How Many Trees Has New Zealand Planted?

New Zealand has been lauded for its ambitious efforts to combat climate change, which includes an ambitious goal of planting one billion trees by 2028. This goal was set by the government in 2018, and since then, the country has significantly ramped up its efforts to plant more trees across the country.

The One Billion Trees Programme

The One Billion Trees Programme is a government-led initiative that aims to achieve a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits by planting one billion trees over 10 years. The programme is a key component of New Zealand's efforts to combat climate change and meet its target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The programme has a budget of NZD1.3 billion over its lifespan and is being overseen by the Ministry for Primary Industries. It is a multi-sectoral approach involving partnership and collaboration with farmers, iwi, community groups, and businesses.

The Progress So Far

New Zealand has made significant progress towards its goal of planting one billion trees by 2028. According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, as of June 2021, 204 million trees have been planted under the programme. Of these, 141 million have been planted since the programme's inception in 2018.

The trees planted under the programme include a variety of species such as Pinus radiata, Douglas fir, and indigenous trees like manuka and kanuka. The majority of the trees have been planted on private land, with farmers and landowners being incentivized to participate in the programme.

The Benefits of Planting Trees

Planting trees has a range of benefits, both for the environment and for people. Trees help combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their wood, leaves, and roots. They also help mitigate the effects of extreme weather events like floods and droughts by preventing soil erosion and improving water quality.

Aside from their environmental benefits, trees provide a range of social and economic benefits to local communities. They can provide shade and shelter, reduce noise pollution, and improve air quality, which in turn has positive impacts on public health. In addition, the forestry industry is a significant contributor to the New Zealand economy, providing jobs and income in regional areas.

Challenges and Opportunities

While New Zealand has made good progress towards its goal of planting one billion trees, the programme still faces some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring the trees planted are the right species, in the right place, and managed in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.

There is also a need to ensure that the benefits of the programme are shared more widely across communities and particularly with Māori communities. The One Billion Trees Programme presents an opportunity for greater collaboration between iwi, hapū, and whānau, and for the integration of Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) into conservation practices.

Conclusion

The One Billion Trees Programme is a key component of New Zealand's efforts to combat climate change and achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. While significant progress has been made towards the target of planting one billion trees, there are still challenges to be addressed, and opportunities to be seized. However, by working in partnership and collaboration with communities and businesses, New Zealand can continue to make progress towards a greener, more sustainable future.