Hon Meka Whaitiri
Associate Minister of Forestry

5 June 2018
MEDIA STATEMENT
Celebrating Matariki Tu Rākau on Arbour Day

Associate Forestry Minister Meka Whaitiri says that planting trees is set to become a new popular tradition across New Zealand under this Government’s One Billion Tree programme.

Minister Whaitiri planted trees at Hukarere Girls College, with the Principal Lelie Jackson-Pearcey, Hukarere Old Girls and current House Captains along with Archbishop Don Tamahere on Arbour Day, in celebration of Matariki Tu Rākau.

Matariki Tu Rākau is a remembrance tree planting programme for the women and men who have served and continue to serve in the New Zealand Defence Force, part of a series of initiatives to mark the 100-year anniversary of the end of the First World War. Communities will be able to plant trees on public and reserve land, during Matariki this year onwards, with 350,000 trees to be planted.

“The tree planting ceremony at Hukarere is an opportunity to recognise the new role of forestry in New Zealand. Forestry contributes to environmental and climate change goals, and provides new and safe job opportunities including for women and exciting career pathways for our girls,” Meka Whaitiri said.

“The ceremony also acknowledges the lasting legacy of leadership the Māori Battalion provided within the Defence Forces and for us all.

“This is part of the ambitious One Billion Trees planting programme over the next ten years and I encourage wherever possible the use of native trees,” Meka Whaitiri said.

“I think that planting trees is set to become part of popular Kiwi culture. I want to see whānau, families and the wider community getting involved in planting and caring for trees across New Zealand.

“I continue to encourage our marae, communities, kohanga reo and early childhood centres, kura kaupapa and schools, and the diverse range of Māori, iwi and community groups to get involved in Matariki Tu Rākau to plant native trees in recognition of our fallen soldiers, as well as, for all those that serve our country,” Meka Whaitiri said.

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