On October 16th, 2025, something special happened at Jardine Park. Over 150 people from Queenstown’s business community stepped away from their usual Thursday routines, pulled on gardening gloves, and got their hands dirty (quite literally) by planting 2,000 native seedlings into the ground.
A Collaboration Rooted in Shared Values
It was a hands-on day, which Skyline Queenstown delivered in partnership with Love Queenstown, Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, and Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC). The goal was simple: plant and nurture native trees to strengthen the Whakatipu Basin’s natural ecosystem.
Planting native species is more than just putting a seed in the soil. Native plants support local ecosystems, providing shelter and food for birds, insects, and other wildlife. They help stabilise soil and improve water quality. But planting natives takes care – these species are often delicate, and how they are handled and positioned in the soil can make all the difference between them thriving or struggling. That’s why guidance from experts at the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust was key, ensuring every seedling had the best chance to grow strong and healthy.
“Seeing the business community come together reinforces what we already know – that sustainability is a team effort,” says Pierre Poyet, Sustainability Lead for Skyline Queenstown. “When we work alongside our neighbours, partners, and the wider community to restore our local ecosystems, we’re not just planting trees, we’re collectively working towards a better future for the next generation”.
A Day of Connection, Collaboration, and Community
The atmosphere throughout the day was full of laughter and a genuine sense of shared purpose – even with a bit of morning rain, which thankfully cleared for a sunny afternoon! Having both morning and afternoon planting sessions made it easy for local businesses to join in when it suited their teams.
The Skyline kitchen team kicked things off with chocolate croissants and muffins in the morning, followed by a BBQ lunch stacked with steak, sausages, and all the trimmings. Because nothing brings people together quite like breaking bread (or sharing a sausage) after working side by side in the soil.
Throughout the day, our Skyline Care Team stepped up as leaders, guiding planting teams from across Queenstown’s business community on what to do. A lot of love and care goes into growing these plants at Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, and the same care went into planting them. “Watching everyone get stuck in was brilliant,” says Suchit Chhetri, Activities Manager and member of the Skyline Care Team. “It’s amazing what a group of motivated people can achieve in a few hours, and there’s nothing like a bit of soil on your hands to feel truly connected to the land.”
4,000 Trees and Counting
This year’s planting brought the collaborative total to over 4,000 native plants established at the Jardine Park site over the past two years. It’s a remarkable achievement and a powerful reminder of what sustained, collective action can look like when a community commits for the long haul.
And this is only part of the journey. Skyline Queenstown has committed to seeing the Jardine Park reforestation project through to completion.
The Ripple Effect of Restoration
With generous support from Air New Zealand, Trees that Count (via Bupa), Patagonia, and Ryd, this collaborative effort shows what’s possible when organisations align around a shared vision for environmental restoration.
The event also provided an opportunity for participants to visit the Reforestation Trust’s community nursery, seeing firsthand the incredible work happening behind the scenes to grow the native plants that will continue to restore our region’s ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What was the purpose of the planting day?
The goal was to plant and nurture native trees with the help of local Queenstown businesses, bringing the community together.
How many people took part?
Over 150 people from Queenstown’s business community joined in.
How many trees were planted?
2,000 native seedlings were planted at the 2025 event, bringing the total at Jardine Park to over 4,000 over the past two years.
Why are native trees so important?
Native trees provide food and shelter for local birds, insects, and other wildlife. They help stabilise soil, improve water quality, and maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem.
Why do the trees need careful planting?
Native seedlings are delicate. Proper handling and placement ensures they have the best chance to grow strong and healthy.
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