New Zealand / Environment

Trust to co-ordinate re-planting of Port Hills

15:51 pm on 3 September 2017

A trust has been established to help co-ordinate the re-planting of Christchurch's Port Hills.

The aftermath of the Port Hills fires. Photo: RNZ/ Brad White

A fire there in February burned for weeks, destroying nine homes and costing the life of a helicopter pilot helping to fight it.

It also laid waste to thousands of trees over an area totalling 1600 hectares.

The Te Tapuwae o Rakau Trust will work to co-ordinate the various groups helping to replant the area.

It will focus on choosing the correct species, and helping private landowners who wish to replace trees lost in the flames.