At Takana, we believe trees have a way of bringing people together. They create places to gather, provide shelter and habitat, and help shape the landscapes that future generations will enjoy.
As a native tree nursery based in Matakana, we're proud to support the people and projects working to make a positive difference in their communities. From school grounds and environmental education to community tree-planting initiatives, we're pleased when our trees can play a part in something bigger.
We know that meaningful change takes a community. That's why we're delighted to support initiatives that help people connect with nature, care for their local environment and grow a greener future for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Growing the Future: Ahutoetoe School
More than 70 mature trees for a greener school environment
We're proud to have supported Ahutoetoe School with the donation of more than 70 mature trees, helping contribute to a greener environment for its students and school community.
It's especially rewarding to see trees going into places where young people learn, play and grow. As they establish and mature, these trees will become part of the school's landscape for years to come.
We're grateful to Wendy Sandifer, Principal of Ahutoetoe School, for acknowledging Takana's contribution and for the opportunity to support the school.
A message from Ahutoetoe School
A huge thanks to Don Turner and Takana Native Trees for donating more than 70 mature trees for our school.
We really appreciate your support! Thanks for thinking of us.
Wendy Sandifer, Principal, Ahutoetoe School
Growing the Next Generation: Leigh School
Helping tamariki connect with nature
One of the projects we're particularly proud to support is Leigh School's environmental journey.
Takana donated trees towards the school's fundraising dinner, helping support its plans to develop greener school grounds, expand its orchard planting and create more opportunities for hands-on environmental learning.
Making space for hands-on learning in nature.
The school has already planted some of the donated trees in a circular garden, with plans to continue developing this special space. Its wider ambitions include an off-grid, solar-powered outdoor classroom where students can learn about the environment in a practical, engaging way.
These are the kinds of projects that make a lasting difference. They give young people the opportunity to understand the natural world, take responsibility for their surroundings and see the results of their efforts grow over time.
We're grateful to Leigh School for allowing us to be part of its journey towards becoming an exemplary Enviroschool and working towards Green-Gold status.
A message from Leigh School
A thank-you from Leigh School. Select the poster to read it at full size in a new tab.
We are immensely grateful for your continued partnership!
Dear Don,
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your ongoing support of Leigh School. The donation of trees you made towards our dinner fundraiser was incredibly generous.
As Principal, guiding our tamariki on their Enviroschool journey is a cause extremely close to my heart. Our ambition is to become an exemplary Enviroschool within the Auckland region and achieve Green Gold status in the near future - a goal that drives everything we do here.
We currently have some incredible projects taking shape across the school grounds.
We are undertaking extensive tree planting to establish local food sustainability through school orchards. We have also planted some of your trees in a circular garden which we hope to continue developing into something very special.
We are in the planning stages of a fully off-grid, solar-powered outdoor classroom that will allow all-weather, hands-on environmental learning.
Ambitions like these simply cannot move from vision to reality without the generous backing of local partners who share our values. Your support through Takana Nursery directly empowers our students to become active guardians of their environment.
We are immensely grateful for your continued partnership and look forward to growing together in the years ahead.
Kerrin Jamieson, Principal, Leigh School
Growing Together: Community Tree-Planting Projects
Trees that bring people together
Coming together for community tree planting in Mangawhai.
Some projects are about creating a greener school environment. Others are about bringing a community together around a shared vision.
We're grateful to have been involved in a tree-planting project made possible through support from Takana, Mangawhai Hills Ltd and Bunnings.
Following a planting session, Jill Corkin MNZM, Chair, sent Don a message of thanks for Takana's contribution to the project.
A message from Jill Corkin
Dear Don,
Thank you for coming along today and sharing in our tree planting session. This could not have happened without your support, so huge thanks for the donation of the trees to continue this great legacy project for the students and the community.
I have attached a couple of photos for your interest. A social media post will go out next week acknowledging the support from you, Mangawhai Hills Ltd and Bunnings.
Many thanks again and kind regards.
Jill Corkin MNZM, Chair
We're proud to contribute to projects that bring people together around a shared goal and help create lasting benefits for the students and communities involved.
Local support for a lasting community planting project.
Helping a greener landscape take root.
Why Supporting Native Trees Matters
Growing a richer natural environment
New Zealand's native trees are an important part of our natural heritage. They provide food and habitat for wildlife, contribute to the character of our landscapes and offer opportunities for people to learn more about the environment around them.
At Takana, we're passionate about helping people discover a wider range of native species and understand where different trees can thrive.
Our nursery offers an extensive selection of New Zealand native trees, including species that can be difficult to find elsewhere. We believe there is a native tree for a remarkable range of settings, from school grounds and residential gardens to large landscape and restoration projects.
When the right trees are selected for the right places, today's planting can become tomorrow's established landscape.
Helping Good Projects Grow
We know that schools, community groups and environmental initiatives often rely on the generosity and involvement of others to turn their ideas into reality.
Where opportunities arise, Takana is pleased to support worthwhile projects that align with our connection to native trees and the local environment.
Whether it's helping a school develop its grounds, contributing trees to a community planting initiative or supporting projects that encourage environmental learning, we're proud to play a part in work that helps people care for the places they live, learn and gather.
If you're involved in a school, community or environmental project and would like to discuss a potential tree donation or partnership, we'd be happy to hear from you.
Have a project in mind?
Get in touch with Takana to tell us what you're planning.
At Takana, we see trees as more than a product. They're an investment in a place, a community and a future that others will enjoy long after planting day.
We're thankful to the schools, organisations and individuals who share this outlook, and to everyone who puts in the time and effort to make their local environment a little greener.
From school gardens and outdoor classrooms to community planting projects, we're proud when Takana trees become part of something that will continue to grow for years to come.
Here's to growing together.
Takana Native Trees Big native trees. Lasting impact.
Comms were great when required, the purchase process seamless, questions were answered very quickly and the trees we bought were in great condition (if not in a couple of cases quite a bit taller than we were expecting but that's not a gripe, but a thank you for value for money). I was impressed with the whole experience. A pity I won't be around to see these magnificent trees in 50 years. But equally pleased my grandchildren and their children will. Thank you team.
Love our new addition to our garden💛
Team at Takana were brilliant to deal with. Very helpful in the process of transporting the tree to us. Excellent communication throughout the process of initial inquiry to the delivery.
