Source: Ministry for Primary Industries
Date:
Media contact: MPI media team
Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand) is encouraging iwi, hapū, and whānau to get involved in planting trees on publicly accessible whenua and marae.
Grants are available through Matariki Tu Rākau, the One Billion Trees Fund’s commemorative tree planting initiative.
Matariki is about new beginnings, when we reflect on the past and look ahead to the future.
Matariki Tu Rākau is a way to help whānau and communities work together, reflect on past efforts of valued community members, and grow a greener future.
Since Matariki Tu Rākau’s launch in 2018, thousands of trees have been planted in celebration of New Zealanders who have made a valuable contribution.
The grants provide money for trees (preferably native, regionally appropriate species), the running of a community event, a commemorative plaque, and a contribution to clearance and maintenance. Whether a handful of trees or hundreds, the grants cover applications up to 1 hectare in size.
The initiative supports communities to create lasting memories by planting living salutes where whānau, communities, and visitors can reflect and appreciate the work and sacrifices of great New Zealanders.
The programme has so far seen communities come together at around 150 planting events held across the country by marae, schools, councils, RSAs, and community groups.
These communities will continue to enjoy the many benefits trees provide including clean air, cooling, and better habitats to name a few.
Find out more about the Matariki Tu Rākau grant
Matariki Tu Rākau funding for memorial tree planting in your community
Email us at matarikiturakau@mpi.govt.nz
Call us on 0800 00 83 33
Toitū te ngahere, toitū te whenua, toitū te tangata.
— If we look after the forest, if we look after the land, the land will look after us.
