Plant your property

Your own Greendot

Would you like to help to restore indigenous biodiversity on your property creating another Greendot on the Canterbury Plains?

We accept applications all year round from landowners and community groups who would like our assistance with planting native forest on their property.

Applications are assessed by Te Ara Kākāriki ecologists in June each year, with successful applicants planting the following year.

What kind of help can I get?

Successful applicants will each receive a customised restoration plan written by one of our expert ecologists, including analysis of their site, a plant list and planting plan.

We can also arrange a group of volunteers to help you put the plants in the ground, as part of our annual planting events.

Some applicants will also qualify for a small financial grant to subsidise the cost of plants and plant guards, up to a maximum of $1,500.

Who can apply?

Landowners and community groups are eligible to apply if:

Your property is located in the Selwyn District
You have at least 1100m² of land available to plant the following spring. This will be large enough to contain 500 native plants
You are able to commit to the ongoing maintenance and protection of the Greendot site
You have funding to contribute towards plants and plant guards

If you would like to create your own Greendot then please click the below button to complete your application.

Need more information?

If you aren’t sure about applying to establish a Greendot please drop us a line and we’ll be happy to answer any questions

How are successful Greendot sites selected?

A Te Ara Kākāriki panel of ecologists, trustees, and coordinators meet to discuss and review all applications received. In particular we consider:

The location and proximity to the Waikirikiri/Selwyn River and to other Greendots or areas of native vegetation – ideally five kilometres or closer
The size of the proposed site and whether it can contain a 1100m² planting plot initially, with potential for larger areas to be planted in the future.
The shape of the site, and having a maximum core area to edge ratio - the wider the better.
How proactive, willing, and committed landowners are. Successful applicants are required to sign an agreement committing to maintain and provide protection of their site, as well as using eco-sourced plants.

Got a small site?

If you have a smaller site, please get in touch with us before applying. We may be able to help you in other ways and are always happy to discuss ideas. Alternatively, check out the Resources section for general planting information.