200,000th Tree Celebration
Photos of a Griselinia (Thea’s pick of tree) being planted by Gareth Harper, Emily-Rose Marsh, and Thea Johnson in front of trees planted in the catchment by Gareth 25 years ago.
Photo credit to Josh Overend
The Styx Living Laboratory Trust has reached a remarkable milestone as part of Project Kōtare — the planting of its 200,000th tree.
This achievement adds to the extensive tree cover now established across the Pūharakekenui | Styx River catchment — more than existed across all of Christchurch when early settlers arrived.
Project Kōtare began after the Trust received a $4.2 million grant from the Ministry for the Environment’s Freshwater Improvement Fund to restore native ecosystems along waterways within the 7,000-hectare Pūharakekenui | Styx catchment in north-east Christchurch. Over five years, this project has focused on improving river health and biodiversity in an awa that flows 24.8 km from Nunweek Park to Te Riu o Te Aika Kawa | Brooklands Lagoon — an area long affected by farming, drainage, and urban development.
During the past four years, staff and volunteers from across Christchurch have contributed more than 15,000 hours to the project. The 200,000th tree was planted by Field Team Lead Gareth Harper, joined by his daughter Emily-Rose Marsh and granddaughter Thea Johnson. Reflecting on the milestone, Gareth said:
“It’s been a long journey involving many dedicated landscape planners, staff, and volunteers. I’m fortunate to have been part of the plantings in this area for so long, and privileged to include my daughter and granddaughter in this legacy project.”
Having spent decades in conservation restoration, Gareth has played a major role in expanding native plant diversity throughout the city. Many of the trees he planted more than 25 years ago are now fruiting, seeding, and supporting native birds such as bellbirds, fantails, and grey warblers.
Trust Chair Hannah Watkinson says, “Project Kōtare is creating a native riparian corridor that will enhance biodiversity and improve the river’s health for generations to come.”
Since 2021, Project Kōtare has:
Planted more than 200,000 eco-sourced native plants across 27 private properties and 19 CCC reserve sites.
Installed 4 km of stock-proof fencing.
Completed 38 hectares of willow and weed control.
Managed predator control over 130 hectares.
Engaged with half of the businesses within the catchment.
The project has employed 31 people in roles ranging from Programme Manager and Community Coordinator to Field Staff and Creative Communicators.
As the current funding period draws to a close, the Trust is actively seeking new revenue sources, partnerships, and grants to maintain this momentum. With major development planned for Christchurch’s north-east over the coming decade, the work of Project Kōtare — and the commitment of those who support it — has never been more important.
