News release
29 May 2007

Arbor Day celebrates environmental heritage

Greater Wellington’s Arbor Day celebrations will kick off with a planting day at Queen Elizabeth Park on Wednesday 6 June, which will also mark 65 years since US Marines arrived at MacKays Crossing.

Landcare Committee Chair Chris Laidlaw says the planting day is a great opportunity to celebrate the park’s rich ecological and cultural heritage.

“This is the most popular regional park, so we want as many people as possible to come along and join the planting day. We’ll also remember the thousands of US marines who camped on or near Queen Elizabeth Park during World War II.”

Cr Laidlaw says that Greater Wellington Chair Ian Buchanan, who will make a speech at the event, will acknowledge the community partnerships that have enhanced the park over the years.

“Schools like Te Ra, Paekakariki and Raumati South have made an invaluable contribution to the park by participating in planting days. And our partnerships with the Friends of Queen Elizabeth Park, Kapiti Environmental Association and Transit NZ have helped us increase the park’s biodiversity and restore historically significant sites.”

A second planting in celebration of Arbor Day will take place in Swampy Gully at Battle Hill Farm Forest Park on Friday 8 June. 

“The community has done a great job by helping to restore what was once a bare paddock into a wetland forest. With more planting assistance we can make this wetland even better and provide a home for native plants, birds and insects,” says Cr Laidlaw.

“We hope that people will keep coming back to participate in planting days, and help make our region a more attractive and healthy place to be.”

Wednesday 6 June, Queen Elizabeth Park, MacKays Crossing entrance, 10.30am-12.30pm

Friday 8 June, Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Paekakariki Hill Road, 10am-12pm

ENDS

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