Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese awards, now in their second year, highlight how native planting can work alongside other productive land uses to deliver strong environmental and economic outcomes,\u201d Mr McClay says.<\/p>\n
\u201cNative forests and farming go hand in hand. We can farm the best land and plant natives on the most vulnerable, to stabilise hillsides and safeguard waterways.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith 67 entries, the awards show what\u2019s achievable when enthusiasm for native forests meets local knowledge – from farmers and lifestyle block owners, to iwi, communities, and forestry companies,\u201d Mr McClay says.<\/p>\n
\u201cGrowing interest in the awards reflects increasing confidence that native forestry can support environmental resilience while complementing productive land uses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese champions are helping to shape a more sustainable future for our landscapes and communities. My congratulations go to each of them.\u201d<\/p>\n
The six Growing Native Forests Champions award winners for 2026:<\/p>\n
Lifestyle Block Owner: Ollie Langridge, Tasman – for organising 450 volunteers from 23 countries to \u2018rewild\u2019 a 17-hectare lifestyle property, including planting locally endemic species.
\nMana Whenua: Ng\u0101ti Koata Trust, Te Tauihu (Nelson and Marlborough) – iwi focused on growing native forest across Te Tauihu for future generations.\u202f
\nTrees on Farms: Philip & Jenny Leith, Tasman – resilient farming through native planting of gullies and wetlands, and opening farm to public for lasting environmental and community benefit.\u202f
\nForestry Company: Kingheim Limited, Taranaki – promotion and propagation of puriri trees for timber, carbon, and cultural values.
\nCatchment and Community: Styx Living Laboratory Trust\u202f(Canterbury) – for planting 230,000 trees with the community within the P\u016bharakekenui\/Styx River Catchment.
\nLarge Scale Restoration Project: Waingake Transformation Programme, Tair\u0101whiti – Project transitioning from pine to native forest to protect Gisborne\u2019s water supply. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated t 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