Project Coronation - ASIF Motutapu Island Tree Planting

King Charles III's coronation is set for Saturday 6 May. That event represents an ideal opportunity to promote NZ forestry in all its diverse forms and at the same time publicly acknowledge the proactive efforts King Charles made to advance the cause of forestry under his stewardship as the Duchy of Cornwall. King Charles' succession to the throne requires that responsibility for the Duchy of Cornwall passes to the new Prince of Wales. NZIF members appreciate the efforts made by the Duchy to date and also recognise that the need for forests and forestry in all its forms is as great now as it has ever been.

NZIF has suggested a way of recognising the Coronation is for every Local Section to organise a formal tree planting event recorded by way of a group photo to be posted to the NZIF website. Individual section members are also encouraged to plant trees in their own right, with the emphasis being placed on as wide a diversity of trees and locations as possible. Fruit trees and short-lived Christmas trees arguably offer as much utility and benefit in their own way as any extensive native restoration project. Members are encouraged to advise their Section Chair of the number and species planted. This will enable the Institute to post a running total and offer commentary on the purposes of "Project Coronation", to acknowledge Charles' long standing support for forestry and the wide benefits of forestry more generally.

The ASIF event organised to recognise the Coronation is a tree planting day on Motutapu Island in support of the great work being done by the Motutapu Island Forest Restoration Trust (https://www.motutapu.org.nz/). The nursery on the island was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip making this an even more appropriate event. 

Date: Sunday 7 May.

Transport: 9.15am Fullers ferry from Downtown to Rangitoto and returning from Rangitoto on the 4.00pm ferry which arrives at Downtown by 4.45pm.

Cost: Return ferry ticket $30 (volunteer Tree Planter’s discount). Paid to Fullers.

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first in first served basis!

Further instructions and arrangements will be advised to registered attendees.

Philip Elworthy