Kaitiaki Group plants 700 native trees on Ponui Island

This year’s location held special significance, as Year 9 students from Hillary House have attended camp on Ponui Island for the past 40 years.

Despite a foggy morning, the group made their way to the island by bus and barge. Throughout the day, they planted over 700 native trees, including mānuka, karamu and nikau. Each seedling was firmly secured using a quick ‘pukeko test’ to ensure it would not be easily disturbed by curious birds.

The final trees were planted just as the rain began to fall. The students then returned to base camp for a warm lunch provided by the Chamberlin family, who farm the island.

This event forms part of Macleans College’s partnership with the Trees for Survival programme. Students had previously nurtured the native seedlings in the school’s shade houses, making the trip a meaningful conclusion to months of effort.

The programme remains a cornerstone of the Kaitiaki Group’s work, offering hands-on experience in ecological restoration and sustainable land management. Students also gain knowledge in native biodiversity, wetland restoration and the role of revegetation in maintaining healthy ecosystems.