimakariri River working with Sustainable Coastlines Charitable Trust.

Did you know that the Waimakariri River is the source of over 75% of the drinking water for Ōtautahi Christchurch? Planting native trees next to waterways improves water quality, stabilises river banks, cleans up the air and creates habitats for native species.

Sustainable Coastlines help restore waterways by planting trees, educating people on the problems facing freshwater, and enabling communities to scale-up local solutions.

How we did it:

Did you know that there are 9 steps to planting a tree?

1. Dig the hole

2. Take the tree out of the container

3. Put the tree into the soil

4. Take the dug up soil and put it back into the hole

5. Pat down the soil

6. Put the mat around the trunk

7. Stick the two bamboo sticks into the pouch and stick it down onto the mat

8. Use a shovel or a mullet to push the bamboo sticks into the ground

9. Name your tree

We planted Pittosporum, Harekeke, Akeake, Manuka and Kānuka native trees. By 12.30 pm Rooms 11 and 3 had planted approximately 390 native trees.

Reflections:

Kate and Addison went around Room 11 asking people who weren’t busy their thoughts about our trip to the Waimakariri River; our planting trees trip.

• James: It was fun and enjoyable. 8/10.

• Jayden: Fun – big worms. 8/10.

• Nesh: Hot but fun. 7/10.

• Charlie: Good. 8/10.

• Jake: Cool, amazing. 8/10.

• Michelle: Pretty good. Saving trees/oxygen. 10/10.

• Katie: Really fun and good for the trees. 9/10.

• Breanna: Fun. 10/10.

• Stella: Interestingly good. Something new. 8/10.

• Mrs Ramsay: Great opportunity to help the environment. 9/10.

• Ben: Educating kids. Good for the next generation. 10/10.

• Charlie: Liked it. Very fun. 8/10.

by Caitlin, Room 11