Published Friday, 31 August 2026
Lyttelton Port Company has completed a large-scale native planting project at MidlandPort in Rolleston, with 3,000 eco-sourced native seedlingsplanted across 5,000m² of the stormwater bunds surrounding the site. The planting mix includes grasses, sedges, flaxes, shrubs and trees selected to suit the local conditions. The plants have been arranged to improve biodiversity, create habitat for native birds and invertebrates, help manage stormwater and provide a natural screen around part of the depot. It will also contribute to wider environmental restoration on the Canterbury Plains where less than 1% of the original native forest remains and tree cover is well below the national average.
The planting has been carried out with Te Ara Kākāriki Greenway Canterbury Trust, which works with landowners, businesses and communities to create connected native habitats across Canterbury. The trust has already planted more than 250,000 native seedlings at 157 sites throughout the region.
LPC Environment and Sustainability Business Partner Caitlin Cain said the project would deliver benefits well beyond the MidlandPort boundary.
“This project is about creating lasting environmental value. The green dot will be part of a pathway helping our wildlife to move safely from our inland ranges and foothills to Banks Peninsula.”
The project will also support environmental education through Te Ara Kākāriki’s Kids Discovery Plant-Out Programme, with Burnham School students planting the final 200 native seedlings at Midland Port in October 2026. The programme provides students with hands-on conservation experience and a meaningful opportunity to contribute to local biodiversity restoration. In 2024, the programme engaged 924 students who planted 4,469 native seedlings across Canterbury.
LPC Inland Ports and Supply Chain Group Manager, Sean Bradley, says MidlandPort is proud this planting supports biodiversity restoration efforts.
“We’re pleased to have the planting at MidlandPort and look forward to supporting further restoration initiatives,” said Sean.