Free natives to help grow Auckland’s forest canopy: growing nature and community, one native plant at a time

This June, Aucklanders are invited to roll up their sleeves, dig in by planting a free native seedling in their backyard, and be part of a region-wide movement to increase Auckland’s ngahere (forest) canopy, bringing birdsong back to our neighbourhoods, along with numerous other benefits.

Auckland Council’s Plant More Natives seedlings campaign is partnering with community nurseries across Tāmaki Makaurau to give away thousands of native seedlings throughout the month of June.

The goal?

To help achieve Auckland’s Ngahere Strategy of increasing the region’s tree canopy cover from 18 to 30 per cent by enabling Aucklanders to plant a native in their own backyard.

Auckland Council’s General Manager of Environmental Services Samantha Hill says the work to increase Auckland’s canopy cover is already underway with thousands of natives being planted in the region’s parks and public spaces.

Now Aucklanders can help restore our city’s biodiversity and enjoy the birdsong native plants attract by picking up a free native plant during June and planting it on their property.

“By supporting the work of community nurseries and having native plants freely available for a period of time, we’re empowering Aucklanders to take action, connect with nature and make a difference,” says Ms Hill.

Native plants play a vital role in the health of our local ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for native birds, lizards and insects, help stabilise soil and filter rainwater before it reaches our waterways.

Studies show that increasing native vegetation also helps reduce urban heat, clean the air and makes cities more resilient in the face of climate change.

And beyond their environmental benefits, these plants bring beauty, quality and birdsong to the places we live; birds like tūī, kererū and piwakawaka are drawn to native plants.

“We want to make sure everyone has the chance to connect with nature, no matter where they live or how much space they have,” says Ms Hill.

“Whether you have room to plant a kōwhai tree in your front yard or a native grass in a small patch, every plant counts.”

Councillor Richard Hills adds the Plant More Native seedlings campaign also aims to connect Aucklanders with their local community nurseries.

“Our community nurseries, funded by Auckland Council, do amazing work for the biodiversity of the Auckland region,” Hills says.

“These nurseries don’t just grow plants, they nurture knowledge, build relationships and drive local action for the environment.”

This June, participating nurseries will open their doors to the public, offering not only free plants but also advice, inspiration and connection.

Many nurseries are hosting Saturday events where people can meet local experts, learn how to care for native seedlings and discover how native planting fits into broader nature restoration work in their area.

Planting more native plant species in your garden is a small action that can collectively have a big impact supporting native wildlife, improving environmental health, and building stronger connections to nature.

Let’s get growing for a better future.

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