Grants for tree planting projects
A Te Uru Ra¯ kau – New Zealand Forest Service initiative supporting communities to take up planting projects, and at the same time honour local heroes, is continuing to reap rewards.
Since its launch in 2018, Matariki Tu Ra¯ kau has funded 660,000 native trees planted as living memorials, at more than 300 events nationwide, and is now accepting applications for 2022 with marae, schools, councils and community conservation groups all encouraged to apply.
Matariki Tu Ra¯ kau senior adviser Belinda Miller says the programme is a great way to honour special people in their communities who have shown exemplary community service, or have brought distinction through their work, while planting trees in their memory.
“Not only is tree planting a wonderful way to commemorate and remember those who were important to us and our communities, it is also a great way to enhance the environment and native biodiversity by restoring and rebuilding our natural habitat and protecting our land, soils and waterways.”
Matariki Tu Ra¯ kau grants provide funding for native trees and rongoa¯ (traditional Ma¯ ori medicine) species, land preparation, a plaque, and kai for the planting event and can also contribute to tree maintenance.
“The Matariki Tu Ra¯ kau team can help you plan where to plant your memorial, what trees to plant, how to prepare and maintain your planting and how to get the local community involved,” says Belinda.
Further motivation to apply for a grant this year is that 2022 is the first year of the national Matariki Holiday on Friday, June 24.
“Matariki Holiday fits nicely into the planting season. Bringing wha¯ nau together to share food and remember loved ones is at the heart of Matariki and planting trees is a fitting way to celebrate,” says Belinda.
“A terrific example of a 2021 Matariki Tu Ra¯ kau planting event was at Hamilton’s Maeroa Intermediate School where students planted 500 trees to restore a gully and honour the late Rob Begbie, former teacher and stalwart of the community.
“The children at the school collected seed, propagated the seedlings in their shade house, planted the trees, and are now maintaining their new forest and ‘outdoor classroom’ at their school.”
“These small forests that are planted through the Matariki Tu Ra¯ kau programme provide important resources for communities to spend time in nature,” says Belinda.
“Our hope is that these forests provide spaces for communities to enjoy for generations to come.”
For more information or to apply for a grant, visit the Matariki Tu Ra¯ kau webpage, email matarikiturakau@mpi.gov.nz or call 0800 00 83 33.