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Residents are being encouraged to pull on their gumboots and join the annual winter planting days at Tāwharanui Regional Park.
For more than 20 years, these events have been part of a quiet transformation at the park.
“If you’ve walked its tracks, listened to the thriving birdlife or stood under the shade of its lush canopy, you’ve witnessed some of the incredible work of the Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated (Tossi),” volunteer Caryn Smith says.
In a seamless partnership with the Auckland Council, Tossi has successfully planted tens of thousands of native trees, slowly but surely revegetating key areas of Tāwharanui.
“But this isn’t a random effort. The magic actually begins 12 to 18 months before a single spade hits the dirt.
“Once a planting area is identified, Tossi’s knowledgeable and passionate nursery team gets to work. They meticulously calculate which species are needed and in what quantities. Over the next year, seeds are sustainably collected from inside the park, sown and nurtured.
“Those thousands of tiny seedlings are grown, hardened and are now ready for their forever homes.
“But they need help to get into the ground. The success of Tāwharanui’s planting days ultimately comes down to one thing – the volunteers who turn up on the day.”
This first planting day was held on Sunday June 7 and will be followed by similar events on July 5 and August 2.
“It is a spectacular, hands-on opportunity to give back to the land, connect with like-minded people and leave a living legacy for generations to come,” Caryn says.
“Absolutely no experience is needed, just a willing pair of hands.”
All necessary tools and gloves are provided, and volunteers are rewarded with a complimentary lunch at The Woolshed when the planting is finished.
The mornings start at 9am, meet at The Woolshed. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a coat if it looks like rain.
Information: www.tossi.org.nz/planting-days-2026
