Whatawhata Tree Planting Day: Our Commitment to Native Reforestation
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we’re proud to give back to the land by planting a native tree for every tree we must remove through our CK Treework Planting Programme. One of our latest and most fulfilling projects took place during the Whatawhata Tree Planting Day, where we had the pleasure of donating native trees for planting on a QEII covenant property in Koromatua Gully, Waikato.
A Community Effort: Planting for the Future
Kids from Whatawhata Primary School joined the planting efforts, making it a fun and educational day out for us all. Accompanied by their teachers and caregivers, our young conservationists had a great time mucking in and helping plant the native trees that will one day create a lush, thriving ecosystem. The kids also enjoyed an extra treat for their hard work — trailer rides behind a tractor, generously supplied by Scott Benn.
Leading the Restoration: Steffen Grimm
The driving force behind this project is Steffen Grimm, whose vision and leadership have been instrumental in restoring the Koromatua Gully. As Steffen explains, “Over the past two years, I’ve spent a lot of time with my twin boys trapping on David Wilde’s property, which sits within a 4.8-hectare QEII covenant created in 2011.” His dedication has been vital not only to this project but to the ongoing efforts to protect and expand native habitats in the region.
Steffen’s efforts go well beyond tree planting. He secured vital funding through the EB Firth Trust on behalf of property owner David Wilde, ensuring that the trees were sourced and planted within the protected QEII covenant. The involvement of Whatawhata School further boosted the project’s success, helping to reduce planting contractor costs and enabling more trees to be put in the ground.
Expanding the QEII Covenant
David Wilde, the elderly landowner, has been deeply inspired by the restoration work. His commitment to protecting the land was strengthened by Steffen’s ongoing trapping and conservation efforts. As a result, David extended the QEII reserve by an additional 3.5 hectares this year, with plans to add another hectare in 2025. This expansion is not only a testament to the success of the project but also a crucial step in preserving the significant biodiversity of the area.
Protecting Significant Natural Areas (SNAs)
The Koromatua Gully, home to mature native trees like Kahikatea, Matai, Rimu, Totara, and Turepo, is designated as a Significant Natural Area (SNA) by the Waikato Regional Council. SNAs are crucial in maintaining New Zealand’s biodiversity, as they harbor rare or threatened native plants and animals. The Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991 ensures the protection of these areas, which are considered vital remnants of indigenous vegetation.
The SNA designation reflects the importance of protecting this habitat. Nearby properties are home to large Tawa and Kauri trees, adding to the ecological significance of the Koromatua Gully. Forest and Bird, one of New Zealand’s leading conservation organizations, emphasizes that these areas are critical for the survival of our native flora and fauna. By planting native trees and restoring the land, we’re playing a part in safeguarding these precious ecosystems for generations to come.
A Bright Future for Native Forests
At CK Treework, we’re proud to be involved in projects like this that not only restore native forests but also foster a sense of community and environmental stewardship. The Whatawhata Tree Planting Day is a reflection of our core mission—to give back to the land we care for. As David Wilde continues to expand his QEII covenant, and with the ongoing involvement of local schools and community members, Koromatua Gully is a real inspiration for surrounding property owners as well.
We’re excited to see how this project evolves over the coming years and are grateful to everyone who helped make the day a success—from the dedicated team at CK Treework, to Steffen Grimm, Scott Benn, and the enthusiastic children from Whatawhata School. Together, we’re making a real difference in restoring our native landscapes and ensuring they thrive long into the future.
