35,000 native trees in 40 schools to be planted under new government grant

The government is providing a grant to enable the planting of 35,000 native trees in 40 schools across the motu.

The announcement comes on Arbor Day, with the government looking to reinvigorate the international day of tree planting.

Aotearoa celebrated its first Arbor Day in 1890.

Forestry Minister Stuart Nash said it had signed partnerships with the Trees That Count and Trees for Survival programmes, as well as with the international Arbor Day Foundation, at a community planting event in Havelock North this morning.

"These new partnerships with internationally-recognised organisations are a great opportunity to better promote conservation throughout the country," Nash said in a statement.

"Tree planting, especially with native trees, is a proven method to slow down the effects of climate change and improve biodiversity outcomes. The trees we plant and the actions we take now will influence our future," Nash said.