Council offering free native seedlings to community

This month, Auckland Council is inviting Aucklanders to plant a free native seedling in their backyard. It is part of a region-wide movement to increase Auckland’s ngahere (forest) canopy, which council hopes will birdsong back to our neighbourhoods, along with numerous other benefits.

Throughout the month, Council’s Plant More Native seedlings campaign will partner with community nurseries across the region to give away thousands of native seedlings.

The goal is to increase the region’s tree canopy cover from 18 to 30 percent by enabling Aucklanders to plant a native tree in their own backyard.

Council’s Environmental Services general manager Samantha Hill says the work to increase Auckland’s canopy cover is already underway with thousands of natives being planted in the region’s parks and public spaces.

“Now Aucklanders can help restore our city’s biodiversity and enjoy the birdsong native plants attract by picking up a free native plant during June and planting it on their property,” Hill says.

“By supporting the work of community nurseries and having native plants freely available for a period of time, we’re empowering Aucklanders to take action, connect with nature and make a difference.” 

Native plants play a vital role in the health of ecosystems. They provide shelter and food for native birds, lizards and insects, help stabilise soil and filter rainwater before it reaches our waterways, she says.

Studies show that increasing native vegetation also helps reduce urban heat, clean the air and makes cities more resilient in the face of climate change.

And beyond their environmental benefits, these plants bring beauty, and birdsong to the places we live; birds like tūī, kererū and piwakawaka are drawn to native plants.

“We want to make sure everyone has the chance to connect with nature, no matter where they live or how much space they have.” 

“Whether you have room to plant a kōwhai tree in your front yard or a native grass in a small patch, every plant counts.”

Participating nurseries will offer not only free plants but also advice, inspiration and connection.

Many nurseries are hosting Saturday events where people can meet local experts, learn how to care for native seedlings and discover how native planting fits into broader nature restoration work in their area.