A Tasman planting project has been selected as the local project to join the New Zealand government’s official gift to celebrate the coronation on King Charles III.
Te Mamaku Native Corridor Project, that runs along SH60 between Tasman and Māpua, has been selected as the chosen Nelson Tasman project for the He Rā Rākau Tītapu – King Charles III Coronation Plantings.
“Over 100,000 trees will be planted around Aotearoa during 2023 and 2024 as part of this programme,” says Emma Giesen from Trees that Count.
Te Mamaku Native Corridor Project in Tasman and Māpua will get a share of 7,000 trees from the He Rā Rākau Tītapu Fund meaning 1,200 trees can be planted from July and another 5,800 trees in 2024.
Project co-ordinator Michael Markert says the project’s aim is restoring biodiversity along the Coastal Highway.
“These long strips along the highway, mostly crown land, were just abandoned and everyone could see that they were covered in wilding pines, gorse and broom. We want to create a native pocket along the highway which will also help insects and birds migrate between inlets.”
The 2023 planting season has just been completed, seeing 12,000+ trees going into ground.
“Our next working bee will include fertilizing existing trees that need a boost, being in low quality soil,” Michael says.
“Every block we plant requires two to three years of maintenance of spraying gorse and weeding. Once the plants establish a canopy, this workload will reduce.”
Michael says that it’s been great to receive help from around 80 enthusiastic volunteers.
“It’s quite a big job but the three hectares we have already planted really shows what we are able to do when we work together,” Michael says.
If you’d like to be a part of the next working bee, email michamarkertnz@gmail.com
