Three All Blacks swapped their rugby boots for gumboots to help Christchurch high school students replant a native forest in Riccarton.
Riccarton Bush Park ranger Michael Steenson said: "It's a bit of a helping hand, trying to make this bush as natural as we can and replace some of the bigger totara that we've lost."
Steenson said it was a great educational experience for the students, with a total of 17 totara trees planted.
All Blacks and Crusaders lock Sam Whitelock, along with Highlanders' Ethan de Groot and Josh Dickson, joined students from Riccarton High School to help replant a section of native forest at Riccarton Bush.
The visit was part of the All Blacks community outreach programme.
Ethan de Groot, Josh Dickson and Sam Whitelock help replant a section of native forest at Riccarton Bush. Photo: Geoff Sloan
The Riccarton Bush Trust recently launched a $1 million fundraising campaign to upgrade its ageing infrastructure and rejuvenate the bush back to its native state.
Riccarton Bush covers 12ha and attracts more than 75,000 visitors a year.
Photo: Geoff Sloan
- By Geoff Sloan
- Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
