What is Forever Forests?
Forever Forests is Meridian’s large-scale planting initiative, launched in 2019 as part of the company’s climate action strategy. The programme aims to remove carbon from the atmosphere by establishing forests across New Zealand, supporting both emissions reduction and biodiversity goals. To date, around 1,000 hectares have been planted—equivalent to 2,000 sports pitches—with nearly a million plants across 14 sites, mostly in the South Island.
How It Works
Recognising that Meridian isn’t a forestry company, the team partnered with experts like ECOS and local forestry firms to deliver the programme. The approach is a mixed-species, permanent forest model: starting with a blend of fast-growing exotics and natives, then gradually transitioning to predominantly native forests over decades. Innovative planting techniques, including aerial seeding and drone dispersal, have helped increase the proportion of natives and improve cost-effectiveness.
Beyond Carbon: Community and Biodiversity
Forever Forests is about more than just carbon credits. The programme supports local biodiversity, with projects like the Tūī Corridor in Christchurch and contributions to the Capital Kiwi project in Wellington. Riparian planting along waterways helps prevent erosion and improve water quality, while pest management—including hunting and automated traps—protects both the trees and native wildlife.
Climate Risk and Resilience
The team has assessed climate risks to the Forever Forests sites, ensuring geographic diversity to build resilience against extreme weather events. If a site is impacted, replanting is planned to maintain carbon removal over time. The programme also works with local communities and iwi, including partnership projects on Māori land, to deliver both environmental and social benefits.
Results and What’s Next
The first phase of planting is nearly complete, with ongoing infill and “blanking” (replacing dead trees) to ensure healthy forests. As sites mature, exotics will be selectively harvested and replaced with natives, minimising slash and supporting long-term biodiversity. The programme is already generating carbon credits and providing valuable lessons in innovation, collaboration, and habitat creation.
Watch the full Tackling Zero webinar for more insights, and stay tuned for future sessions as Meridian continues to lead on sustainability and climate action.