The area by Ava Rima on Mangarongaro had many dead trees, some initial damage was from a fire several years ago. By far the biggest problem is impacts caused by climate change. Increased solar & u/v radiation; high levels of wind-borne salt; limited rainfall so trees cannot flush out excess salt.
To help our long-term food security we've been replanting. Senior students from Hapii Omoka helped three times with fieldwork during 2015.
This achieves three things: the young ones learn that Nature takes time to grow; that we must plan ahead; and they now have a direct stake in their own future.