Plant One Tree –

The Pakiri Community Landcare Group is on a mission to turn their slice of paradise into a thriving hub for native wildlife and lush greenery. Partnering with organizations like Trees That Count, Waicare, and Trees for Survival, they’ve rallied the local community and school to build a natural corridor that stretches from the coast to Pakiri Regional Park and the Pakiri River.

Back in 2003, they took matters into their own hands, raising funds to build a sizeable shade house on the school grounds. That move kickstarted a remarkable production line, with around 700 native trees nurtured and planted every year on local properties. By 2018, the group upped their game, turning their planting efforts into a community-wide celebration.

Fast-forward to today, and the numbers speak for themselves: over 7,000 native trees planted across five properties in the past 13 years. But they didn’t stop there. The team has been busy restoring wetlands in Pakiri Regional Park, working hand-in-hand with Auckland Council’s biodiversity experts. Their efforts are already paying off—waterfowl, frogs, and other birds are making a comeback. And here’s the ultimate goal: once the wetlands’ pH and nitrate levels hit the sweet spot, they plan to reintroduce the rare black mudfish, a native species found only in this region.

This isn’t a one-off effort—it’s part of a long-term vision to bring life back to Pakiri’s wetlands, creating a haven for both wildlife and the local community.