In our neighbourhood, I find myself standing on the street berms, peering down the roadways devoid of trees. Our Manurewa neighbourhood, cries out for mother nature's touch. It echoes the sentiments of the Auckland Ngahere report illuminating the harsh reality that the budget for trees in state housing communities, 20-30 years ago, was severely low. It's like an artist without his brush, desperate for a touch of colour. We are determined to alter our landscape, or more correctly, eager to reclaim our landscape. Though every tree is worth at least $200, who can put a price on the softness of the wind whispering through the leaves, or the singing of the Tui perched in tree branches, or the shade that will cool the kids over summer?
We have initiated a process to paint our neighbourhood green, by planting trees on our street berms. It hasn’t been no small task, considering we needed to; purchase soil, fertiliser, mulch, stakes and spades and we’ve learned how to plant the trees correctly, according to the guidelines provided by the council. The dream is to transform our neighbourhood into an urban forest, a sanctuary thriving with life and health.
The benefits of trees are undeniably numerous; not just for our environment but also for our collective psyche. They provide fresh air, reducing harmful pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. They heighten the aesthetic quotient of our surroundings, adding beauty and splendour to our otherwise monotonous environment. The lush canopies offer shade and help in moderate temperature, providing natural climate control for our homes and streets. By harbouring a vibrant ecosystem, they invite diverse bird life and help regulate water runoff, absorbing and storing rainwater.
Moreover, trees have profound psychological effects on humans. An urban forest in our backyard would be a constant source of positivity and tranquillity. The simple act of nurturing a young sampling to a thriving tree is also a meaningful pursuit that brings purpose and conceivably, an element of hope.
In the coming weeks, we will be inviting our neighbours to plant a tree on their street berm. This isn't just about greening our neighbourhood; it’s about nurturing a sense of community and fostering bonds. We envision families coming out in the cool evening air, rolling up their sleeves, laughing, and digging into the rich soil to plant a living monument that will grow with them. A monument they can point to and say, “We planted that." It is in these shared experiences that a neighbourhood stops being a collection of houses and transforms into a closely-knit community.
Following the hard work, we will also celebrate, making it a week to remember. We will have food, music, a bouncy castle for the kids, speeches talking about the importance of the initiative and prayers for the healthy growth of our new, green friends. This celebration symbolises our shared gratitude for the opportunity to work together as neighbours, making our streets an even better place to live.
In conclusion, our initiative is a declaration of intent towards creating a verdant, sustainable, inviting community that cherishes nature and acknowledges its vital importance – a neighbourhood that values and preserves its trees, and its urban forests, not just for their undeniable aesthetic appeal, but for the numerous environmental, economic, social and health benefits they offer. By doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but we pass on a greener, healthier legacy to future generations, a testament to our love and concern for them.
After all, in the words of Martin Luther, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.”
We are grateful to the Foundation North Trust, without their financial support this project would not be possible. For the Auckland Council Ngahere team who have generously given their time to teach us how to plant trees, to our neighbours and their smiles as they participate in the work of planting and lastly, to our Creator for the wonders and beauty of creation that surrounds us all.
<< Return to news