The annual planting day is always a highlight for Friends of Okura Bush. Every year, we come together to plant native trees and help restore this beautiful ecosystem. To date, thousands of trees have been planted along the Stillwater walkway, creating a welcoming habitat for geckos, helping to improve track conditions, and providing a valuable food source for our local birdlife.
The 2025 planting day was another fantastic success! With the sun shining and spirits high, families, local residents, and volunteers gathered to make a real difference. Thanks to the incredible efforts of 60 volunteers and members of the community, we planted untold native trees in just two hours.
The turnout was so impressive that we even ran out of shovels! Luckily, our volunteers are a resourceful bunch, happily sharing tools and proving that many hands really do make light work. It wasn’t long until the ground was filled with cabbage trees, mānuka, kānuka, māhoe, five-finger, and many other native species that will help the bush thrive for years to come.
After a morning of hard work, everyone made the walk back to the Stillwater Hall to enjoy a well-earned bowl of warm soup and fresh bread together. A perfect way to celebrate another successful planting day.
Friends of Okura Bush would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who volunteered on the day and in the lead-up to the event. This incredible achievement wouldn’t have been possible without your support.
Special thanks go to our Park Ranger, Dan Marrow, our wonderful Chair, Chris Bettany, and our generous funders, including Pub Charity, Auckland Council, and the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. Your ongoing support plays a vital role in helping restore and protect Okura Bush for future generations.
