An estimated 145 people turned out to help plant 4500 plants in Kōpūrererua Valley last weekend.

Lyall Holmes, who is the chair of the Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust for the Kōpūrererua Valley Reserve Development, says the planting on September 29 went very well.

“After a team briefing the people who volunteered were eager to get into action, and following 90 minutes of all pitching in, the job was done successfully,” said Holmes.

An estimated 145 people turned out to help plant 4500 plants in Kōpūrererua Valley on September 29. Photo: Supplied.

The Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust, which includes members from Ōtūmoetai, Tauranga, Tauranga Te Papa and Tauranga Sunrise Rotary Clubs; along with Tauranga City Council, organised the planting as part of their long-term commitment to the valley.

The cooperative planting effort also involved residents, Tauranga Moana Lions, Katikati Rotary, Omokoroa Rotary, ACG’s Interact, and Students 4 the Environment which is a Tauranga Sunrise Rotary club initiative.

“The 4500 plants were planted in good time. We would like to thank Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Powerco for their financial assistance to purchase the plants, as well as Tauranga City Council for managing the whole process, and ensuring everybody went home safely and satisfied with a good morning’s work assisting in the future welfare of our great city,” said Holmes.

Extra plants were also donated by Gate Pa School.

Students Sylvie Brown, Alisa Shang, Clara Rocha and Emilia Yip helping to plant 4500 plants in Kōpūrererua Valley on September 29. Photo: Supplied.

This milestone event – part of a 20-year effort to restore one of Tauranga’s hidden gems – marks a significant addition to the ongoing restoration of Kōpurererua Valley Reserve.

During the past two decades Tauranga Rotary clubs, in partnership with Tauranga City Council, Ngāi Tamarāwaho, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and dedicated community members, have been transforming the historic 364ha wetland.

So far, the project has seen an investment of $2.1 million, with another $15,000 added with this latest planting.

An estimated 145 people turned out to help plant 4500 plants in Kōpūrererua Valley on September 29. Photo: Supplied.

Holmes and the Rotarians started scouting for 200 volunteers in August to help on planting day. He was confident that with pre-dug holes, they would be able to get 4500 plants in the ground within just three hours. Instead with 145 people it took around half that time.

Students from local secondary schools and community members came, eager to contribute to the restoration of this “jewel in Tauranga’s crown”.

Holmes said the plants, sourced from Naturally Native, included species like ti kouka and kahikatea, chosen for their suitability to the valley’s wetland habitat.

Andrew Von Dadelzen, Neil Percival, and Sheena Spittles from Tauranga Te Papa Rotary helping plant 4500 plants in Kōpūrererua Valley on September 29.

Kōpūrererua Valley Reserve, one of Australasia’s largest urban wetlands, stretches from Judea to Tauriko and is bordered by the neighbourhoods of Te Reti, Gate Pā, Greerton, Westridge and Cambridge Heights.

The valley holds deep historical significance for the local hapū, Ngāi Tamarāwaho, who once inhabited the area. For the hapū, Waikareao Estuary and Kōpūrererua Valley are their kete kai (food baskets). It was also a site of significant 19th-century battles between Māori and British colonial forces, with remains of Puketoromiro Pā and archaeological sites still present.

Kristina Montuya helping to plant 4500 plants in Kōpūrererua Valley on September 29. Photo: Supplied.

The day kicked off at 9am and by 11am, all the plants were in the ground, with the holes pre-dug by Tauranga City Council staff.

“We all returned to the barbecue area for a sausage or two, thanks to the team from Tauranga Rotary,” said Holmes.

“The day went very well. A big hearty ‘thank you’ to all involved.”

Sylvie Brown from ACG, Geoff Brown (at back), and Karpaga Kanniya Muthu helping plant 4500 plants in Kōpūrererua Valley on September 29. Photo: Supplied.

Holmes said the restoration project not only aims to revive the valley’s native wildlife but also includes the realignment of the river channel to restore the path of the Taurikura Stream.

“This will enhance water quality, assist in flood control, restore fish and bird habitats, and improve the mauri [life force] of the area, ultimately contributing to climate change resilience.”

The valley’s network of walking and cycle paths gives the public access to this open green space, its rich history and a convenient way to bypass traffic congestion.

Gordon McFetridge from Ōtūmoetai Rotary helping to plant 4500 plants in Kōpūrererua Valley on September 29. Photo: Supplied.

Alan Paterson and Ron Collicott from Tauranga Moana Lions Club helping with the planting of 4500 plants in Kōpūrererua Valley on September 29. Photo: Supplied.

Bill Reeves and Mark Fullerton pitch in with the planting effort at Kōpūrererua Valley on September 29. Photo: Supplied.