Crimson tinge to Wadestown

Posted on 21 June 2007

Article from CityLife, June 21 2007. Written by Erin Parke

From left, Lily Andrews, 7, Teina Te Rata-Williams,13, and councillor Ian McKinnon prepare a rata sapling for planting on Arbor Day.  Photo & Article: Erin Parke

Wadestown School students are helping to paint the town red - with native rata trees. Ten of the endangered trees were planted at Philip Meyers Park this month to commemorate Arbor Day. The children got their hands dirty with Wellington City Councillors Ian McKinnon, Jack Ruben and John Morrison before enjoying a well-earned afternoon tea provided by volunteers. Rosina Watson, 11, enjoyed getting out of the classroom. "I don't do the gardening at home but it was fun," she said.

The trees were donated by Project Crimson, which has been working to revegetate areas throughout New Zealand in pohutukawa and rata trees for 16 years, and raised at the council nursery. Project Crimson executive director Bridget Abernethy says getting kids involved is essential. "We are very lucky that Wadestown School is enthusiastic about the planting and, more importantly, developing the children's environmental awareness from a young age:"

Ms Abernbethy says Project Crimson is a "real win-win situation", because, although the primary aim is ecological, there are cultural and aesthetic benefits.

"They are pretty hardy trees, so it is nice to think that the kids can come back decades down the track and show their own children the trees they planted:'
Principal Bryan Gwilliam says the school encourages students to recognise and value the environment. "We are a community school and we have a responsibility beyond the school gates:' "It is wonderful that the kids can apply the principles of conservation in a hands-on way in their own suburb:"

Village Green volunteers, who are working long-term to beautify Wadestown's central parkland, also helped.