The planting programme was part of Playcentre Awareness Week, which marks the New Zealand Playcentre Federation's 60th anniversary celebrations.
The federation operates 498 early childhood education centres nationwide for infants to school entry-age children.
Playcentre supervisor Tracey Chettleburgh said there were 15 children, three staff and several parent helpers at the playcentre.
A donation of 60 plants by a Dunedin hardware retailer made the initiative possible.
The aim was to get children thinking about sustainability and conservation involving native plants at an early age, she said.
Green Party education spokeswoman Metiria Turei attended the open day and planting session.
‘‘I thoroughly enjoyed the tree planting and activities at the [playcentre]. It was wonderful watching the children so engaged with this activity and learning a huge amount,'' Mrs Turei said.
During Playcentre Awareness Week playcentres around the country have been engaged in tasks consistent with the week's ‘‘small steps to effect change'' theme.
This included composting food waste, collecting rubbish from beaches and explaining environmental awareness initiatives to children.
Federation member playcentres are run as parent cooperatives, where children attending half-day sessions are collectively supervised and taught.
Parents are offered free NZQA-recognised training in child development and positive discipline.
