Nearly 400 tamariki and 105 volunteers have recently planted 1,600 native trees at three sites in the Te Anau Basin as part of a “Planting Trees with Kids” programme, spearheaded by the Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust.

The Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust is based at Redcliff, below Manapouri, and promotes reconnecting people back to the land by restoring and working with the food resources in the Waiau catchment.

Y3 classes from Te Anau School planting trees in Ivon Wilson Park. Photo: Supplied

The large-scale environmental initiative involved 22 planting sessions in April and May and included children from Te Anau Primary School, Fiordland College, Mararoa School, John McGlashan College, Te Anau Scouting Group, Fiordland Kindergarten, Fiordland Outdoor Playgroup, and Southern Stars Early Learning Centre.

Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust manager Vanessa Horwell said the project was all about reconnecting tamariki with te taiao and giving them a real sense of being kaitiaki — guardians of the land.

“They weren’t just planting trees — they were taking action, learning about their role in protecting the whenua, and making a meaningful contribution to the health of their local environment.”

The trees were planted at three key restoration sites: Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu in Jericho Valley, Home Creek in Manapouri (in partnership with Environment Southland and the Department of Conservation), and Ivon Wilson Park, supported by the Southland District Council.

Additional plantings also took place on school grounds to reinforce the project’s educational mission.

Horwell said the community’s response to the iniative was inspiring.

Mararoa School planting natives at their school. Photo: Supplied

“One young boy missed his school’s planting day, so he asked if we could save some trees for him — he didn’t want to miss out."

At Ivon Wilson Park, 3- and 4-year-olds from Fiordland Kindergarten and Southern Stars Early Learning Centre carefully planted trees together.

“It was amazing to see them take such care to make sure the trees were planted well and had the best start,” she added.

At Mararoa School, students proudly gave their principal a tour of the planting site, confidently naming the native species they had helped establish.

“That kind of enthusiasm and knowledge shows that this project really planted more than just trees — it planted confidence and connection,” Horwell said.

The initiative was made possible through funding from Trees That Count and collaboration with Environment Southland, the Southland District Council, and the Department of Conservation.

Fiordland College Y7 students. Photo: Supplied

“All in all, this has been a beautiful example of how environmental restoration can go hand in hand with education,” Horwell said.

“These children are the future of kaitiakitanga."

"We’re proud to support them to connect with the whenua and help shape a healthier landscape for generations to come.”