In alignment with our central mission of increasing sustainability through best practises and initiatives, Zenith proudly continue our partnership with ONETREEPLANTED.ORG to restore habitat, conserve biodiversity and extent important wildlife corridors in areas of vulnerability. Through the JAC initiative (with every JAC sold a tree is planted) now in effect since 2019, Zenith recently surpassed the colossal milestone of 60,000 trees. This incredible result wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our clients and the design community, to whom we are very grateful.

An important portion of our commitment to the One Tree Programme is focused on environmental restoration in New Zealand. Zenith has long been concerned with the maintenance of the unique ecosystems of Aotearoa. To date, Zenith has contributed 6,446 trees to the Waingake Native Restoration project. The One Tree Programme has planted 412,560 trees in total with a target of close to 1 million trees by the end of 2024. For 2023, the project intends to plant 230,000 Manuka plants, in addition to approximately 62,000 mixed native species, which will enrich last year’s Manuka planting. In total, over 290,000 trees will be planted
this season.

Sadly, the 2023 target is lower than initially planned due to the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, which hit Gisborne in February 2023. Our planting partners have been supporting immediate recovery efforts and assessing the impacts on the project area.

The project is working in partnership with local iwi who are mana whenua of Waingake. This growing relationship was formalised in April 2022 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The memorandum affirms a commitment to local natural restoration, families, and community.

Last summer, bat recording devices confirmed the presence of long-tailed bats (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) at Waingake. Having a conservation status of ‘Threatened” the bat population has long been in decline due to predation by introduced animals and the clearance of lowland forests. The confirmation of their presence is highly encouraging that tree planting efforts in the lowland forest have assisted in maintaining this important population.

Zenith will continue or commitment to work with ONETREEPLANTED.ORG to preserve and restore the unique and majestic flora and fauna of New Zealand and support local communities in their sustainability efforts.

To read more on our Australian Tree Planting Programme