The Arbor Day Foundation is partnering with Auckland Council as part of its local government's urban ngahere (forest) strategy.
This strategy will increase the urban tree canopy by planting trees in areas of greatest need in the Auckland region.
Auckland Council aims to increase the urban tree canopy coverage in the region from 18 percent to 30 percent.
“I welcome Auckland Council’s partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, which will progress our goal of increasing Auckland’s tree canopy coverage to create a greener and more beautiful city, provide shade in public areas and absorb carbon emissions,” said Phil Goff, Mayor of Auckland.
“If our proposed Climate Action Targeted Rate is supported by Auckland councillors this year, we will also plant an additional 15,000 large native trees in low-income areas that currently have low canopy coverage, addressing a long-standing inequity in our city.”
"Auckland has previously been awarded a Tree Cities of the World designation for its creativity and sustainability in creating healthier urban spaces," said Dan Lambe, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.
"We could not be more excited for this partnership with Auckland Council who has a deep understanding of the importance urban forests play in our everyday lives.”
Auckland Council prioritises the care and upkeep of its urban ngahere (forest) as it cools the city, cleans the air and water, and enhances biodiversity.
The council will source thousands of native trees and shrubs to be planted out this year from local nurseries run by local iwi (tribal people) and community organisations.
Auckland Council’s Million Trees project was initiated by Mayor Goff in 2016 and successfully planted more than one million trees across the region by the end of the first mayoral term.
Having exceeded the initial target, Mayor Goff set the next goal of planting an additional 1.5 million native trees and shrubs during the 2019 to 2022 council term.
Trees will be planted in areas of greatest need, and the current goal is to increase the urban tree cover from 18 percent to 30 percent.
The planting of trees and the wellbeing of the environment is strongly connected to Matariki, which signals the Māori New Year and is a time of renewal and rest in New Zealand that begins with the rising of the Matariki (Pleiades) constellation.
The four main planting events have been planned to coincide with this and will take place on 28 May, 18 June, 2 July and 30 July of this year.
Anyone who wants to be involved should visit the Million Trees website to book a volunteer space.
