Native trees a ‘living tribute’ to soldiers

Maia Jenkins (9) was among about 40 pupils from Waikouaiti School and some adults who helped plant 600 native trees at Waikouaiti Beach yesterday, as part of Matariki Tu Rakau plantings in the Dunedin area, Dunedin City Council biodiversity officer Aalbert Rebergen said.

A further 900 trees will be planted through a community volunteer initiative, also at the end of Beach St, between 10am and noon today.

Overall, more than 3000 native trees would be planted in Dunedin area this month, as living tributes to the men and women of the New Zealand Defence Forces, and marking the 100-year anniversary of the end of World War 1. Good weather meant a "brilliant" planting day.

Some of New Zealand's native habitat was being restored with support from iwi, schools, and community groups, he said.

REPORT: JOHN GIBB/