Lowe & Co's third annual Planting Action Day broke two records in a single afternoon. 2,213 native seedlings went into the ground at Mangaroa Farms – the most trees ever planted at a CarbonInvoice Planting Action Day, anywhere in the country.

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Three years of building

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Lowe & Co has been measuring its carbon footprint and funding native trees every month with CarbonInvoice since 1 January 2024. Each year the team has swapped the office for a hillside, and each year they've planted more:

• 2024, Belmont Regional Park – 601 seedlings
• 2025, Catchpool Valley – 708 seedlings
• 2026, Mangaroa Farms – 2,213 seedlings

Impact: 2,213 native seedlings planted

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2,213 native seedlings planted – beating the national record of 1,341 (Tracksuit, 2025) and the Wellington record of 856 (Sharesies, 2025) in one go.

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The trees are going into old dairy farmland that Mangaroa Farms is turning back into forest – sedges and harakeke down in the wetland, tōtara, karamū and rewerewa up on the drier banks. Over time they'll clean up the waterways, bring the birdlife back, and pull carbon out of the air for decades.

Standout moments

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The overall reflection this year was how everyone showed up with big smiles, focused intensity and real collaboration. What a crew! No wonder you sell so many houses.

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Craig's business wisdom

The word BUSINESS comes from being busy... so in business I'm always busy.

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On learning the record result

How do you like that Sharesies... stick that in your Sharesies account!

(Speaker unidentified.)

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Shout outs

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Georgia Mason-Poll, leadership

Over 100 seedlings planted herself, while also coaching everyone around her on technique and keeping spirits up. Epic paddock camaraderie.

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Robin Angell, the Tree sequel

In a completely surprising sequel to Tree Catchpool 2025, Robin transformed into Tree, the one and only. He seems so at home in photosynthesis.

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Leigh Adgo, the enabler

For setting up tree guards and getting them out to everyone, so the rest of the team could keep moving.

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Aaron Burke, tough as they come

Despite a busted shoulder, Aaron put in a huge, record-breaking personal tally.

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Mitch Agnew, attitude

For a splendid attitude (and shorts)!

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Chloe McKenzie, the organiser

For organising the day and getting an epic turnout from the team.

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Craig Lowe, in service

With an injured wrist, Craig spent the day ferrying trees out to his team and handing out praise as he went.