The Horaparaikete Ahu Whenua Trust is trying to boost the native bird population in the Bay of Plenty by encouraging land owners to plant native trees, bush and greenery.

With the help of Environment BOP, the Environmental Enhancement Fund and community groups, the trust is starting the project on its own land by planting out three acres at the foot of the Papamoa Hills with native plants.
The group has begun the planting programme with cabbage trees, flax, kowhai, pohutukawa and many other natives.
Project manager Victoria Kingi says, 'The idea of the project developed as we spoke to other people who are also passionate about getting our native birds back into our backyards.”
Teacher at Te Akau Ki Papamoa, David McLeod, says this was a great opportunity for children.
'We saw this as a great learning opportunity for the kids and a great relationship building opportunity for the school to get involved in the local community.”
The project was launched on August 11, with a karakia performed by Apotoro Pahu Akuhata, before 400 natives were planted that day.
Victoria hopes other people will also give planting natives a go, 'We send out a friendly challenge to other land owners to set up native bird areas on their land blocks and help bring native birds back to our backyards.”