We have started planting native trees to the north /west side of our marae, as we're trying to create a shelter
belt along that side. Hopefully this will also bring back the birds. We also want to plant some rongoa trees
and get back to the way it used to be.
Firstly we started by planting 50 shelter trees (kanuka and lucerne). Lucerne is not native but it is a fast
growing tree and will protect and give shelter to any native that is planted nearby. We will remove them in 3-4
years time when the natives have established themselves.
Secondly we planted some canopy trees Totara, Miro, Pohutakawa, Kauri, Kahikatea, Tanekaha etc, 6
metres from the fenceline. NO closer. Smaller sheltered trees will be planted 1:5metres from
the fenceline Houhere, Kawakawa, kowhai, Kumarahou, Akeake etc.
One of our helpers is Graham Pearce, who was born up north near Mangamoka. He's not whanau but he loves the ngahere and
has been studying it for 35 years. He works for the Napier City Council looking after plants and trees (of course).
All 205 trees have been donated, most of them by Graham.
If you wish to plant a tree you're more than welcome to. By the end of the year some trees will planted towards
the gate way.
