The planting on Saturday 8 August involved staff from Project Crimson and its major sponsor Meridian Energy, Christchurch City Council, as well as children from Redcliffs School and members of community groups Boneseeders and the Eastenders.
“It was very encouraging to see such strong community support, helped by the lovely Christchurch day, for the planting expedition,” says Bridget
Abernethy, Project Crimson’s Executive Director.
Alan Beuzenberg, Unit Manager of Transport and Greenspace says the planting was organised by Christchurch City Council and the Project
Crimson Trust.
“It is part of the long-term goal to connect forest remnants on the Port Hills. The numerous volunteers had to climb up some fairly steep terrain to reach the planting site at the head of the valley.”
“It is vital that we remove Boneseed from Christchurch and by
planting native plants in this area of the valley above Barnett’s Plant we can help create a pest free environment."
The planting is designed to replace the pest plant, Boneseed.
Project Crimson receives funding from major sponsor Meridian, and works in partnership with DOC, and a range of other organisations.
Mel Seyfort, Meridian’s Sponsorship Manager says the relationship between Meridian and Project Crimson is a natural fit.
“As a 100 per cent New Zealand company with a commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability, nothing could be more appropriate than helping ensure rata and other native trees continue to flourish,” she says.
About Project Crimson
Project Crimson is a national conservation trust that was established in 1990 to protect pohutukawa and rata trees around New Zealand by raising awareness of tree protection and supporting restoration programmes.
Since then, with the help of principal sponsor Meridian, enormous progress has been made to arrest the decline and restore these precious natives in their natural habitats and in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders.
For more information click here.