From left - Corbin Newlands, Kenny (Council Ranger), Phil Dixon, Jeremy Wright, Te Rau Winterburn, Zac Andrews, Finn Lonergan, Assistant Council Ranger.)

Students and staff of Shirley Boys High started their affiliation with their new neighbourhood on Wednesday 28th June with a chanted karakia blessing, performed by Matua Te Rau Winterburn. 

In part, this was intended to help the plants grow and fulfill their function of providing habitat for Inaka egg laying, so more whitebait would return to the Avon Otakaro river system.

 About 40 Carex Secta were planted in what is hoped to be a productive and long term association with the Mahinga Kai Exemplar project, Ngai Tuahuriri and Christchurch City Council Rangers.