Native Trees Planting by Sathya Sai Centre - Hutt Valley Centre (New Zealand)

51 Iconic native trees of eight species, including Kahikatea, Cabbage trees, Miro, lancewood, Pukatea, Titoki, and Nikau palms, were planted in Trelissick Park in memory of the 51 Muslim lives that were lost in the two mosque shootings in Christchurch on March 15, 2019. The planting was coordinated by Sathya Sai Centre – Hutt Valley in collaboration with a variety of faith groups.

The location for the planting was decided to be a level, moist area near Kaiwharawhara stream in Trelissick Park in Wellington, New Zealand, which is located down from the Hanover Street entrance. These indigenous trees will, in a few decades' time, be replaced by a grove of kahikatea, which typically mature into trees and palms that are between 20 and 30 metres in height. Members of Sai and members of other religion organisations make collaborative trips to the park three or four times every year, according on the needs of the park, in order to replace damaged plants and preserve the young native trees.

Photos from 2019 and February 2023 show volunteers from a wide range of faiths working together to plant native trees. The 2023 event also coincided with the Jewish New Year of Trees celebration of Tu B'Shvat, so many Jews took part.

Kumar (Community Engagement Coordinator)

(Kumar is long timer Sathya Sai devotee and is heavily involved in various Service projects)