Trees That Count: Gifting Sustainably

Our native trees are vital to who we are as New Zealanders: they’re something that many of us associate with ‘back home’. Many of us will have stories associated with a special native tree or particular memory: maybe a backyard favourite, the majestic Tāne Mahuta, or a holiday spot icon. Native trees are part of what makes Aotearoa such a unique place to call home.

We’re guessing it’s been particularly hard being far from our antipodean home this year. 2020, eh? The upcoming holiday season might be tough, especially if your plans to head home for the NZ summer to give friends and whanau a hug have been scuppered by COVID restrictions. 

Good news for you, though: there’s a way to reach out to your loved ones back in NZ and also help our beautiful country get back on its feet. If you’re keen to send a thoughtful gift across the miles that gives back to both people and the planet, why not consider gifting a native tree this Kirihimete? 

It’s a really simple process: you pick out a gift certificate on our website, and add your personal message. That then flies off to your recipient via email, on the date you choose. The native tree you’ve gifted will go to one of over 700 planting projects we support all over NZ to be planted and cared for in 2021—and you and your giftee will get an update to let you know where your special native tree is headed.

We know from experience that native tree gifts are a present that recipients really appreciate; and best of all, you’re doing Aotearoa a huge favour. Native trees support entire ecosystems, and our beloved wildlife, from the quiet Kiwi to the cheeky Kea. They contribute to climate change mitigation in a big way. They create jobs and support small businesses throughout the whole native tree life cycle.

In fact, if you’re in need of a pick-me-up, read the stories of some of the amazing work carried out by the planting groups we support. From waterway restoration in Wellington to reforestation in the deep South and planting on dairy farms up North, dedicated Kiwis are doing great things for the environment—and the more generous people donate, the more native trees we can provide them with.

A native tree is the gift that really does keep on giving—and not in the re-gifting sense. So if your thoughts are with home this Christmas, back our big backyard. Send native trees to your loved ones, and in doing so, send a little aroha to New Zealand’s native forests.