Newmarket school children dig in for a greener future

Children from Newmarket Primary School will sow the seedlings of a greener future at a community planting day next week.

Waitemata Local Board and Auckland Council’s parks team have invited the pupils and others to plant 200 native trees in a reserve area just off Ayr Street, in Newmarket Park.

Backed by the Newmarket Community Association, the event is designed to renew the community’s involvement with the park, which has been closed for essential earthworks and stabilisation work.

Newmarket Primary School has a long-standing association with the park. Children from the school helped to relocate tadpoles from the pond during previous earth works.

Waitemata Local Board member Rob Thomas says: “This event is about involving local children and others in the future of Newmarket Park. This park is an important public and community asset and it’s here to stay.

“The new trees will provide a number of benefits, from stabilising the bank to reducing noise, soaking up storm water and absorbing greenhouse gases. Together we are contributing to a greener, more sustainable Newmarket.”

The community planting event will take place on Wednesday 10 August, 11am-1pm, at Newmarket Park.

Journalists/photographers wishing to attend the planting event are asked to contact Alison Lees at Auckland Council (details below) in advance.