April 30, 2018
Tree planting Tamaki Matariki goal
Auckland Council hopes to get half a million trees and shrubs planted as part of its Matariki festival this year.
The festival kicks off on June 30 with a dawn blessing in the Waitakere Ranges by host iwi Te Kawerau a Maki.
Then it’s more than 100 events over two weeks, including a mix of council-run, iwi and community events.
Festival director Ataahua Papa says last year’s planting sessions went well, and the council and mayor Phil Goff hope for an even better response this year.
"People are able to get out there and get their hands in the earth which is something a lot of people don’t get to do when they live in the city. So they can connect with Papatuanuku, plant some trees, and really have that feeling they are doing something that will benefit the generations to come," she says.
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