Tree of the Year New Zealand

18/08/2026

What could New Zealand’s proposed planning reforms mean for the special trees in our towns and cities?

🔊This morning, RNZ’s Nine to Noon explored concerns that the new legislation could significantly narrow the protection available for notable urban trees—including trees valued for their age, size, beauty, rarity and importance to local communities.

It’s a helpful and accessible overview of an issue that could affect many of the trees and stories we celebrate through Tree of the Year.

🎧 Listen to the RNZ interview:

Special trees on private land could be set to lose protected status under new resource management laws, sparking concern among several groups that work with and promote trees.

17/08/2026

🌳💚 Tree Lovers | Your Voice Counts

A few days ago, we shared a bit about the proposed planning reforms and why they may matter for New Zealand’s significant urban trees. Since then, we've been overwhelmed with requests asking what New Zealander's can do to help.

You can help stop the chop with your words. We’ve prepared a letter and email template and that you can personalise and send to your local MP or representative before Thursday, 20 August:

📩 DOWNLOAD AND PERSONALISE THE LETTER: https://loom.ly/UEELzQU

📩 SEND A QUICK EMAIL: https://loom.ly/6nwFypM

There is no need to be an expert in planning legislation. A few personal words about why remarkable trees matter to you and your community can help bring a human voice to the issue.

16/08/2026

A heads-up for New Zealand’s tree lovers 🌳

Most of the time, this page is a celebration: remarkable trees, the stories they hold and the communities that love them.
Today, we need to talk about something more serious.

Parliament is considering two Bills that will replace the Resource Management Act. The proposed new system could significantly narrow the reasons councils are able to identify and protect important urban trees—particularly trees on private land.
Why does that matter?

Because many of our most treasured trees are important for reasons that extend beyond conventional historic heritage. They may be valued for their age, size, rarity, beauty, ecological contribution, landscape prominence or simply because they have become part of the identity of a place.

Under the proposed framework, some of those values may no longer be enough to support individual tree protection.
The Bills have already passed their second readings and are progressing through their final parliamentary stages. Over the coming days, we’ll explain what this could mean—and what tree lovers can do.

You came here because remarkable trees matter to you. We thought you ought to know.

16/07/2026

🌳 A heartfelt thank you to our community partners! 🌳

As the curtain closes on another fantastic NZ Tree of the Year, we'd like to extend our sincere thanks to our wonderful community partners:

🌿 Thoughtplanters
🌿 The Tree People
🌿 Pro Climb
🌿 Arb Eco

Your continued support helps make Tree of the Year possible. Together, we're celebrating New Zealand's remarkable trees, sharing their stories, and inspiring people to appreciate the natural and cultural heritage that surrounds us.

This year's competition reached thousands of people, sparked conversations nationwide, and showcased the pride communities have in their special trees. We couldn't have achieved that without your support.

Thank you for helping us champion New Zealand's trees. We look forward to working together again next year! 🌳💚

10/07/2026

🌳 A huge thank you to our partner, the New Zealand Arboricultural Association (NZ Arb)!

As the leading voice for arboriculture in Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Arb plays a vital role in supporting and advancing the profession through education, professional development, and public awareness.

Their commitment to promoting excellence in tree care aligns perfectly with the aims of Tree of the Year NZ—celebrating the remarkable trees that shape our landscapes, enrich our communities, and connect us with our natural and cultural heritage.

We're proud to have NZ Arb supporting this year's campaign and helping us shine a spotlight on some of New Zealand's most extraordinary trees.

Thank you, NZ Arb, for your valued and ongoing support!

🌐 Learn more: www.nzarb.org.nz

08/07/2026

🏆 The 2026 Tree of the Year New Zealand winner is The Bucket Tree!

Part tree, part living sculpture, this remarkable macrocarpa at Boscobel Farm in Tawa has been shaped and cared for across generations — a living landmark with a silhouette unlike any other.

Thank you to everyone who voted, nominated, shared, and celebrated Aotearoa’s extraordinary trees.

Learn more: treeoftheyear.co.nz

08/07/2026

Voting Closes Midnight Tonight!!🌳

Have You Voted Yet?! ✅

www.treeoftheyear.co.nz

07/07/2026

⏰ LAST CHANCE!

Voting for NZ Tree of the Year 2026 closes at 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰.

Six remarkable trees. Six unforgettable stories.

🌳 Don't miss your chance to have your say.

🗳️ Vote now: www.treeoftheyear.co.nz

01/07/2026

Just one week left to vote! 🌳

Don’t miss your opportunity to have your say on New Zealand's 2026 Tree of the Year.

Cast your vote now at www.treeoftheyear.co.nz.

01/07/2026

🌳 A third Mayor enters the race!

A big thank you to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown for throwing his support behind Auckland's two Tree of the Year finalists – Old Goff and The Sangro Survivor.

Community pride is what Tree of the Year is all about.

🗳️ Voting closes 8 July.
www.treeoftheyear.co.nz