Free Tree Day is back for its third year to give Tauranga residents the opportunity to increase the city’s tree canopy coverage by receiving a free native tree to plant in their own backyard.

This year’s tree collection will again take place at Mercury Baypark on Saturday, 6 June, 8am – 4pm, one day after Arbor Day is celebrated in New Zealand. This initiative offers residents the opportunity to receive one free native tree per household to plant on their property.

Tauranga City Council Urban Forester Team Lead Mark Armistead says Free Tree Day is a popular date in the local calendar for thousands of Tauranga residents.

“We’ve had two really good years of this initiative being supported and expect just as many people to get involved this year,” Mark says.

“There’s a variety of trees for people to choose from, and these all bring different benefits such as shade, improving air quality and providing shelter for birdlife.”

Council has a goal to reach 30% tree canopy coverage across the city, and providing a tree to households is a cost-effective option than council planting and maintaining the same number of new trees.

Anyone wanting a free tree for their household will need to book their collection time in order for staff to manage the distribution and make collection easy for everyone. No trailers are needed on the day as all trees can fit in cars.

Find out more and register for your free tree: tauranga.govt.nz/freetreeday

Free Tree Day 
8am – 4pm 
Saturday, 6 June 2026 
Mercury Baypark (81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui)

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