On 28 March, the Kauri 2000 Trust held a warm, emotional closing ceremony at Kūaotunu Hall, attended by past and present trustees, and some long standing volunteers. The event celebrated nearly 26 years of work that began modestly in founder Cliff Heraud’s garden in Kūaotunu. Cliff conceived a Millennium project to plant 2,000 kauri to mark the new century.
Dame Catherine Tizard graciously accepted the role of Patron and attended the inaugural planting in the Kaueranga Valley in August 1999. Event organiser and trustee Jill Kaeppeli read a heartfelt message from original trustee Vivienne McLean (now retired, living with her husband Percy in Whanganui), prompting laughter and a few tears. Vivienne summed it up wryly: “It’s amazing what people will do for a sausage.” Stories flowed of bush whacking, slips and falls (fortunately no serious injuries), and Percy’s legendary post work barbecues. Many volunteers were no longer “spring chickens,” and their perseverance earned particular admiration.
Local schools, rangatahi, and staff from the Bank of New Zealand also joined plantings – BNZ provided both volunteer days and strong financial support. To date, more than 55,000 kauri have been planted – – far exceeding the original target. Most plantings were on public land managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC Operations Manager ,Nick Kelly, thanked the Trust and presented chair Alison Henry with a beautiful kauri print in recognition of her long service.
The Trust extends deep thanks to all sponsoring businesses, donors, contractors and hardy volunteers. Remaining funds have been gifted to four recipients:
- The University of Auckland for kauri dieback research;
- The Rings Beach Wetland Group for conservation work in the Matarangi Bluff Scenic Reserve,
- Enhancement of Pukenui Reserve (Wainuiototo/New Chum);
- The Kūaotunu Peninsula Trust for restoration of Pukeumu – Black Jack Reserve at Kūaotunu following the damaging summer fires of 2025.
◼︎ Founder Cliff Heraud was awarded a QSM in 2013 before his passing in 2015. Ninety-two kauri were planted in Cliff’s memory at Blackjack Hill Kūaotunu (one for each of his birthdays) on land cleared of wilding pines. His daughter Viv and granddaughter Storm both proudly attended this event.
But there is an opening coming…
Glen in the midst of a Thursday morning session at The Menz Shed.
Glenn Schase and his team have built the Menz Shed with the help of huge goodwill from the community – businesses and individuals. They want everyone to come to the opening on Saturday, 18 April at 11:00am.
Full details – centre pages next issue of The Informer.
