This project conserves an area of rich indigenous forest in South Taranaki, capturing carbon from the atmosphere and providing a habitat for native wildlife.

The context
Many of New Zealand’s forests have been cut down and converted to farmland. Even the forests still standing are threatened, due to the need of fertile land for agriculture. To combat this and take action on climate change, the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) funds landowners to protect forests that take in carbon from the atmosphere.

The project
This project is preserving and regrowing an area of native forest in the Arawera forest block, south of Mount Taranaki. This forest was once used for farming but because of ETS funding, has since been left to grow. This forest is growing in size because a) pockets of native forest naturally self-seed and b) the landowner continue to plant new trees and trap pests.

The benefits:
By working to restore this forest, biodiversity is increased in the area. As a result, native insects, frogs, reptiles and birds have a healthy habitat, while native tree species thrive. Because these trees are healthier, more carbon is taken out of the atmosphere. Click here to find out more.

This initiative protects a native rainforest, made up tawhai (silver beech), miro and tōtara and provides economic opportunities for local Maori.

The context
This wet rainforest is adjacent to Fiordland National Park on the southern coastline of the South Island, and located at the start of the Hump Ridge Track. The forest has a tawhai (silver beech) canopy, intermixed with miro and tōtara. Parts of the forest had been logged in the past, and some of the flat terrace land was cleared for farming.

The project
This projects protects the forest with a conservation covenant. meaning that it can’t be cut down. The Rowallan Alton (Māori) Incorporation who have given up the right to harvest timber from their forest to supply carbon offsets to businesses and individuals. The offsets contribute to conservation management and community development at this site.

“We want our mokopuna (grandchildren) to enjoy the sounds of the Tūī, the Kākā, the Kiwi and maybe even one day the Kākāpō. We also want to lead by example, in responsible sustainable management. “
— Ken McAnergney - Rarakau landowner and kaumātua (elder)

The benefits:
“Our forest carbon project enables us to progress our economic development without having to cut our trees down. Our rivers are not being choked up with sediment because we are not logging the forest. The bird life is thriving and we are helping to protect the coastal waters. The revenue from carbon credits has provided an income stream that can help us train our young people, develop our farm and provide future education and employment opportunities. It is also a show-piece for integrated land management for other indigenous landowners throughout the country.”
— Mike Gibbs - Rarakau landowner