A blustery spring day didn’t stop more than 6000 native trees from being planted in Tauranga’s Kōpūrererua Valley on Sunday September 14.

“Well over a hundred locals and Rotarians joined forces to grow the city’s green future,” Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust chair Lyall Holmes said.

The K Valley planting event ran from 10am-12pm, with access via the Marshall Ave entrance to the valley.

Mark Dean amongst the planting of natives in Kōpūrererua Valley. Photo / Supplied.

Holmes said the event, part of Rotary’s new ‘Footprints for our Future’ initiative, was completed in record time thanks to the strong public turnout, leaving plenty of opportunity to enjoy a community barbecue and explore the Rotary information kiosks.

“This year’s planting was one of our biggest yet,” said Holmes. “We ended up with more than 6000 natives in the ground and finished before noon to tuck into the barbecue.”

Rotarians Kathy Webb, Wayne Shadbolt, Bruce Farthing and John Knowles holding the gazebo down due to the wind.  Photo / Sheena Spittles

Holmes said that although they had ordered 5000 seedlings, there were another 1600 gifted.

“Of those 1600, about 1200 were planted on Sunday. We had to dig more holes. And Tauranga City Council are spreading the rest around the valley,” Holmes said.

“With the help of the public, community organisations, and our generous sponsors Bay of Plenty Regional Council and PowerCo, we were able to make a lasting difference for the environment and the community.”

A group from PKF Tauranga helping to plant native trees in Kōpūrererua Valley.  Photo / Sheena Spittles

The event marked the 21st year of the Kōpūrererua Valley Rotary Centennial Trust, which has now overseen the planting of an estimated 800,000 native plants across the 364ha reserve.

Since its establishment in 2003, the Trust has invested over $2 million in infrastructure, including bridges, pathways, cycleways, signage and structures—transforming former farmland into one of Tauranga’s most celebrated public reserves.

Melissa Woller and Zoe Woller. Photo / Sheena Spittles

Kōpūrererua Valley is not only an important wetland and ecological corridor – it holds deep cultural and historical significance and is part of the ancestral lands of Ngāi Tamarāwaho, for whom the valley and nearby Waikareao Estuary are treasured kete kai (food baskets).

The area was also a site of pivotal 19th century battles between Māori and British colonial forces, with remnants of Puketoromiro Pā and other archaeological features still visible today.

That transformation has not gone unnoticed: Kōpūrererua Valley recently received national recognition, with a Merit Award at the 2025 Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards, acknowledging it as one of New Zealand’s outstanding community parks.

Afra South, Charlotte South and Amelia South. Photo / Sheena Spittles

The Rotary Trust was originally founded by Tauranga’s four Rotary Clubs - Tauranga Te Papa, Ōtūmoetai, Tauranga, and Tauranga Sunrise - in partnership with Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and local iwi Ngā Tamarāwaho.

“Together, they have created a vibrant natural space that is now enjoyed daily by walkers, cyclists, and families,” Holmes said.

Holmes said this year’s planting reflects Rotary’s enduring commitment to both people and planet.

“Rotary is about service, and projects like this show how, by working together, we can build stronger communities and leave a living legacy for generations to come.”