A verdant transformation is continuing to take root in Tauranga’s largest green space, Kopurererua Valley thanks to the city's Rotary clubs.

Set between a highway and suburban area, a collective effort in the valley has resulted in the planting of a staggering 2000 trees this week, breathing more fresh life into the city’s landscape.

About 80 Rotarians from the four Tauranga Rotary clubs successfully planted the 2000 trees on Sunday, near the Marshall Ave access track in what is commonly referred to as ‘K Valley’.

The Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust which is made up of members from Otumoetai, Tauranga, Tauranga Te Papa and Tauranga Sunrise Rotary Clubs, and Tauranga City Council, organised the planting as part of their long term commitment to the valley.

Tauranga City Council Natural Environments Advisor Dianne Paton and Buddy Mikaere (Ngati Pukenga and Ngati Ranginui historian and cultural consultant). Photo: Michele Beaton.

“The goal is for the Kopurererua Valley to be a real jewel in Tauranga’s crown,” says Tauranga Sunrise Rotary club Environment committee chair John Carlson.

Members of the four clubs met at the end of the Marshall Ave access track which was driveable all the way to the planting site. This enabled barbecues to be dropped off and a gazebo pitched for the day’s planting.

While Otumoetai Rotary took care of organising the parking, Tauranga Sunrise Rotary set up the gazebo and Tauranga Rotary made sure the sausages were sizzling well before the work was done.

Holes had already been dug, so everyone only needed to bring their spades, gloves, drinking water and boots.

The Rotary club members planting in Kopurererua Valley on Sunday. Photo: Michele Beaton.

Kopurererua Valley is the 300-hectare block of walkways, cycleways, waterways and bush that runs from Judea in the north to Tauriko in the south, situated on the eastern side of the Route K Toll Road, bordered by Te Reto. Gate Pā, Greerton, Westridge and Cambridge Heights.

The Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust for The Kopurererua Valley Reserve Development has worked alongside Tauranga City Council to help restore the Kopurererua Valley Reserve.

Olivia and Ellie White from Tauranga Sunrise Rotary's 'Students 4 the Environment'.  Photo: Michele Beaton.

Highlights include 20 hectares of weed infested land cleared and 15 hectares replanted with more than 300,000 native trees and plants; 15km of boardwalks and walkways developed; partial stream realignment and creation of several new lakes; over 50 community planting days; over $1 million worth of investment through the Rotary Centennial Trust and in-kind support from City Partners; and a significant increase in birdlife and biodiversity in the valley in recent years.

Recent restoration work and river realignment were expected to recreate the fish and bird habitats and help to restore the valley’s mauri (lifeforce).

John Carlson, the chair of the Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise Environment committee. Photo: Michele Beaton.

In terms of New Zealand history, the valley is important and significant.

Kopurererua Valley was for many years inhabited by the people of Ngāi Tamarāwaho. Remains of pā and other archaeological sites are located throughout the valley. Ngāi Tamarāwaho is mana whenua of Kopurererua Valley and this place has special significance to the hapū.

During the 19th century, it was the staging point and retreat path of two significant battles between Māori and British Colonial forces – Pukehinahina - the Battle of Gate Pa, and the Battle of Te Ranga.

Caleb and Zoe Armit from Tauranga Sunrise Rotary's 'Students 4 the Environment'. Photo: Michele Beaton.

The Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust for The Kopurererua Valley Reserve Development, established in 2004, played a significant role in raising funds to purchase more than 120,000 plants and trees during the first ten years of planting in the valley. The trust was formed as a result of the desire for a large scale, long term and ambitious millennium project for the four local Rotary clubs.

Other organisations that have also made significant contributions to the restoration project over the 20 years include Te Runanga O Te Ngai Tamarawaho, Comvita, Legacy Funerals, Trees for Survival, Opus International Ltd and Naturally Native NZ Plants.

Over the last 20 years the valley has transitioned from a rural farmland to a series of native bush and wetlands with recreational trails throughout.

Construction of a boardwalk in 2005 made the valley more accessible to walkers and cyclists, with the surrounds planted with help again from the Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust.

Planting in Kopurererua Valley on Sunday. Photo: Michele Beaton.

In 2014, on the 10th anniversary of the project, then Tauranga City Mayor Stuart Crosby and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges unveiled a plaque in the reserve to acknowledge the work of the trust.

At the time, Stuart said the project is believed to be one of the largest urban wetland restoration projects in Australasia, turning a “weed infested and neglected piece of land on the doorstep of the city into an attractive and well-used reserve”.

The valley is also packed with bird life, and enjoyed by cyclists, walkers and runners.

Each year, the Great K Valley Cycle Adventure, organised by the Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise, provides an opportunity for people to have fun on bikes, combining a scavenger hunt, map reading and puzzle solving adventure.

And now, thanks to the four Rotary clubs, there are 2000 more trees planted.

Steve Winter, Robyn Hanna, John Downey and Ross Prestige cooking sausages for all the planters. Photo: Michele Beaton.

Ross Mosley, Andrew Von Dadelszen and Kevin Atkinson. Photo: Michele Beaton.

Rotary club members from the four Tauranga Rotary clubs engaged in tree planting in Kopurererua Valley. Photo: John Carlson.

Rotary club members from the four Tauranga Rotary clubs engaged in tree planting in Kopurererua Valley. Photo: Wayne Shadbolt.