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 Trees for Canterbury is an organisation that has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary- ten years of growing trees to give way with the aim of creating a greener and more indigenous landscape in Canterbury. It has given away hundres of thousands of trees and is well on its way to fulfilling its motto - Employ, Educate and Regenerate.
Started in the backyards of its founder members in 1990, Trees for Canterbury now has premises in Opawa Road, Christchurch (courtesy of the Christchurch City Council), and has focused on native trees since 1992. An important source of eco-sourced trees, many are unique to specific regions within Canterbury and grown for replanting there- to preserve the bio-diversity and unique nature of many New Zealand species. These trees are sought after by specialist, the average gardener and those involved in reforestation projects alike.
A small retail nursery provides a huge range of plants to the public, and has made the organisation 65% self-funded. There is a huge interest in natives today, the Manager, Steve Busby says, as the public have recognised the value of New Zealand plants in their gardens, and the range of textures that they can bring.
Much of the work is undertaken by unemployed people, some long-term unemployed, or disabled people. These people work without salary (they receive only a $21/week travel allowance) to gain experience within a working environment and to build skills that will help them gain paid employment elsewhere. Trees for Canterbury would not exist without their huge contribution.
 Conservation is key part of Trees for Canterbury's philosophy. Plants are grown in recycled milk cartons, stacked in recycled milk crates making the nursery into a sea of orange red amidst the green of emerging trees! Plant pots for larger grade trees are also sourced from recycling sources. The very offices are recycled - and extremely chilly on winter mornings we noticed - car cases from a local, now closed, car factory.
The Board of Trustees, which governs Trees for Canterbury, contributes a wide range of experience, from business expertise to fund-raising, and the tireless efforts of these people are also key to the continued success of the venture.
Trees for Canterbury aims to be come self-funding but still relies heavily on individual and corporate sponsorship for larger projects and assistance. Sponsors include Meadowfresh Milk, The Warehouse, Tetrapak NZ and Christchurch BMW and Rover.
Trees for Canterbury give away a tremendous number of plants each year - 45,137 in 1999 alone - as they find that in this way they can best promote the planting of native trees in Canterbury by supplying trees. From the Bexley Wetlands Trust to the Styx Mill Conservation Area to the Port Hills trees are given in lots of up to 1000 plants at a time. Each allocation will include 10 major species (the toughies that will provide the conditions for a more diverse range of species later) as well as a smaller number of other plants. Many plants are given to schools and Trees for Canterbury will assist with talks to school children and planting projects which give the children hands on experience and encourage a respect for and love of trees.
Trees for Canterbury speaks regularly to conservation groups, garden clubs and other interested organisations such as Senior Net.
There are two tree give-aways each year, and these are aimed at community groups and where they will provide a major benefit to the community. Conservation Week is a busy time with planting at three schools. |
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How You Can Help
- Become a 'Friend of Trees for Canterbury'
- Promote the work of Trees for Canterbury
- Assist with fund-raising efforts
Major projects
- to upgrade the water system from the household 0.5" connection to one more suited to a large-scale nursery operation. Estimated cost of this project is $10,000.
- To renovate the facilities (currently a series of converted car-cases and desperately Spartan!)
- To renovate the shade-houses to improve watering and ventilation, the latter reducing opportunity for related disease to take hold
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More Nature's Garden
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Planting Tip
When planting your new trees, remove the milk carton container, crumple it and place it in the bottom of the planting hole. This will give the new roots a better chance to establish than waiting for the carton to weaken and degrade in the soil. |
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