Planting days about to get underway
Greening Taupō volunteers supports the Tauhara Collective’s Matariki planting on Mt Tauhara.
As daylight saving draws to a close and cooler autumn temperatures set in, Greening Taupō is ready to launch its planting calendar for 2025. Each year, Greening Taupō, Kids Greening Taupō and Project Tongariro plant about 30,000 native trees, inviting individuals, families, groups, and businesses to get involved.
Greening Taupō Coordinator Robyn Ellis says the community planting days play a vital role in creating green corridors throughout Taupō for wildlife, such as native birds, while also offering the community an opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy the outdoors, and take part in a fun, family-friendly event.
The planting season kicks off on Saturday, April 5, with a Supercars/Taupō Trail Festival community planting at Karetoto Rd, followed by eight restoration plantings across Taupō through to September.
These events are made possible thanks to the support of businesses and organisations like Upflow, Contact, Unison, and trusts like the Wairakei Charitable Trust.
Highlights include the festive Greening Taupō Day-Arbor Day celebration in June, and in July, supporting the Tauhara Collective with its Tauhara Maunga Matariki planting.
The season wraps up beautifully at Whakaipo Bay, where Taupō Girl Guides will provide refreshments, making it a perfect way to welcome spring and celebrate another successful planting season.
“Greening Taupō’s planting events wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of local businesses, organisations, families, and volunteers.
“Fabulous supporters like First Credit Union and, MB Century are not only getting their hands dirty planting but will also keep planters fuelled—running barbecues at select events to reward everyone’s hard work.
“The community really is at the heart of what we do. There are so many ways to contribute, whether you're a first-time planter a seasoned volunteer or a business supporting a great cause—every little bit helps,” Robyn says.
Greening Taupō has just been allocated three years of Strategic Partnership Funding from Taupō District Council, which was vital to the ongoing mission to improve the Taupō environment for both people and native wildlife, Robyn says.
“This funding will support the coordination and planning required to bring these community plantings to life and get them well established.”
Further south, Project Tongariro will also be running a series of restoration plantings throughout the region.
Community members keen to get involved in planting near the Tauranga-Taupō River can join the Tuki Street plantings in May and June, while those looking for a late-season opportunity can head to Raetihi for the Waimarino Restoration community planting in early October.
Planting days are open to everyone—no experience needed!
All equipment is provided, though participants are encouraged to bring their own gardening gloves and gumboots.
“With pre-dug holes and planting demonstrations, it’s an easy and fun way to get involved.”
The events go ahead rain or shine, wrapping up with a free sausage sizzle to thank volunteers for their hard work.
Keep an eye on the Greening Taupō Facebook page for event updates closer to the date.
Schedule of events
April 5, 10am at Karetoto Rd
May 3, 11am at Wairakei Drive
May 17, 11am at Rotary Ride
June 5, 10am at Tauhara Rd / Arbor Day Planting - Greening Taupō Day
July 19, 11am at Tauhara Maunga / Matariki Planting supporting the Tauhara Collective
August 3, 11am at Centennial Dr / Power Planting
August 16, 11am at Spa Park
August 30, 11am at Hipapatua
September 13, 10am at Whakaipō Bay
May 10, 9am at Tuki St Tauranga-Taupō
June 15, 9am at Tuki St Tauranga-Taupō
October 11, 10am - Raetihi Planting - Southern Ruapehu
