Partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land sought.
The New Zealand Government has released a request for information (RFI) inviting potential partners to participate in a tree planting initiative on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value. Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced the move, citing its potential to drive economic growth through forestry jobs and boost export values.
The RFI aims to understand what makes this opportunity attractive and viable for partners, including interest in partnering for commercial, carbon, and biodiversity purposes. Potential barriers to planting will also be identified, and ways the Government can help overcome them.
"We're open to partnering with a range of groups, domestic and international," Mr McClay said. "These partnerships represent a cost-effective approach to reducing net emissions while delivering benefits to local communities."
Potential partners have until 5pm on February 28, 2025, to submit their responses, outlining the activities they're interested in and proposed partnership models.
The Government is seeking to understand what conditions and contractual arrangements would make this initiative viable, with a focus on upholding Treaty of Waitangi settlement obligations where relevant.