GOOD NEWS FOR THE NATIVES!

Written by

Greg Hill

, Juken New Zealand Ltd

17 November 2024

•

2 min read

Restoring Waikatea: A Day of Planting Along Tukemoekihi Stream The recent first-rotation harvest in JNL’s Waikatea Forest opened an ideal opportunity to retire land along the Tukemoekihi Stream, marking a significant move toward long-term biodiversity enhancement and soil stabilization. Retirement of land is now a focus for JNL as we continue clearfelling operations, and the replanting is set to foster native ecosystems that will thrive in this beautiful region.

Planting Day Recap
October 10th, 2024

In classic New Zealand style, October 10th brought us “four seasons in one day” at Waikatea! Kate Richards, General Manager for East Coast Forests, and our Forest Administrator joined the planting crew for this important initiative, adding hands-on touch to the day.

The team started with clear, sunny skies only to finish soaking wet—a true team-building experience full of energy and commitment as we worked side by side to restore Waikatea’s natural beauty.

Planting Highlights:

Total Plants:Approx. 1,200

Location Planted:
Waikatea Forest
7k Muirs Lane river crossing area

Native Species Planted

· Mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium)

· Tī Kōuka (Cordyline australis)

· Akeake (Dodonaea viscosa)

· Kānuka (Kunzea ericoides)

· Tarata (Pittosporum eugenioides)

A huge THANK YOU!

A generous donation of around 1,400 native tree pods enabled this initiative. Originally intended to aid the Tairāwhiti/East Coast rural sector in riparian restoration post-Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, these pods have now found their permanent home in Waikatea Forest, where they’ll play a vital role in restoring local biodiversity.

Acknowledgments

· Vicki Crosswell, Area Coordinator for East Coast Rural Support Trust, for her pivotal role in securing this donation.

· Builder Tatai Kutia of Whāngārā, for connecting JNL with Vicki and coordinating the tree pod delivery.

Despite the shifting weather, the planting day was a powerful reminder of our commitment to regenerating Waikatea and its surrounding areas, creating a legacy for future generations.

Article by: Amohau Maxwell- Forest Development Manager

Learn more about JNL forestry!