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Partners support native planting at Picton School

Port Marlborough, HEB Construction and KiwiRail are supporting a new native planting initiative at Picton School, reflecting their shared commitment to working closely with the local community. Port Marlborough and their main contractor HEB Construction are progressing the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project, whilst KiwiRail is preparing for construction of the Dublin Street Overbridge. The organisations have come together to support this school-led initiative.

The initiative will see native trees and hedging planted along two school boundaries, supporting Picton School’s Enviroschools programme and Environmental Care Code while creating additional screening between the school grounds and surrounding roads.

Port Marlborough horticulturalist John McGreevy worked with the school to plan the project, select suitable native species and source the plants. Port Marlborough and KiwiRail are jointly funding the plants and associated materials.

The planting will also support the school as the local transport network changes alongside the project. Planned changes include Kent Street becoming part of State Highway 1 and temporary changes to traffic movements on Broadway and York Street during the Dublin Street overbridge redevelopment, which is due to begin in early 2027.

The University of Canterbury Student Volunteer Army will provide the people power, with students visiting Picton School from 18 to 20 September to undertake the planting.

Picton School Principal, Katie Talbot says

“We are very grateful for the wonderful support from Port Marlborough, HEB Construction and KiwiRail Interislander. Our tamariki love the outdoors and we are always trying to foster the connection to local, place-based knowledge, and this initiative beautifully bridges the gap between our local business community and the places where our ākonga learn and play.

Not only will these native trees greatly enhance our school’s appearance, but they will also create a much-needed visual and noise barrier along the state highway. Our tamariki and school community will appreciate and enjoy this addition for so many years to come.”

The planting has been prompted by planned changes to the local road network associated with the new Interislander ferries and the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project. Kent Street is planned to become part of State Highway 1, while Broadway and York Street will temporarily carry additional traffic during the future redevelopment of the Dublin Street overbridge. Picton School identified native planting along its most affected boundaries as a practical way to provide additional screening and help reduce the effects of traffic noise and air pollution on its playground and learning environments.

Port Marlborough CEO Rhys Welbourn said the Port had a longstanding relationship with Picton School and was pleased to be able to contribute practical expertise as well as funding.

“Picton School is an important part of our local community, and we have worked closely with the school over many years. With a major infrastructure programme now under way in Waitohi Picton, it is important that we continue listening to our neighbours and supporting practical initiatives that make a positive difference.

“John has been able to bring his horticultural expertise to the project, working with the school to develop a planting plan and select suitable native species. It is great to see our support and expertise combined with the support of HEB and KiwiRail, and the enthusiasm of the Student Volunteer Army, to create something the school community will benefit from into the future.”

HEB Construction as the Main Works Contractor for the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project delivering the new landside and marine infrastructure required for the next generation of Interislander ferries at Waitohi Picton. As construction activity increases across the project, the team are committed to engaging with and supporting the local community.

“We want to positively impact the community while we’re working in Picton. Being a good neighbour means listening, getting involved and supporting practical initiatives like this. Working alongside Picton School, Port Marlborough and KiwiRail is a great example of creating something lasting for the community beyond the construction works,” says HEB Construction’s Project Director Dan Chisnall.

KiwiRail’s Interislander services connect people, freight and rail between the North and South Islands, with the redevelopment of the Waitohi Picton terminal supporting the introduction of two new rail-enabled ferries planned for 2029. KiwiRail Project Manager Stu Ridley says KiwiRail is pleased to be supporting the initiative.

“As Picton gears up for major infrastructure improvements associated with the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project and Dublin Street overbridge, we recognise there will be changes for the local community. This planting project is one way we can support and contribute to a greener, healthier environment for children, teachers and staff.”

For Port Marlborough, the planting is part of an ongoing relationship with Picton School that has included support for school activities and environmental initiatives, as well as regular engagement as a close neighbour to the port. Once established, the new native planting will create a greener boundary around the school and leave a lasting contribution from the organisations and volunteers involved in bringing the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment project to life.