Thanks to special funding from Trees That Count, Battle for the Banded Rail has helped inspire the next generation of kaitiaki (guardians) by bringing more tamariki into the field than ever before.
Over the last planting season, 466 school children from six local schools rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty, planting 2,565 native trees across five reserve sites in the Waimea Inlet.
Students from Waimea Intermediate enjoy the winter sunshine
This pilot programme, delivered in partnership with Tasman Environmental Trust‘s Battle for the Banded Rail project and supported by Tasman District Council and DOC, made it possible for students to take part in hands-on ecological restoration. The funding covered essential costs like transport, plants, protective guards, and planting support—removing financial barriers that would have otherwise prevented participation. In fact, four of the six schools said they simply couldn’t have taken part without the support for transport.
Over nine planting days, students from 21 different classes planted natives at four Tasman District Council reserves and one DOC site around the beautiful Waimea Inlet. Two of the planting days were full-school affairs, with children aged 5 to 11 planting alongside each other and enjoying the fresh winter air.
Everyone from Hope school getting their hands dirty
And the feedback was fantastic, with one Nelson Prep student reflected on the day in their school newsletter:
“Tree planting was an awesome experience. First, we hopped on a bus and headed out to Sandeman Reserve in Richmond. We were greeted by Kathryn and other volunteers and were given instructions on how to plant the trees. We grabbed our shovels and started digging. Joe and I planted about 18 trees over the day. After lots of hard work we had a lunch break and then returned to school. Tree planting is a great experience and it is fun to do. We are helping to improve the environment by planting new trees along the estuary.”
This community mahi is about more than planting trees—it’s about sowing the seeds of environmental stewardship in young minds, and the sight of a field filled with tamariki planting for the future is one of hope, action, and community care.
Ngā mihi nui to Trees That Count and The Project Crimson Trust for their continued support. Together, we’re connecting children and nature to help create a better future.
