On 18th June 2022, the Auckland Council and Friends of Mangemangeroa (FOM) organised an annual Community Planting Day 2022 at Mangemangeroa Reserve near Hayley Lane. In response to the T-Earth Project launched by Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Headquarters, Minister in Charge of FGS Auckland Venerable Rulian, BLIA North Island Chapter Sub-Presidents and advisors led a team of 20 BLIA members to work on the restoring of coastal forests along the Mangemangeroa Estuary. There were about 80 volunteers participated in the activity.
The staff of Mangemangeroa Reserve cleared the weeds a few days before the planting activity and provided protective mats, boxes and tools for volunteers while explaining the implanting procedures. BLIA members work in pairs to restore the steepest part of the reserve together with the staff. The procedure is first dig a hole for the seedlings, add a protective mat to prevent the weeds from growing, and lastly put a folded cardboard box to keep wild rabbits from eating them. Despite the rain, the volunteers planted 400 Karamu saplings and shrubs within an hour.
Jim Duckworth, the founder of FOM, stated that it had been 23 years since he founded the group in 1991. He was so impressed by the BLIA members for their neat attire and the professionality of the Team.
Advisor of BLIA Sub Chp 3 Peggy Tsan shared that tree planting needs compassion in digging holes with appropriate height, planting saplings upright and following protective measures. Planting trees require sufficient sunlight, water, nutrients, inspection and pruning. She appreciated the event allowing BLIA members to work together on the community planting event in order to create a better homeland.
Deputy President of BLIA Sub Chp 4 Eric Chang felt excited and motivated when heading to the planting activity with the Team early in the morning. BLIA YAD Howard Wang said that he had planted seven saplings and hoped they would grow stronger. During the activity, he felt that teamwork improves everything in terms of efficiency and quality.