Project Tongariro was established as a living memorial for five people who died in a tragic helicopter accident. Last November, the project turned 40 years old. Over those four decades, activities have expanded beyond Tongariro National Park and into the wider area, including urban restoration through tree planting and predator trapping. Claire Concannon visits the Taupō-based projects that Project Tongariro is supporting as they prepare for Greening Taupō Day – their biggest planting day of the year.

Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.

Guests:

• Kiri Te Wano, CEO Project Tongariro
• Robyn Ellis, Greening Taupō and Predator Free Taupō
• Rachel Thompson, Kids Greening Taupō
• Heidi Pritchard, Kids Greening Taupō
• Celia Bocket, Wicked Weeders
• Zara, Jack, Taylor and Emily, students of Taupō Intermediate School

Learn more:

• Project Tongariro are also involved in a number of restoration projects near Tūrangi, including removing willows from a wetland area.
• In Kirikiriroa Hamilton, a team are also focused on urban greening as part of the People, Nature and Cities project.
• Just outside Dunedin, the Halo Project has been working to provide a safe space for birds around the Orokonui fenced ecosanctuary, as the Country Life team learned last year.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details