Six thousand free native trees are up for grabs for Waimea landowners thanks to the Landcare Trust.
The initiative is part of a new effort by the Waimea Catchment Group, formed in October 2024, to improve water quality in the region.
Landcare Trust regional coordinator for Nelson/Marlborough, Annette Litherland, invites rural landowners and those keen to support them to get involved.
“If you’re a rural landowner, or know someone who is, and they want to help plant along local streams or waterways, let them know about this offer,” Annette says. “And consider lending a hand with planting and caring for the trees.”
The trees on offer are colonising natives, chosen for their ability to thrive in open sites and cope with Waimea’s changing weather conditions during the establishment phase. The plants and plant guards are funded by Keune, an Australian cosmetics company with outlets in NZ.
“These trees are intended for sub-catchment groups planning community plantings and care along waterways. Private landowners can also apply to plant along streams, wetlands, or ponds,” Annette explains.
With a wealth of experience in catchment and waterway planting across the Top of the South, Annette points to the success of the Moutere catchment, which started with a similar number of plants and has since grown to 500,000. “We only need to look to our neighbours to see what’s possible. Let’s take this first small step,” she adds.
Applications are now open, and successful applicants will be notified of their allocation by the 15 March 2025. The plants will be available in May 2025. The Waimea Catchment group will also host an educational event to guide participants through the planting process.
To check if your land is within the Waimea Catchment boundary, for more details, or to apply, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7RTVBGP. For information on events or to connect with the Waimea catchment group email annette.litherland@landcare.org.nz.
