Te Ara Kākāriki is involved in a number of extension and education events across the Canterbury Plains. These include;
Flock Hill Workshop: A workshop was held in April 2007 on the role of native plants and native plant communities on the Canterbury Plains, and their contribution to sustainable development. Hosted by Lincoln University and the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation, it brought together experts from a number of agencies. It endorsed the TAK vision and helped in guiding TAK forwards. The workshop proceedings were published (Spellerberg et al 2007).
Established a School native planting competition: Visits to schools in Selwyn District for children to learn about native plants and gardening. Funding from Selwyn District Council and supported by Southern Woods Tree Nursery.
Facilitated/demonstration plantings: TAK worked with the Copthorne Hotels in Christchurch to develop native plant displays to educate the broader community of the importance of native plants.
Promoted the issue of the status of native plants on the Canterbury Plains: To this purpose, TAK has produced a pamphlet, stimulated articles in newspapers and magazines, created a web site, established communication with other agencies and groups, and attended many strategising meetings. Some of these include:
- Environment Canterbury July-August 2008: Article “ECan article: clean and green“
- Forest and Bird May 2008: Article “Te Ara Kakariki Greenway – joining the green dots“
- The Press 5 June 2009: Article “Natives need help“
- The Press 16 September 2009: Article “Natives to thrive“
- The Press 16 September 2010: Article “Nuture nature“
Floated the idea of a National Native Plant Centre: TAK has held discussions with all local native plant nurseries about promoting increased use of native plants and the Greenway Canterbury concept.
Green Dots Project: Planting days have provided an opportunity for our Specialists and Scientists to education the community on the role of native plants. They also assist in training volunteers in laying out, planting and maintaining planting sites.