Z Energy and the native tree planting charity Trees That Count are partnering for an exciting new initiative that aims to restore New Zealand’s native forests. The two organisations have worked together on various projects since 2016, but the new programme is interested in investing in barriers to large-scale native planting and restoration.
“The new project – in collaboration with Tane’s Tree Trust, who will be providing technical support – will focus on demonstrating a concept known as ‘seed islands’ at selected sites across the country. A seed island is a small area of intensive planting of your selected target species – in this case, native trees and shrubs – that will fit within a manageable area. Over time, the trees will start seeding, and birds and the wind will then start distributing that seed to the rest of the marginal open hill country to start the process of regenerating our native forests,” said Dr David Bergin, Science and Technical Advisor for Project Crimson, which manages Trees That Count.
“What’s super exciting about this project is the potential to develop and prove an approach that will improve the affordability and effectiveness of large-scale regeneration projects that can then be applied to other projects around the country. As a business, we have impacts on and are dependent on nature. We believe we have a responsibility to take action, to enhance the resilience of nature, communities, and our climate in an integrated way,” said Abbie Bull, Z’s Head of Sustainability and Community.
Z's support is part of its $1 million biodiversity fund, which supports projects that aim to accelerate nature restoration and achieve meaningful social and environmental benefits.
