The Co-op is a proud partner of the Trees for Survival Charitable Trust, working with schools to grow and plant native trees in erosion-prone land, wetlands, and riparian areas.
Since it was established in 1991, Trees for Survival has planted more than 2 million native trees, working with 5500 students from across 230 schools.
The Co-op came on board as a partner in 2022. This year, Fonterra is supporting eight Waikato schools – Pukete, Vardon, Hikuai, Motunaoho, Ngāruawāhia, Otewa, Te Awamutu, and Ngutunui – to grow and plant seedlings, which are then planted on mostly Co-op farms.
The students head out on field trips to plant the native trees along waterways to improve water quality and on hillsides to help prevent erosion. The plantings will also help provide food and habitat for wildlife.
In June, students from Pirongia’s Ngutunui Enviro School, joined Co-op farmers, Waiwhakaata Trust, to plant 725 natives around a tuna (eel) pond on the Trust’s 147ha farm beneath Mount Pirongia.
As the plants grow, they will help shade the water and foster a healthy habitat for tuna and other wildlife. The Waiwhakaata Trust has been working steadily to improve biodiversity on farm and combat erosion. In recent years it retired its steepest land and planted 16,000 trees across 24 hectares.
Trees for Survival’s National Manager, Phil Lyons, says the Pirongia planting day was a great success, with students enjoying hands-on learning about planting, water quality and habitat restoration.
“We are extremely grateful for the wonderful support provided by Fonterra. Our organisations share a common purpose to create meaningful impact in our communities through the delivery of a unique environmental restoration and education programme. Together, we are inspiring our communities and their tamariki (children) to plant a lasting legacy, while learning about environmental conservation and increasing the biodiversity of local sites.”
Fonterra’s Community and Social Impact Manager Shaheen Junge says the planting days are a fantastic chance for communities to come together for environmental restoration and education.
“The partnership with Trees for Survival is very important to the Co-op. We are passionate about making an impact for generations to come and partnering with Trees for Survival inspires students to foster action and stewardship in communities.”
Fonterra’s partnership with Trees for Survival is made possible through the Co-op’s Doing Good Together programme, which operates with partners across New Zealand to:
· put good quality nutrition in the hands of those who need it most.
· empower communities to protect and restore nature.
· provide the care and support to keep rural communities resilient and thriving.
Find out how you can be part of the Co-op’s Doing Good Together programme by contacting your local TSR or visiting a Farm Source store. Check out Trees for Survival.