Digging deep to mark 175th anniversary at Christ’s College
22 Jul 2025
About 1,500 native trees nurtured by Christ’s College students have been planted by the school community on the river embankment beside Upper to mark the 175th anniversary.
College Head of Environment Tinura Gajamange points out that the legacy project “isn’t just about planting trees, it’s about leaving something behind”.
“It’s about contributing to the future of our whenua, our land, our school, and our environment, while also continuing the legacy of former teacher Graeme Worner – a true champion of environmental action. It is also a chance to say ‘I was part of something that will still be here in another 175 years’,” he says of the Upper Avon riverbank planting.
Eco-Action Nursery Trust co-founder David Newton adds that the trees “not only provide native bird habitat and food, but serve as a lasting gift to College by current staff and boys”.
“The native plants grown from eco-sourced seed – in association with the trust – action the plan put in place a decade ago by Graeme Worner, a now retired Biology teacher,” he says.
“Graeme has joined the other keen planters who have braved the very steep 45-degree slope to get the job completed.”
The next Eco-Action planting session will be held on Sunday 27 July from 10am–12pm in the red zone off Atlantis Street.
