Hawke’s Bay Foundation grant to bolster Te Mata Park’s education programme

Now in its fifth year, our Schools for Trees education programme works with nine local schools, each of which take ownership of a section of the Park. The students plant native trees, return to care for them and the surrounding whenua, and spend time connecting with and learning in nature.

Through the Schools for Trees programme and other school visits, we engage with several hundred local children every year. Our work with schools helps children to connect with this special part of Te Matau-a-Māui, learn more about our unique biodiversity, and experience the joy of learning outdoors. In the words of one young visitor, “I loved planting trees that will live forever, longer than us.”

We are privileged to be one of the 78 local organisations to receive Hawke’s Bay Foundation funding this year, and we are grateful for the grant that will allow us to continue our work with schools.

Image: students from Clive School plant native rakau in 2024.