Local tamariki are helping raise awareness of the importance of urban trees through a creative new project in Māngere.
The Growing Respect: Māngere Trees initiative brought together students from Moanaroa School and tamariki attending after-school care at Māngere Community Centre to learn about the role trees play in creating healthy, thriving neighbourhoods.
Through a series of workshops, participants explored the many benefits of urban trees, including providing shade, improving air quality and supporting local biodiversity. They then turned their learning into artwork designed to encourage care and respect for trees in their community.
The artwork has been transformed into colourful banners displayed along the fence beside Reporepo Park in the Aorere neighbourhood. The installation showcases the creativity of local young people while sharing an important message about the value of urban greenery.
The project also highlights the opportunity to grow Māngere's urban tree canopy. Currently, tree canopy cover sits at just over 8%, less than half of Auckland's average urban tree cover and below Auckland Council's target of at least 15% tree canopy coverage across all local board areas. By helping tamariki understand the role trees play in enhancing neighbourhoods, the initiative encourages a stronger connection to the local environment and the shared spaces that bring communities together.
Claire Hansell, Placemaking Manager for Māngere Development, says the project demonstrates the power of creativity to spark conversations and inspire positive action.
"Trees are more than part of the landscape. They provide shade, support wellbeing and help create neighbourhoods where people want to spend time. By involving local tamariki in this project, we are helping build a stronger connection between young people, their environment and the future of Māngere."
By combining learning, creativity and community participation, Growing Respect: Māngere Trees celebrates the contribution young people can make to shaping the future of Māngere.
