Mass native tree planting initiative launched to celebrate Kiwi babies

To celebrate the arrival of the Prime Minister’s new baby, conservation charity Trees That Count has launched Trees for Kiwi Babies - a gifting registry to acknowledge the birth of every Kiwi baby born in 2018.

Donations to Trees for Kiwi Babies will go towards community native tree planting projects to be planted during Matariki 2019. Trees That Count will work with community planting groups throughout New Zealand to identify planting locations and will invite Kiwi parents and their babies born in 2018, who will then be turning one, to come along and plant a native tree.

Supporter of Trees That Count, Sir Stephen Tindall says “we were delighted to gift the first trees to the Tree Registry. The Prime Minister herself has said that climate change is this generation’s nuclear free moment. Every tree gifted will help Trees That Count’s overall goal to see 200 million new native trees planted over the next 10 years, which will make a significant impact on carbon reduction, and contribute to New Zealand’s climate change goals.There’s nothing better we can do for our children and grandchildren than act now for climate change, and planting a tree for every baby born is a lovely way to honour a new arrival.”

Whilst ambitious, the goal is to see 60,000 native trees gifted over the next six months - one for every baby born in New Zealand this year. The registry is open to the public, and has seen some high profile donors already, such as Mayor Phil Goff and Sir Eion and Lady Jan Edgar - as well as plenty of Kiwi families or businesses acknowledging either a baby that is special to them personally, or celebrating the Prime Minister's new arrival. Each native tree donation costs $10 and can be added at www.treesthatcount.co.nz/treesforbabies

It’s been a big month for Trees That Count, following the recent announcement of Government funding for Trees That Count. The nationwide native tree planting movement will help the One Billion Trees programme through an uplift in community based, native planting programmes.

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