PIP's 11th Birthday Planting Action Day
PIP's 11th Birthday Planting Action Day
PIP Law's 11th birthday celebration took an extraordinary turn, combining client appreciation with environmental action in a way that perfectly captured the firm's innovative spirit.
Over 1,000 trees planted, a new individual record set, and an 11th birthday celebrated in true PIP style - proving that environmental action and business relationships can grow together.
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Over 1,000 trees planted, a new individual record set, and an 11th birthday celebrated in true PIP style - proving that environmental action and business relationships can grow together.
After a week of Auckland rain, the clouds parted to reveal pastel blue skies and warm sunshine - the perfect backdrop for meaningful connection and conservation.
The dual-purpose event brought together 22 business leaders from PIP's diverse client base, including representatives from Air New Zealand, Halter, Ārepa, Fonterra, Task Consultancy, and an exciting marine electronics startup still in stealth mode. This wasn't just tree planting - it was relationship building through shared purpose.
Over 1,000 native trees planted on a sloped hillside site, filling grassy spaces between scattered mature kauka trees with diverse native species including kauka, manuka, karamu, ti toki, totara, ti kouka (cabbage tree), toitoi, and other native grasses and flaxes.
The plantings contribute directly to the Papakura Stream Restoration Project, improving water quality for this vital 40-kilometer waterway that winds through Auckland to Manukau Harbour. The new trees will strengthen stream banks, filter runoff, and sequester carbon while creating habitat corridors for native wildlife.
Planting conditions were ideal - the week's rain had moistened the soil perfectly, and the hillside location provided good drainage without being overly wet. The systematic restoration of this landscape represents meaningful progress toward Auckland's environmental goals.
Daniel Hearn, Head of Intellectual Property at Halter, planted an incredible 130 native trees - smashing the previous record of 128 set by Sam Dean at Flight Digital's planting day. Dan's quiet determination and efficient approach saw him systematically work across the slope, pushing past 50, 70, 90, 100 trees before achieving the new benchmark.
Sheena Thomas and Angela Wray from PIP Law demonstrated excellent teamwork throughout the day.
Sarah Lloyd, Head of Legal at Air New Zealand, brought infectious energy along with her energetic team. Special mention goes to Callum Judd who embraced becoming "the tree" in the tree onesie, offering sage advice:
Keep digging and stay put and stand tall as you grow.
The day began with heartfelt testimonials about PIP's impact: clients praised their "straightforward and understandable legal advice," their personable approach, strategic brand guidance, and internationalization expertise. PIP employees spoke about the firm's flexible work culture, smart colleagues, and opportunities for meaningful events like this planting day.
Dan Hearn's mid-interview realization that it was his mother's birthday too ("I need to give her a call!"), reconnections between university friends meeting again years later on the planting paddock, and new business connections forming over shared conservation work.
The day's perfect conclusion came with a human chain to move remaining plants away from hungry horses - a collaborative moment that embodied the team spirit that made this day special. The celebration continued with barbecue, cold Ārepa in five flavors, and PIP's birthday cake complete with 11 candles (despite the challenging wind).
Sharesies
08/2025
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