We have 3500 native trees to plant at the Great Living Legends Muck In at Otukaikino Reserve in 2013. Register now to join us at the event!
Check out who the 17 Rugby Legends are here
Canterbury
Living Legends is helping to return Otukaikino Reserve, an outstanding wetland and public recreation area near Christchurch, to as near as possible its natural state through our five year planting programme. With the help of volunteers, and Rugby Legend Tane , we have now planted a total of 7500 native trees at Otukaikino Reserve since 2011. Living Legends will continue planting in this area in 2013.
This high visibility site beside the northern motorway has shown excellent growth and survival of both 2011 and 2012 plantings. Protective sleeves (Combiguards) have contributed to the good growth giving both shelter and protection from rabbits.
"The Bugman" Ruud Kleinpaste and Carlos at the Canterbury Schools event in 2012
Otukaikino Reserve is a 13ha freshwater wetland reserve to the north of Christchurch – at the southern end of the northern motorway. It is one of the few remaining original wetlands that were once common around Christchurch. A boardwalk taking approximately twenty minutes meanders around the wetland, through tall raupo, flaxes and grasses. Sitting areas are placed along the way.
Otukaikino is significant for Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, as it was once used for burial preparation and is designated a Wai Tapu site. The water, vegetation and mud were used by Tohunga (priests) for embalming purposes. The Department of Conservation, in partnership with Lamb & Hayward Funeral Directors and Tuahuriri Runanga, is restoring this wetland reserve by the gradual planting of living memorials – native trees and plants – donated by Lamb & Hayward, to commemorate each funeral organised by the Company (at no cost to the client). There are no burials within this reserve and specific trees are not dedicated to any one person.
Check out the photos from the 2012 Canterbury Great Living Legends Muck In
Photos from the 2011 Canterbury Great Living Legends Muck In
View the planting location on Google maps in a new window
43°25' 56" S
172°38' 35" E
Events
Registrations for this event close midnight, Wednesday, 14 August, 2013.
Rugby Legend - Tane Norton
Born in Waikari, North Canterbury, Tane started playing rugby at the Methven Rugby Club, later moving to the Linwood Rugby Club in Christchurch. Tane vividly remembers his father buying his very first pair of rugby boots.
In 1969 he first won a place in the New Zealand Maoris, then later secured a spot in the Canterbury team. After appearing in the New Zealand trials in 1970 and 1971 he was selected for the All Blacks against the 1971 Lions, beginning a run of 27 consecutive test matches.
Tane toured with the All Blacks, he played in Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland and South Africa. Tane’s greatest success was captaining the All Blacks to victory against the 1977 Lions.
Tane also played in and captained the New Zealand Maoris between1969-75. In all Tane played 197 first class games, including 82 for Canterbury and 61 for New Zealand.
Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson and Rugby Legend Tane Norton at the launch of Living Legends in 2011
Tane was the most capped All Black from Canterbury when he retired. Tane also held the record for being the oldest All Black Captain at 35 years and 136 days old!
After retiring from playing he remained actively involved as a coach and administrator with the Linwood club. He was elected as NZRU Vice President in 2001 and subsequently again in 2003. As well as these major achievements, in 2006, Tane was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Zealand Honours List.
Tane’s family involvement in Canterbury rugby continues with his four sons playing for Linwood, and mother Jacqui happily providing the next generation of Norton rugby players 100% support from the sidelines.
If Tane has one piece of advice for young New Zealanders it would be that whatever sport you play, enjoy it. Be a good sport – be humble when you win and gracious when you lose.
Tane is very happy to have been chosen as Canterbury’s Rugby Legend and to be able to get involved in the programme, making a difference to New Zealand for generations to come.
News
Tane Norton and Kate Wilkinson muck in to plant 2100 native trees
On Saturday 11 August, Rugby Legend Tane Norton and Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson mucked in to help local volunteers plant thousands of native trees and shrubs at the Otukaikino Reserve, near Christchurch. This staggering achievement…
