Project Crimson helps to plant Auckland red

Project Crimson and Auckland Motorways have teamed up to bring colour to commuters on Auckland’s busy motorways.

By the end of next month, 150 pohutukawa trees purchased from The Project Crimson Trust will be planted next to the Mount Wellington Interchange.

This unique partnership emerged last month after Project Crimson Trustee and Forest Health Consultant Dr Gordon Hosking noticed the potential for planting pohutukawa in areas large enough to support its growth.

“Project Crimson along with its principal sponsor, Meridian Energy, is delighted to work with Auckland Motorways on this project and applauds the focus on native species in motorway plantings. It will bring a uniquely kiwi flavor and reinforce the association between Auckland and New Zealand’s most iconic tree,” says Mr Hosking.

“Most motorway plantings to date have involved shrubs and groundcover species. With the extension of the motorway system into rural areas and wider planting sites, there is opportunity to include appropriate tree species – pohutuakwa being an excellent choice.”

Rick Gardner from Auckland Motorways is excited about what the planting will mean for the city.

“Auckland Motorways has made a commitment to improving the visual impact and ecological value of Auckland motorways through an upgrade of planting areas.

“Pohutukawa have been selected as a key element in the native planting mix. We are pleased to be working with Project Crimson to plant ecologically sourced[1] pohutukawa that will provide a stunning landscape and a more robust planting base,” says Mr Gardner.

Project Crimson and Auckland Motorways are in discussion regarding further plantings over the next few years.

ENDS

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