Million tree milestone seeds new nature initiative

Over the past decade, Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest sustainable business organisation has supported more than 70 community-led nature projects. Together, those projects have planted more than a million native plants and trees. 

“We’re thrilled to hit this important milestone. It represents a massive amount of work by thousands of people, many who have volunteered their time, to help regenerate nature in Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Stephanie Vercoe, SBN’s Regenerate Nature Team Lead.

“We started our Million Metres Streams project 10 years ago. The aim was to plant a million metres of New Zealand waterways with native plants and trees. Since the trees are planted on average a metre apart, we’re celebrating achieving our original goal.”

One of the groups that has benefitted from SBN's help is WAI Wānaka. The non-profit community organisation is accelerating local action for freshwater and healthy ecosystems across the Upper Clutha River region.

“Since partnering with SBN in 2017, the funds we've received have helped us secure vital resources for both our rural and urban communities,” says WAI Wānaka CEO Cat Dillon. 

“This money has gone towards native planting initiatives that help to restore biodiversity and improve the health of our freshwater."

Wai Wānaka’s Penrith wetlands regeneration project in July 2020 (left) and July 2025 (right).

Stephanie says business support is vital to halt and reverse the biodiversity crisis. 

“That's why we're launching our Connect for Nature initiative – to make it even easier for businesses to get involved in meaningful nature regeneration.”

Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest proportions of threatened indigenous species in the world. According to the Department of Conservation more than 4,000 native species are either threatened or at risk of extinction.

Connect for Nature directly addresses this crisis by linking businesses wanting to support nature projects with trusted community groups already doing the mahi (work) on the ground.

“Businesses have a wealth of resources they can offer – from staff time and expertise to materials, equipment and logistical support. These contributions help community groups and iwi-led initiatives stretch their capacity and achieve greater impact on the ground. The main focus is on making it easy for businesses to get hands-on with nature regeneration through staff volunteering.”

Volunteer activities include native planting, habitat restoration, litter cleanups, pest control, site maintenance and learning-focused workshops. Businesses can also help with resources including equipment, access to land, knowledge, finance, communication capabilities, connections or opportunities for skill development.

“By getting more businesses involved, we can really increase the impact of community and iwi-led projects around the country,” says Stephanie.

“Through our programme, businesses get to support biodiversity and ecosystem health. They also build deeper relationships with communities, enhance staff engagement and demonstrate meaningful action on sustainability."

The Connect for Nature launch coincides with preparations for SBN's second Nature & Business Symposium on 6 August, focused on helping businesses take practical action for nature.