Orewa College students and community partners plant natives on campus as part of a five-year biodiversity project.

Students, staff, and community volunteers join forces to restore kura gardens

Orewa College’s gardens are being transformed through a native planting project led by Mrs Knight’s gardening class. The latest planting day marked an important milestone, with ākonga completing a full map of every garden on campus. This mapping work lays the foundation for a five-year plan to restore all gardens into thriving native habitats.

The mahi was supported by the generous financial support of Auckland Airport’s Every Corner Project and boosted by 150 donated plants from Restore Hibiscus Bays. On the day, students were joined by Tori Christie from Auckland Council and four volunteers from Bunnings Warehouse.

“Our students were proud to roll up their sleeves and put kaitiakitanga into action,” said Mrs Knight. “They learned practical skills from the Bunnings team and saw the impact of working alongside our community.”

The project is more than just planting. It strengthens biodiversity, provides food and shelter for native birds and insects, and helps ākonga connect deeply with te taiao. With the plan stretching over the next five years, Orewa College is set to grow greener, healthier grounds that support both learning and the environment.

Photo credit: Megan Postlewaight