MinterEllisonRuddWatts Volunteers on a Mission to Help Rotoroa's Restoration
Guest blog by Ryan Antia, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
On Sunday 13th of July, a group of volunteers from the MinterEllisonRuddWatts team departed to Rotoroa Island in the eastern Hauraki Gulf, with the mission to plant 530 native trees. Rotoroa Island, (not to be confused with the city of Rotorua), is a beautiful island sanctuary set in the eastern Hauraki Gulf and home to endangered species such as kiwi, takahē, and tieke.
Our team enjoyed the stunning views on journey with Explore ferry – for many, it was their first visit to Rotoroa Island, and the island's scenery left us in awe, especially the breathtaking 360degree views from the North Tower, our designated planting location.
After a few hours of shoveling, and with some partners breaking a sweat, the small volunteer team managed to plant all 530 native trees. A welcome break from our usual office work!
The native trees were all hardy coastal species such as karo, pohutukawa, tree broom, five finger and broom were donated to Rotoroa Island Trust, via Trees That Count to offset our firm’s flight emissions and as part of our sustainability commitment.
Jo Ritchie, Rotoroa’s Operations Manager says “We greatly appreciate the support from MinterEllisonRuddWatts who already provide pro bono legal support and have now provided trees and people to plant an area that we have wanted to restore for some years. Our growing forest supports many native bird species and helps to reclothe Rotoroa in natural cover to better protect it from coastal winds. We would also like to acknowledge Explore who supported transport to and from the island for the planting team. They are an essential part of the diverse partnership of people that make Rotoroa work.”
Tree planting was quickly rewarded with morning tea at Ladies Bay beach, (perfect to dip in for a swim after a day of hard work), and time to explore the island’s historic sights, including a picturesque chapel nestled among the trees and stunning holiday homes, all with striking views of the island sanctuary. The island also houses a museum dedicated to the history of the Salvation Army’s alcohol and drug rehabilitation center which operated until the Rotoroa Island Trust purchased it on lease and opened the island to the public in 2011.
The team at MinterEllisonRuddWatts looks forward to more opportunities to support this beautiful sanctuary and its environmental efforts in the future.
We’re so grateful to the Rotoroa Island Trust for this opportunity to learn about the island’s rich history and contribute to its future by planting native trees. The views more than compensated for a little hard work! I can’t wait to return to experience the island overnight; I can only imagine the canopy of stars and watching the sun rise on this little slice of paradise on earth.
If this sounds appealing, Rotoroa Island is just over an hour away from downtown Auckland, hop on an Explore Ferry and make the most of the scenic tracks, wildlife and accommodation.
Special thanks to MinterEllisonRuddWatts, Explore Group and Trees That Count for supporting our island restoration.