Join Rotary and the Tauranga community to plant 5,000 native trees in Kōpūrererua Valley
For Rotary Leadership Award (RYLA) graduate 23-year-old Taylor Verhoeven, volunteering at this year’s K Valley Public Planting Day is a chance to give back to the community that has given her so much.
Taylor, who works for Zespri, became involved after completing the RYLA course earlier this year. Her involvement is a great example of how Rotary can connect people with practical opportunities to make a difference in their community.
On Sunday 20 September 2026, Tauranga families, community groups and volunteers are invited to get their hands dirty and help plant 5,000 native trees in the Kōpūrererua Valley.
The annual K Valley Public Planting Day is organised by the Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust for the Kōpūrererua Valley Reserve Development, working alongside Tauranga’s four Rotary clubs as part of the wider Footprints for Our Future environmental initiative.
The event brings the community together to enhance one of Tauranga’s most important natural spaces and create a living legacy for future generations.
A simple action with a lasting impact
“We are inviting families, friends, community groups and anyone who cares about the future of our environment to come along and be part of something special,” says Trust Chair and club member Lyall Holmes.
“Planting a tree is a simple but lasting way of contributing to the future of our city. The trees we plant today will grow into a legacy that will be enjoyed by generations to come.”
Kōpūrererua Valley is an important natural and recreational asset for Tauranga, providing a wetland environment, native habitat and a place for people to walk, cycle and enjoy the outdoors.
The valley also has deep cultural and historical significance and has been the focus of more than two decades of restoration and enhancement by the K Valley Rotary Centennial Trust and its partners, Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and local iwi.
Extensive planting and restoration have helped transform the valley into a treasured community asset, with more than 12 kilometres of walkways and cycleways connecting people with its natural environment and history.
Everyone can be part of it
The planting day is designed for people of all ages and is an opportunity to make a practical contribution while enjoying the valley and meeting other members of the community.
“Come along, enjoy the tranquillity of the valley and share in its history, ecology and recreational possibilities,” says Lyall. “Bring the family, plant a tree and then stay and enjoy a sausage sizzle with other volunteers.”
Participants should dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. If possible, bring a spade and your own drinking water.
Event details
What: Kōpūrererua Valley Public Planting Day
When: Sunday 20 September 2026
Time: Arrive from 9.30am for a 10am start; planting is usually finished by 12 noon
Where: End of Marshall Avenue, Tauranga
Goal: Plant 5,000 native trees
Who: Everyone is welcome - families, community groups and volunteers
Parking: Limited parking is available at the site
After planting: Free sausage sizzle for volunteers
Footprints for Our Future
The K Valley planting day is part of the Footprints for Our Future kaupapa, bringing Rotary clubs, community organisations and local people together to take practical environmental action and help create a healthier future for the Bay of Plenty.
Come along on 20 September, plant a tree and leave your own footprint for the future.
Registration: For further information or to register your interest, contact Lyall Holmes at lyallh@xtra.co.nz. Event organisers will communicate any postponement required because of inclement weather.