MoTEC, in partnership with Tasman Bay Guardians and New Zealand Landcare Trust, ran their annual Native Seedling Pricking Out event, giving students a hands-on opportunity to support native forest restoration in our region.
Over five action-packed days, students from across the Tasman region rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty, all for a greener, healthier future. MoTEC’s event brought together 13 local schools and 320 students in a powerful show of community collaboration, sustainability, and environmental education. Just under 3000 native plants were pricked out over the course of the week!
What Is “Native Pricking out”?
For those unfamiliar with the term, “native pricking out” refers to carefully transplanting young native seedlings from trays into larger containers, such as root trainers. This gives the seedlings the space and nutrients they need to grow strong enough to be planted in the wild. It’s a critical step in the propagation process and an excellent way to engage people of all ages in conservation.
Planting Seeds And Knowledge
The primary goal of this event was not only to support reforestation but also to provide students with a deeper understanding of the importance of native plants in our ecosystems. MoTEC Nursery, which grows native plants to raise funds for conservation materials and equipment, hosted the students for an interactive experience that connected biology, ecology, and climate resilience.
Each session began with a short introduction from MoTEC and a hands-on demonstration by event leads, sparking questions, discussions, and curiosity among participants throughout the activity.
Where Do the Seedlings Go?
Many of the seedlings came from the MoTEC Nursery itself, with additional contributions from the Motueka and Moutere community nurseries. MoTEC aims to eco-source their native seeds, to ensure genetic suitability for local conditions.
Once grown, these seedlings will be sold to local landowners, catchment groups, and community members who are committed to restoring native bush on their land. Every plant potted up by a student is a step toward a more connected and resilient landscape.
Planning, Partnerships and a Few Surprises
Pulling off an event of this scale takes time. Seedlings must be started well in advance, since some native seeds are notoriously slow to germinate. Supplies like root trainers and potting mix were sourced ahead of time, and coordination with schools, volunteers, and partner organisations began a month or more prior to the event.
As always, there were a few nerves around whether we’d have enough seedlings to go around. Thankfully, MoTEC and the community nurseries (and one local legend named Bill) delivered in spades ensuring there were more than enough plants to keep every student engaged.
Growing More Than Just Trees
The enthusiasm from the students was infectious. Many commented on how much they enjoyed the chance to “get their hands dirty for a good cause,” and we hope each one walked away with:
- A deeper appreciation for native ecosystems,
- A sense of pride in helping their community,
- And practical skills they can apply at home or in future projects.
Looking Ahead
We’re already planning our next native pricking out day in October, in collaboration with Enviroschools and several Waimea primary schools. Events like this are part of our long-term commitment to building environmental awareness and resilience through education. Our vision is to make these events a regular feature, involving more schools, community groups, and volunteers, all working together toward a shared goal: restoring and protecting Aotearoa’s unique native ecosystems.
Want to Get Involved?
There are plenty of ways to join the movement:
- Follow local Facebook pages for updates and event info
- Subscribe to newsletters from organisations like TBG, TET, NZLT, MCC, and MCG
- Volunteer for planting days and nursery work
- Or just start a conversation about native plants in your community!
Final Thoughts
At its heart, this event was about more than pricking out seedlings; it was about planting the seeds of awareness, action, and connection in the next generation of environmental stewards. We’re incredibly proud of everyone who took part, and we can’t wait to see what grows next.
Stay tuned and stay rooted in conservation!