2 Jun 2023

Share this story

Enjoy tree planting with a twist to mark World Environment Day and Arbor Day.

Conservation Volunteers New Zealand (CVNZ) is hosting their sixth annual planting challenge on Friday 2 June, in conjunction with Christchurch City Council.  

There will be six teams challenged to successfully plant as many plants as they can in a two-hour period, competing against each other to see who will be crowned champion.  

CVNZ Christchurch Regional Manager Hamish Fairbairn says this year, planting will enhance the biodiversity of our city’s rivers.  

“Plants planted on this event will help to stabilise banks, prevent erosion, reduce sediment entering the water and provide food and habitat for birds, lizards and insects,” says Mr Fairbairn.  

“Making this into a challenge provides a sense of competitiveness and enjoyment. But despite it being a competition we still rate quality of the mahi over quantity!” 

Council’s annual Arbor Day celebrations will take place at Papanui Bush this year on Friday 9 June and Saturday 10 June from 10am – 1pm.  

Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board Chairperson Emma Norrish says Arbor Day 2023 is held in partnership with Papanui Rotary and Papanui High School and is always a highlight of planting season.  

“Each year Council celebrates Arbor Day by organising community plantings in parks around the city and by supporting schools and community groups in their tree-planting activities. 

“It’s an event that draws attention to the importance of trees in our society, and also offers a great way to meet new people and have some fun.” 

Two Port Hills planting days will take place either side of Arbor Day on Saturday June 3 and Saturday June 10 from 1pm – 3pm. The Halswell Quarry Park will hold a planting day on Saturday June 10 from 10am – 12pm.