Meridian Energy is celebrating more than 676 hectares, about 800 rugby fields, of trees planted and more than 13,000 invasive pests removed through its Forever Forests programme, and has committed a further $2.5 million to grow the next stage.
Since 2019, the $16 million programme has been supporting the establishment and protection of permanent forest in the Emissions Trading Scheme, helping offset Meridian's operational emissions while also restoring and protecting landscapes to provide environmental benefits for Aotearoa.
“What makes me really proud is that this isn't a short-term initiative. It's the beginning of the next chapter,” says Meridian Chief Executive Mike Roan. “The next phase of Forever Forests will take what we've learned and build an even stronger programme to deliver lasting benefits for Aotearoa.
“The forests established and pests removed through this programme will continue storing carbon, providing habitat and supporting healthier ecosystems long into the future.”
The programme has helped develop new approaches to native forest restoration, including successful seeding trials using innovative techniques with drone and drill seeding.
Forever Forests 2.0 will have a stronger focus on biodiversity outcomes by investigating opportunities on Meridian-owned land, more potential partnerships with tangata whenua, further native seeding projects, and opportunities to expand existing forests.
Unlike the original programme, which used exotic species to get the ‘carbon engine’ started before eventually being replaced by natives, the next phase will have a greater emphasis on native forest establishment from the outset.
“The first phase showed that native forest restoration can deliver meaningful environmental outcomes when the right sites, partnerships and techniques come together,” says Mike Roan.
“Now we’re turbocharging the programme so it can deliver even more great results. That means more trees seeded and planted, more pests removed, across a much bigger area.”
Meridian has committed $2.5 million to establish Forever Forests 2.0 during FY27, with detailed planning already underway to identify future sites, planting areas and additional biodiversity opportunities.
Notes for editors
- The Forever Forests programme is forecast to deliver more than 62,000 New Zealand Units before 2030 and more than 15,000 NZUs annually from 2030 onwards.
- Project website: Forever Forests planting programme | Meridian Energy
- 2025 report: FY25 Forever Forest Nature Based Performance