kiwisforthesummer2016: There and Back Again: An Environmental Tale by the Student Kiwis

This eventful day began at the farm of two local landowners, Malcolm and Pauline. This couple bought a 15 hectare piece of land, originally with only three trees, and converted it to a beautiful sanctuary for many native New Zealand species of plants and birds. They were generous enough to allow us to plant ten Stevens Island pittosporum on their property.

Pauline (Right) and the Students

Malcolm (Middle) Assisting in the Planting Process

Steven Island Pittosporum

Malcolm taught us planting techniques, using a small stick made of wood from a Manuka to pound the dirt in around the plant to ensure the roots would catch in the soil and begin to grow downwards and attain vital nutrients. Malcolm instructed us to dig deep enough to reach a layer of soft moist clay about a foot into the earth. We planted the pittosporum very close to each other, which allows the roots to form in a way that acts as a shield against exotic weeds attempting to sprout up between the plants.

Amber and Emma Planting

Following the planting of the pittosporum, Pauline led us on a circle around the property, pointing out features of their farm as well as the native and exotic species they have planted. Some exotics can provide food for several native species of bird, such as the Bellbird. The exotic Crab Apple trees provide the birds with the red berries produced by the tree.

The square hedges require a lot of maintenance, being trimmed once a year. Native hedges are less maintenance,

Pauline and Malcolm's House

Kowhai Plant ~ 4 Years Old

Malcolm explained the problem he has with rabbits and hares eating the native vegetation. This is a problem throughout New Zealand. He uses 'liquid shotgun' on his plants, a mixture of rotten eggs that smells to deter these pests. He personally shoots around 15-20 rabbits per year just on his property.

Pauline Pointing out the plant diversity on their farm. These are Lemonwoods.

Ake Ake

These white posts indicate where Malcolm uses electric fencing to separate the cows and sheep into areas he wants them to graze. While we were there, however, there were none.

This is Leppers Track, a small path surrounded by Hebe plants which allow students to walk to school and keep a good distance from the road. It is a great combination of safety and the incorporation of native plants into society.

Pauline and Malcolm planted flax (middle) and cabbage trees (top right) on the edge of their property to attempt to attract Tui birds. They hope to have some inhabiting their lands in the coming years.

These Kowhai seeds are very resilient, and can even withstand being dropped in the ocean and washed ashore. The hard shells make way for small yellow seeds inside.

Rimu (right) Totara (left)

The shrubs on the left along the path are all natives. Some were from the North Island. Some nursery's advertise whether or not they ecosource their plants. Ideally, all of the native vegetation planted would be sourced from the surrounding area. However, this isn't always easy.

After the tour of the property Malcom and Pauline invited us inside for hot drinks and home made muffins. Their house was amazing, full of big windows with a lot of natural light and views looking out onto their farm.

Grace and Maris were quite pleased with the muffins

Signing their Guestbook

The second half of the day was spent on a property overlooked by the Banks Peninsula Land Trust. The owner of the land, Richard, and an organizer from the trust, Annelise, spent the day with us weeding a harmful exotic plant from the hillside. The weed is named Scottish Broom. This particular piece of land was the first covenant of the Banks Peninsula Trust. The goal of the trust is to work with land owners to preserve the of the land and its native processes while at the same time offering benefits to the land owners.