Pōhutukawa planting at Te Kāwai – Cadness Loop Reserve

Some say they’re a symbol of spirituality – that the pōhutukawa tree provides a connection between life’s beginning and end.

So when we got to work transforming Te Kāwai – Cadness Loop Reserve, it was fitting that we tried our best to bring a piece of our neighbourhood’s past with us into its future.

Even though it was only 30 years old – these native trees can live for hundreds of years – in 2022 we carefully relocated a young pōhutukawa from a neighbouring property to become the centrepiece of our new playground.

Sadly, it was unable to thrive in its new home and will have to be removed to make sure the area remains safe for our tamariki to enjoy.

What’s happening now?

While none of us wished for this ending, it comes with a silver lining and a new beginning – mana whenua will bless our tree before it’s removed, and a piece will be harvested to live on in a carving created by a local artist.

And in weaving together the beginning and end that these trees represent, new life will grow where another has passed. A younger pōhutukawa, standing at about four metres tall, will take its place and have a better chance of thriving.

Works to plant the new tree will take about a week, during which time our contractors will be preparing the ground to best support it. Once planted, Auckland Council arborists will ensure its care and protection, giving it the best possible chance of a long life.

During this work, our playground will also have to be temporarily removed and the site will be closed for the week. As soon as the playground has been reinstated, the reserve can again become a space to gather, connect and play.