Three of us went to help out at the Auckland Council-run ‘tree’ planting event at the Puhinui Reserve on Saturday.  There were about 1,000 plants to get into the ground within about two and a half hours so it was wonderful to see so many turn up to help.  Some of the groups who were there helping include DHL staff, Scouts, and several Rotary Clubs (Manukau Sunrise (Us!), Metro, and Papatoetoe Central), making it a great opportunity for interclub fellowship.

Work was complete by about 11:30am, so the event was a great reminder of the adage ‘Many hands make light work’ …  I’d add ‘happy’ to that as the spirit was happily industrious, and congenial.

The species that were planted ranged from the occasional kahikatea and manuka, to harakeke (flax) and teeny cabbage trees - so small they looked more like baby harakeke, they’d certainly fool someone who didn’t know the difference. 

It was such a lovely morning; peaceful, and vaguely overcast then sunny, with the skylarks singing above, harbour views and a bit of time in that secret world of wetlands.  The oxytocin hit from getting our hands into the soil* was also welcome!

Gloves are optional.  For the benefit of releasing happy hormones, naked hands are best!

If you haven’t managed to attend a tree-planting day yet, I recommend you do – there is so much to gain from the experience, and nature needs our help everywhere.  Auckland Council are great hosts and have everything you’ll need, on hand.  It’s so good you can just turn up as you are!  Magic!