Government funding for Hira Reserve tree planting

Three years of tree planting has been secured for the Hira Reserve, thanks to a $13,000 grant from the Ministry of Primary Industries.

The money was awarded to Nelson City Council as part of the Government’s 1 Billion Tree Programme, through the Matariki Te Uru Rakau Memorial Tree Planting fund. The 1 Billion Tree Programme seeks to double the rate of tree planting to reach one billion trees by 2028. 

Some of the benefits of the programme include protecting and improving soil and water quality, helping New Zealand meet international climate change commitments,  increasing biodiversity and enhancing natural landscapes.

This funding recognises the extensive environmental work that Hira School has volunteered over the last few years. Children from the school have been involved with planting, river monitoring and educating the Nelson North Community. The $13,000 will go toward creating a beautifully planted wetland reserve.

Sports and Recreation Committee Chair Tim Skinner said the money was recognition of the work put in by young people in North Nelson to enhance their local environment.

“It’s great to receive financial support for people-led projects like this. Involving our children in this important conservation work and giving them the chance to help care for their natural environment is a great example of what we can achieve through partnerships with the local community.”