Te Mata Park’s Little Redwoods grove turns 50

The provenance of the grove is intertwined with the Rotary network, both locally and in California. The trees were propagated by the late Don Wilson, a local Rotarian, using seeds sent from the Redwood Rotary Club of California. The seedlings were planted in the Park in 1974 by members of the Hastings club.

Today, the grove of approximately 135 trees stands at about 45 metres tall and is a much loved and visited destination within the Park.

David Davidson, chairman of the community services committee of the Rotary Club of Hastings in 1974, was present at the 50^th anniversary celebration and at the original planting. He said, “We are proud to mark the 50-year anniversary of the planting of the Little Redwoods and reflect on the longevity of the club’s association with Te Mata Park, a place of such importance to the people of Hawke’s Bay.”

Te Mata Park Trust Chair Mike Devonshire said, “Te Mata Park has enjoyed a long relationship with the Rotary Club of Hastings, and we are incredibly grateful for their support over the decades. Beyond the planting of the Little Redwoods, they have supported, and continue to support, many of our projects and volunteering activities.”

To read more about the Little Redwoods, go to the Te Mata Park website.

The Little Redwoods can be accessed from either Tauroa Rd car park, or the Main Gates car park. It is a 10-to-15-minute walk from either.