Schools unite to honour late Rangitāne leader with planting project

Published on 23 August 2024

Students from across Palmerston North gathered yesterday at Ashhurst Domain to plant 100 trees in honour of the late Nireaha Tāmaki, a key Rangitāne leader who championed Māori land rights.

This commemoration is part of an educational initiative, where students under the Palmerston North East Kāhui Ako have been exploring Rangitāne history. Through collaboration with Tai Huki and Rangitāne, students have gained a deeper appreciation of Nireaha Tāmaki’s key role in securing Māori land rights, a legacy that extends internationally to indigenous land rights in Australia and Canada.

Nireaha Tāmaki passed away on 3 July, 1908, coinciding with the first Arbor Day. To honour his memory, the schools decided to plant trees—and plan to return to Ashhurst Domain annually to continue this tradition, reinforcing the importance of remembering and respecting the contributions of past leaders.

Kathy Dever-Tod, Manager of Parks and Reserves, says:

“It’s wonderful to see our young people so deeply engaged in the preservation of both our natural environment and our local history. This is what makes our parks and green spaces so special—they are places where we can connect with nature, with each other, and with the stories that have shaped our community.”

The trees planted include Kōwhai, Tītoki, Kahikatea, Tawa, Makomako and many more, all sourced from our Council nursery.

The schools participating in this year’s event included Freyberg High, Ashhurst, Whakarongo, Terrace End, Milson, Ross Intermediate, Roslyn, Russell St, Parkland, and Hokowhitu schools.

This planting ceremony stands as a beautiful reminder that history is not only to be remembered but also actively honoured and nurtured. As the trees take root and grow, so too will the lessons of Nireaha Tāmaki’s life, passed down to future generations who will continue to walk in his footsteps.