It all started with a friendly chat. A couple of locals looked at an overgrown stretch of SH6 and asked, “Wouldn’t it be great to do something about it?” That small idea quickly grew into something remarkable—an ambitious community project to create a thriving native forest to connect the Moutere Inlet with the Waimea Estuary, and enhance the Dicker Ridge track for people to enjoy.
Stretching along the highway between Tasman and Māpua, Te Mamaku Native Corridor is on its way to becoming a flourishing greenway for native birds, insects, and people. With just 10km left to complete, this inspiring project has gained recognition from government agencies, iwi, conservation groups, and national TV! Watch Good Sorts story
From Overgrown Wasteland to Native Haven
When SH60 was reconfigured between Māpua and Motueka, it left behind a forgotten strip of crown land, quickly overtaken by wilding pines, gorse, and blackberry. But in just three years, this community-led project has transformed the landscape.
So far, volunteers have planted 25,000 trees across 5.9 hectares, with another 3.5 hectares cleared and ready for 16,000 more! Thanks to their mahi—and support from contractors and generous funders—this once-neglected land is on the way to becoming a growing biodiversity hotspot.
New Signs to Guide and Inspire
If you’re out exploring the area, keep an eye out for the new signs installed at either end of the track. These signs share the story behind Te Mamaku Native Corridor, the supporters and progress made, and, most importantly, how you can get involved!
Be Part of This Legacy
This project’s proof of what a local community can do when passionate people come together. And they’re not done yet! With your help, we can complete the corridor and continue restoring native habitats for generations to come.
🌱 Every $10 donation plants a tree! Donate here: www.tet.org.nz/get-involved/donate/ And please select Te Mamaku Native Corridor from the dropdown menu.
Want to get your hands dirty and help our plants thrive? Email: [email protected] to volunteer.
Watch the journey unfold: Check out the project video!
Together, we’re growing more than trees—we’re growing a legacy.
