To mark 100 years of NZIF, local sections across New Zealand will lead centennial planting projects in their own regions.

Each planting will reflect its local place, people and forests. Some regions may focus on native restoration, others on productive forestry, amenity planting, erosion control, urban forest renewal, or species which tell an important local forestry story. 

Together, these projects will create a living legacy for the centennial year, bringing members and communities together while looking ahead to the next 100 years of forestry in Aotearoa. 

The programme is about more than planting trees. It is a chance for members, students, councils, iwi, landowners, forest owners, contractors and the wider community to come together and recognise the contribution forestry has made over the past century. It is also a statement of confidence in the future, with forests continuing to play a vital role in climate resilience, biodiversity, wood supply, regional employment and healthy landscapes.

Each region will be encouraged to choose a site, species mix and planting approach suited to its local conditions. Where possible, plantings will be linked to community events, schools, future foresters, local history and ongoing care, so the work completed in 2027 continues to grow well beyond the centennial year.

From Northland to Southland, the centennial planting programme will leave a visible and lasting reminder of NZIF’s first 100 years, and of the profession’s commitment to the next 100.