This group is opening a new walking track along the Kerikeri River. The path will pass through two reserves, which are being replanted with ecologically sourced native trees. Their ambition with this restoration is to bring birdlife back to the area, enhancing the enjoyment of the space for locals and tourists alike.

Most of the reserve has been planted with kauri, kahikatea, rimu, puriri and pōhutukawa as well as sedges and flaxes along the riverbank. To complete the planting plan of a wet area they’ll be planting kahikatea, pukatea and maire tawake.

This project is being led by the Kawerau District Council. In early 2022, the council will fell and remove overcrowded and dangerous exotic trees from two hectares of council-owned land, and re-planting will take place in winter 2022. These trees will be replaced by ecologically sourced native species that are suited to the dryland Kawerau environment. The site is within the public Monika Lanham Reserve in central Kawerau township and is within walking distance for a large proportion of local residents. This site borders nine hectares of existing natives planted as part of the community-led Trees for Babies programme.

Unfortunately, the Kawerau district has the highest rate of adult unemployment in Aotearoa. An important aim of this project is to train and employ young adults so they can move into full time jobs. Planting will be undertaken by rangatahi, trained and employed by Tāne Mahuta Forestry Aotearoa Ltd (TMAL). This company has an established track record with more than 200 young people trained, qualified, and employed in conservation and forestry. This native tree planting will enable TMAL to employ six new trainees.

The vision of this project is to create a coastal nature path, providing a sheltered tree corridor for bird and penguin habitat. It will extend 7km, from Ōakura Campground to Fort St. George, linking eventually with trails to Ōkato and Pukeiti.

This project began 40 years ago as a small volunteer group of young adults. In 1998 they won an environmental award from Taranaki Regional Council for the project which they have expanded to this day. The first 3km stage was originally boxthorn and gorse and now is now a mature tree corridor and popular walking trail with active bird life. They also raised funds for two footbridges for walking and tree maintenance access. Many of the trees have been provided from their own personal funds over 40 years but help from Trees That Count will be a great boost.