Northlanders plant trees for Defence personnel in Dunedin

Northlanders Shannen Seales-Smith and Yonni Megchelse, at University of Otago, with Ministers Shane Jones and David Parker planting trees for those that have served, or serving, in the Defence Force

Two young Northlanders helped plant the first trees in Dunedin as part of a Matariki Tu Rākau event recognising those who have served, or are serving, in the New Zealand Defence Force.

Shannen Seales-Smith and Yonni Megchelse, Northland students at University of Otago, joined dignitaries, MPs, service personnel and the public in the planting ceremony last week.

Living memorials in the form of 20 silver beech trees have been planted in the Signal Hill Reserve to honour past and present servicemen and women.

Forestry and Regional Development Minister, Northland list MP Shane Jones and Minister for the Environment David Parker placed the first of the 20 young trees.

The new tree is very near a silver beech planted 20 years ago in a programme by the late Les Cleveland, a former Dunedin businessman and philanthropist.

The symbolic ceremony was a forerunner to a larger Matariki Tu Rakau commemorative community tree planting project next month.
The project will involve the planting of 350,000 trees throughout New Zealand.

The Signal Hill planting was part of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of World War One.

Otago Southland District RSA president Jenepher Glover-Shepherd said the young trees would be "living memorials" to past and present servicemen and women, and would complement existing and more traditional memorials.

The tree planting by the two ministers was "breaking ground" for a significant Matariki Tu Rakau event next month when 850 trees will be planted on Signal Hill.

During late August there will also be plantings at Waikouaiti and in the reserve near Goodwood.

The plantings are being carried out close to Matariki as it is the optimal time for planting.

The programme is to run for three years and may also take place in Northland.