We are excited to announce that we have been awarded a grant to plant 1920 native trees at the Junior Campus! Our vision is to create a native forest along the top fence line of the Junior Campus, encouraging native birds back into the Millwater area. This area will be commemorated to Vaughan Darby for his commitment and significant influence in the wellbeing and growth of KingsWay School for over 20 years.

What is Matariki Tu Rākau?

Matariki Tu Rākau is part of the One Billion Trees programme and is delivered through Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand). Through its funding of trees, it is helping people to honour members of their communities who have made practical change through their efforts.

We would like to honour Vaughan Darby, for his tireless and continuous commitment and significant influence in the wellbeing and growth of KingsWay School for over 20 years. As part of our 35th Anniversary, we will have a plaque made in honour of Vaughan and a ceremony will take place during our 35th Anniversary celebrations in September this year.

What is the One Billion Trees Fund?

The Fund encourages an increase in tree planting to:

• improve land productivity and landscape resilience;
  
• reduce erosion and improve water quality;
• increase native biodiversity;
• provide diversification options for landowners;
• provide employment and boost regional development.

Matariki Tu Rākau encourages community-led commemorative tree planting in public spaces.

Community-led Tree Planting Day

We would like to encourage our KingsWay Community to take part in our Community-led Tree Planting Day on Saturday, 3rd July.

Our community-led tree planting will start at 10am at the Junior Campus field. We encourage families to come for just one hour to help plant trees. The land will be prepared for planting. Instructions on how to plant will be given on the hour starting from 10am until 2pm. 

We encourage all helpers to:

• wear clothing that can get dirty
• wear closed shoes
• bring a rain jacket for wet weather
• bring a gardening spade (extra spades will be provided for those who don't have)

There will be a sausage sizzle and refreshments to reward all our families who come along and join in! Let's make this a day to remember and create a native forest for our community and the generations to come.