Partnering to progress native planting programme

Craigmore and forest managers PF Olsen, are delighted to partner with the community for this stage of the native planting project at Opare forest.

Wiremu Keretene (Tāngata Kaitiaki/Tiaki for Area/Rohe Moana of Ngāti Te Ara and Ngāti Kopaki) and award-winning community planting team Te Papa Pa Orooro (Nga Tangariki O Ngati Hine) have planted eco-sourced mānuka, kahikatea and karamū trees to help restore and enhance the forest alongside the Waiharakeke Stream.

Kahikatea dominated forests would have once grown in these damp soils, the remnant trees have been surrounded by the seedlings, creating a link between these established ancestor trees and their descendants.

Wiremu, pictured on the right with John Barker, Craigmore’s Forestry General Manager, says he is motivated to be involved in planning and establishing a kahikatea forest to leave a legacy for his whanau (family).

“For us there could be no better partnership, as this motivation strongly aligns with the commitment Craigmore makes to the community and agricultural sector to grow for the future.”

Our thanks to PF Olsen for their leadership with this project and to everyone involved, including the Northland Regional Council for their support.