Greening Taupō ’s community planting season is here

With daylight saving over and the leaves turning red and gold with speed, autumn has well and truly arrived.

The change in seasons also heralds the beginning of Greening Taupō’s community planting calendar, giving families across the district the chance to get stuck in and give back to the environment. Each year, the organisation plants about 20,000 native plants across multiple sites in the wider Taupō District, inviting individuals, businesses, groups and families to roll up their sleeves and get involved.

Every planting day involves the community planting native trees and shrubs at a site, with a sausage sizzle for participants afterwards.

Holes are pre-dug, making the experience accessible to all, and expert planters are on hand to give advice.

Greening Taupō co-ordinator Robyn Ellis said everyone enjoyed the days.

“We love planting days, they are a great way to bring our community together, connect to nature and give back to our environment.

“We are helping make Taupō an even more awesome place to live.”

All equipment is provided, although those with their own gardening gloves and trowels are welcome to bring them along.

The 2024 calendar starts with a planting in conjunction with the first Taupō Trail Festival, opposite Huka Honey Hive on Karetoto Rd.

The area was significantly affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, so the planting aims to restore natural habitats while beautifying the area with native plants.

Ellis said all nine events were something to look forward to, but the team was especially eager for the July planting at their newest site.

“We are also really excited about our Matariki planting day, which will be held at a new site on Tauhara Maunga, there will be more info to follow on this special event.”

The community was the key to Greening Taupō‘s success, she said.

“There are so many ways to contribute, from volunteering your time, helping us maintain our sites or sponsoring the barbecue.

“We are also currently planning our strategic direction for the next 10 years and soon we will want to hear what you, our community, think.”