More than 20,000 native plants have been donated to marae, kura and community groups across Tairāwhiti over the past three years, thanks to the work of the Women’s Native Tree Project Trust (WNTPT).
Trust Tairāwhiti supported the WNTPT with $58k in funding over three years, helping grow its impact across the rohe.
Founded over 30 years ago by EIT students Kathie Fletcher and Maree Conaglen, the WNTPT initially aimed to amplify women’s voices in environmental decision‑making. While decision‑making remains women‑led, all other activities, such as planting days and workshops, are open to everyone.
“The original goal was to grow a tree for every woman in Tairāwhiti,” says WNTPT treasurer Gillian Ward. “We exceeded that by miles, so our focus shifted to recloaking Papatūānuku.”
That vision comes to life through strong community partnerships. Groups often collect seeds themselves, see them propagated at the nursery, and later plant them back in their own spaces.
“We work closely with marae, kura and community groups to make sure they are set up with the knowledge and skills to care for their plants,” says nursery manager Kauri Forno. “When we provide native trees for community planting projects, whānau and kura report feeling more connected to each other, the land and the awa.”
Education is central to the WNTPT's mahi. Kauri is a trained educator and connects easily with people of all ages. School visits, public workshops and regular working bees, including the twice‑monthly ‘Weeding Wenerei’, give people practical experience growing and maintaining native plants.
“People can help with weeding or potting, learn new skills, or simply get their hands dirty.”
The WNTPT also places strong emphasis on succession planning, supporting and mentoring younger women to carry the kaupapa forward. Despite being a small team of kaimahi and volunteers, its reach is widespread.
“Kauri has deep knowledge of seed collection, plant propagation and plant establishment. Sharing that knowledge makes a real difference to the success of these projects,” says nursery treasurer Gillian Ward.
“We would not be able to do this work without our funders, whose support enables us to help the many community groups that rely on us.”
