In a collaboration between Queenstown’s Whakatipu Reforestation Trust (WRT) and Mana Tāhuna, 80 volunteers from the tourism industry planted 1000 trees at a site on Slope Hill yesterday.
WRT operations manager Karen O’Donahoo said there was a huge desire with businesses and groups to do team building in a way that made a difference.
Yesterday’s planting is part of a week-long effort where multiple groups volunteer, such as schools and businesses, to work towards a goal of planting 7000 trees at the site by the end of the week.
The 7000 trees for the planting were donated by Trees that Count to mark the coronation of King Charles.
"There are so many layers of benefits with a project like this, ranging from biodiversity impacts, carbon emissions, quality of nearby water, habitat restoration, community involvement and generational education."
The planting site is a 30ha Department of Conservation site which has been used for grazing until recently.
Ms O’Donahoo said projects such as this were a legacy for children and grandchildren to see the land in its natural state.
"This project gives people a lot of hope for positive change in the environment."
By Olivia Judd
