Thousands of native trees were planted at Takaparawhau as Aucklanders joined Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for its annual Matariki Planting Day, transforming the whenua while celebrating the Māori New Year through action, connection and environmental restoration.
The event built on the kaupapa highlighted earlier this week by the iwi, which invited the wider Tāmaki Makaurau community to come together at Takaparawhau and participate in a tradition that reflects the themes of renewal, regeneration and collective responsibility that sit at the heart of Matariki.
According to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, the turnout exceeded expectations, with whānau, community groups, volunteers and supporters contributing to the planting of almost 3,000 native rākau across the site.
The iwi says the success of the day reflects a growing desire among Aucklanders to reconnect with the whenua and contribute to restoring the natural environment.
For generations, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has maintained a strong relationship with Takaparawhau, a place deeply woven into the history and identity of both the iwi and Tāmaki Makaurau. Environmental restoration has become a significant part of that ongoing relationship, with the ecology team leading long-term projects aimed at strengthening biodiversity and improving the health of the landscape.
The Matariki planting initiative has become an annual expression of those values, allowing people from all backgrounds to take part in practical conservation efforts while learning about the cultural significance of the season.
Matariki is traditionally a time to remember those who have passed, celebrate the present and prepare for the future. Planting native trees reflects all three principles by honouring previous generations, contributing to today’s community wellbeing and creating lasting benefits for future mokopuna.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei says remaining connected to the whenua has always been a central part of its identity and that sharing this relationship with the wider public helps strengthen understanding of both te taiao and te ao Māori.
The thousands of new native trees planted during the event will contribute to habitat restoration, support native birdlife and help strengthen the ecological health of Takaparawhau for generations to come.
As Matariki celebrations continue across the motu, the success of the Takaparawhau planting day serves as a reminder that some of the most meaningful ways to mark the Māori New Year involve getting hands in the soil, caring for the environment and working together for a shared future.
#Matariki #NgātiWhātuaŌrākei #Takaparawhau #PlantingDay #NativeTrees #Rākau #Whenua #TeTaiao #EnvironmentalRestoration #TāmakiMakaurau #Auckland #MāoriNewYear #Kaitiakitanga #Community #MāoriCulture #Sustainability #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews
image: Ngayi Whatua FB
