We are so proud of the students and teachers, including Garry Brittenden at Akaroa Area School for the work they have done and will be doing for their reforestation project at Te Umu te Rehua/Hammond Point.

We have chosen to provide sponsorship and volunteer our time to 2025 and beyond as it is very much in line with our company's values of giving back to our local community as well as enhancing the environment through conservation, research & education. 

In June 2020 we began offering our guests the opportunity to make a donation toward this forest restoration project, which also helps mitigate the carbon emissions produced by our experience. This is a great project, not only for our guests to see first-hand and to learn about while on our cruise but also for the students and future generations. To date (1st October 2024), $8,520 has been donated to this fantastic project.

A very proud moment for everyone involved was when the Supreme Award at the Aoraki/Canterbury Conservation Board Award was given to the students for their work on Te Umu Te Rehua / Hammond Point, in December 2020. The award came with a stunning carving and $3000. The students made a video for their entry which you can view from the link https://fb.watch/2qmcB9FCZo/

The school will be forming a Friends of Hammond Point Community group. If you are interested in becoming part of this exciting restoration project you can contact the school by emailing aasoffice@akaroa.school.nz or calling +6433047108.

Here is a link to the location of the project on Google Maps, where you can watch the forest grow over time ~ https://goo.gl/maps/Nbhzfe9UTZaHLUcv8

Written by Julia Waghorn

Photos by Jason Crew