Chatham Islands, New Zealand

A record 1700 trees were planted at Ocean Mail Scenic Reserve during the week of Arbour day in early June. Approximately 80 people comprising of children, teachers, parents and DOC staff can be proud of their contribution in the restoration of the one of the most accessible and degraded Scenic Reserves on the island.

We have now reached the roadside since the first plantings were done near the coastal edge 6 years ago. Evidence of healthy trees from previous years plantings are encouraging island community to remain committed to the project and after a few more years, the bare grassland on the coastal side of Ocean Mail will show positive signs of an emerging forest.

Two weeks following the mass planting the DOC staff (including the office contingency!) had a day out planting a further 700 ake ake at the site. Construction began on the same day for a visitor shelter near the style to the beach, next year we will have a solid structure to shelter from the winds for our lunch!