IALA: People having the courage to start planting trees and restoring Aucklands most polluted rivers.
People are restoring a neglected river and helping the community remember Matariki. Each year during the Maori New Year around 200 volunteers volunteer to plant 1,000 trees on the banks of Oamaru River. The planting that is happening is is trying to help people restore one of New Zealand's most polluted waterways. Mad Ave, which is the group responsible for organising these events is a group based in Glen Innes, organising the annual event, Ko Au Te Awa. Tamati Patuwai who is the cultural director says Ko Au Te Awa follows the tradition of planting during Matariki, the event is now in it's third year with both the river and youth being able to create relationships that will help both remember the importance of both of their actions.
Some of the kids are astonished when they come back to their seedling, that was once knee high, and now soaring over their heads. Patuwai also says that he wants to stop Pollution entering the rivers and reduce the risk of it happening. Planting trees is something many people should get into as they should remember what trees do for us. Some people may think trees aren't important but actually they are.
What do I think about this article?
Yesterday my school was involved in a programme involving Mad Ave and planting trees. It was a muddy and watery experience but at least we got to give back to our community. I think Mad Ave is a creative way to let others know that our community and Matariki really do matter to those who care about it. Tamati Patuwai, is a creative and courageous man as we got to see him in person.
Feel free to leave a comment.
Many thanks :)
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