Get tree planting advice and help
There are many organisations around the country that can give you advice about planting trees and establishing a forest.
Forestry advisory service
Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service offers forest advice and information to landowners and tangata whenua. The forestry advisory service can help you make decisions about growing trees and establishing forests. Find out about the free service and how to talk with a regional adviser in your area.
Councils
Councils have information on:
- what grows well in your area
- local biodiversity
- funding native plants for community groups doing restoration planting on public land
- waterway restoration including information about community groups restoring waterways in your area.
New Zealand Farm Forestry Association
New Zealand Farm Forestry provides information for those with small forestry blocks including species, planting and management.
New Zealand Institute of Forestry
The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) provides access to professionals working across all aspects of forestry, such as forests that are used for timber production, conservation, recreation, biodiversity, carbon storage, erosion control and water quality.
NZ Landcare Trust
NZ Landcare Trust works with farmers, landowners and community groups to improve the sustainability of our land and waterways.
Nurseries
Your local nursery can let you know what grows well in your area. You can also ask them for specific advice such as whether the species you have selected is poisonous.
On Farm Support
The Ministry for Primary Industries’ On Farm Support team provide on-the-ground help for farmers and growers. Find out about the free service and how to talk with a regional adviser in your area.
Māori AgriBusiness
The Ministry for Primary Industries' (MPI's) Māori agribusiness team support Māori landowners with forestry and land management advice.
Learn more about the team and how to access support.
Māori Land Court
The Māori Land Court is a judicial forum that provides a court service for Māori landowners. They hold land records, provide a court service for land disputes, and make decisions on occupation land use.
Talk to them about:
- current and future use of land
- ownership of land
- occupation of land
- management of Māori land
- their Māori land dispute resolution service.
Te Tumu Paeroa
Te Tumu Paeroa acts on behalf of the Māori trustee in an administrative role. They also act on behalf of about 1800 Māori land trusts. Check their website to see if they administer your whenua.
If Te Tumu Paeroa administer your whenua, they can help you make the best use of your land. This could be through identifying opportunities, planning, and providing support.
Tupu
Tupu help whānau connect with, govern, and develop whenua Māori. If you’re still deciding what to do with your whenua, Tupu can help.
Tupu's Find your whenua tool gives you information about your whenua including location, climate and land use options.
Talk to Tupu about:
- finding your whenua
- whenua options
- governance roles and structures for whenua
- developing business plans.
Whenua Oho
Whenua Oho support Māori landowners into deciding the best uses for your land. They can help you make informed decisions about how to achieve your aspirations, including forestry, to help in delivering valuable outcomes socially, environmentally and commercially.
Talk to Whenua Oho about:
- making use of whenua
- forestry opportunities
- help with decision making
- sourcing funding.
Other resources
The websites below include guides, tools, and practical advice to help you plan, plant, and look after trees.
Department of Conservation
The Department of Conservation has some local plant restoration guides.
Beef and Lamb New Zealand
Beef and Lamb New Zealand have guidance for farmers. These include fact sheets on shelter and fodder.
DairyNZ
DairyNZ have regional guides for riparian planting. They also have guides to planting trees on farms for specific reasons like bees or shelter.
Poplar and Willow Research Trust
The Poplar and Willow Research Trust has information on planting poplars and willows for erosion control. These include planting videos and fact sheets.
Tāne's Tree Trust
Tāne’s Tree Trust has a technical handbook for planting and managing native trees. They also have species profiles and other publications on native trees.
Trees for Bees
Trees for bees have guides for planting for bees.