Planting native trees is the most popular conservation activity in New Zealand. Everywhere kiwis are seeking to bring back our forests. Here at Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere we have sought to celebrate the people behind efforts to restore native vegetation to these public conservation lands. The distinctive pattern speaks of inaka (whitebait), tuna (Long-fin eel) and a lazy wetland river. Once established, it will also bring shelter to provide an outdoor classroom for local schools. In this design and its implementation a forest of plants and a forest of people are equally celebrated.