More than 100 native trees will be planted this month at Eely Point in a living memorial to honour New Zealand Defence Force personnel past and present.

Local nursery Te Kākano has decided to participate in the Matariki Tu Rākau project, which is part of the nationwide One Billion Trees programme, fulfilling its vision “to connect New Zealand communities with their land”, Te Kākano trust administrator Loran Verpillot said. 

The Matariki Tu Rākau project is a national project to establish stands of trees across New Zealand as places to honour its heroes. All 120 trees to be planted at Eely Point are provided by Forestry New Zealand Te Uru Rākau.

The site at Eely Point for the trees and an accompanying plaque were carefully selected by local members of the Returned Services Association working with the Queenstown Lakes District Council to ensure it would be appropriate for a memorial.

“When we first looked at the Matariki Tu Rakau project… a few sites were mentioned, including the Wanaka War Memorial [on Chalmers Street] but it is very steep there and health and safety was a concern,” Loran said.

“We were looking for a site that would be easily accessible to most people, and where the trees would not hide views of the lake or mountains from the surrounding houses. Eely Point ticks those points.”

The plaque, commemorating the planting of lancewood, kowhai, cabbage trees, kānuka, and ribbonwood amongst other natives, is A4 in size and will be mounted on Central Otago schist donated by Grant and Lucy Middendorf of Wanaka Stone Ltd from their quarry near Tarras.

Grant, who served for more than 10 years in the New Zealand Army Engineers Corp, said the idea of a living memorial appealed to him. Most military memorials tended to be quite formal and rigid, he said.

“It’s a lot less stuffy than a lot of memorials and will reflect changes as it evolves with the times,” Grant said.

The planting will take place on September 19 at Eely Point starting at 10am. 

“We would also like to involve as many members of the community as possible,” Loran said.

Tools and morning tea will be provided and but, as it’s possible the country will still be in alert level two at that stage, Loran said they are asking all volunteers to register via our the Te Kākano Facebook page or via email ([email protected]) and to bring their own gloves and cup.