Native Forestry Champions Recognised at Fieldays Awards

This year’s awards attracted 67 entries from around the country, reflecting growing interest in native forestry among farmers, iwi, community groups, lifestyle block owners, and forestry businesses.

New Zealand's efforts to restore and expand native forests were celebrated at Fieldays 2026, with six individuals and organisations recognised for their outstanding contributions through the Growing Native Forests Champions Awards.

Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced the winners, praising their work in combining environmental stewardship with productive land use. Now in its second year, the awards showcase projects that demonstrate how native forestry can strengthen landscapes, support communities, and deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits.

Native Planting Gains Momentum Across New Zealand

This year's awards attracted 67 entries from around the country, reflecting growing interest in native forestry among farmers, iwi, community groups, lifestyle block owners, and forestry businesses.

Mr McClay said native forests play an important role alongside farming, particularly on land that is vulnerable to erosion or runoff. Planting native species in these areas can help stabilise hillsides, improve water quality, and increase resilience against environmental challenges while allowing productive land to remain in use.

The strong response to the awards highlights increasing confidence that native forestry can complement agricultural activities rather than compete with them.

Community and Iwi Projects Among Top Winners

The Lifestyle Block Owner category was awarded to Ollie Langridge of Tasman, who brought together 450 volunteers from 23 countries to help restore a 17-hectare property through the planting of locally native species.

The Ngāti Koata Trust received the Mana Whenua award for its work growing native forests across Te Tauihu, covering the Nelson and Marlborough regions, with a focus on creating benefits for future generations.

In the Trees on Farms category, Philip and Jenny Leith of Tasman were recognised for integrating native planting into their farming operation, restoring gullies and wetlands while opening their property to the public to encourage environmental awareness and community involvement.

Large-Scale Restoration Efforts Recognised

The Forestry Company award went to Kingheim Limited of Taranaki for its work promoting and propagating pūriri trees, supporting timber production, carbon storage, and cultural values.

The Catchment and Community category was won by the Styx Living Laboratory Trust in Canterbury after planting more than 230,000 trees throughout the Pūharakekenui/Styx River catchment with the support of local volunteers and community groups.

The Large Scale Restoration Project award was presented to the Waingake Transformation Programme in Tairāwhiti. The project is converting former pine forest areas into native forest to help protect Gisborne's water supply and improve environmental outcomes across the region.

Mr McClay said the winners demonstrate how local knowledge, commitment, and collaboration can create lasting benefits for both people and the environment, helping build stronger and more resilient landscapes for future generations.