The first partnerships under the One Billion Trees Fund have been approved, with over $1 million committed to projects that will help achieve the goal of planting at least one billion trees by 2028.

Launched in November, the Fund includes $120m for partnership initiatives that support an increase in planting throughout New Zealand.

“These first partnerships will progress initiatives across science, nursery sector capability and environmental restoration – all key priority areas of the Fund,” Forestry Minister Shane Jones said.

The three projects are:

- a native seed planting trial in Otago and Canterbury which aims to deliver more effective methods for planting large scale native forests;

- a regional study in Hawkes Bay to identify commercial and non-commercial forestry activities that provide benefits to the community;

- a national strategy for native tree nurseries to address sector capability and support the success of seedling production as the One Billion Trees programme ramps up.

“Our aim with this Fund is to create even closer working relationships with partners across New Zealand,” Shane Jones said.

“Supporting projects like these are a critical part of achieving our goal and we have some very enthusiastic individuals and organisations ready to help reduce the barriers to tree planting.

“This is about working together, putting our thinking caps on and creating innovative ways of achieving our goal. We are a country full of Number 8 wire thinkers and I’m extremely encouraged by these first partnerships.

“We’re looking to work with regional councils, sector organisations, environmental NGOs, researchers, training organisations, Maori entities, community groups and other agencies.”

More information on the Fund can be found at www.teururakau.govt.nz/1bt

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