This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Air New Zealand has committed to purchase 8000 tonnes of internationally verified, New Zealand nature-based carbon removals by 2030, in partnership with My Native Forest.
The move aims to help spark a high-integrity voluntary carbon market in New Zealand.
My Native Forest provides a platform to invest in planting and restoring native forests across Aotearoa in return for verified carbon removals — a type of carbon credit that represents carbon taken out of the atmosphere rather than avoided elsewhere.
Air New Zealand chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer Kiri Hannifin says the partnership demonstrates the airline’s commitment to starting in its own backyard.
“Native forest planting takes time, so it’s important to secure future supply now.
“As New Zealand’s national carrier, the co-benefits for biodiversity and pest control here at home in Aotearoa make this agreement even more powerful,” she says.
“Aviation is widely known as one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Levers like scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel, optimising our fleet and network, and alternative propulsion aircraft are complex, expensive and heavily reliant on third parties.
“High-integrity carbon credits will also play a significant role in the aviation industry reaching net zero by 2050, and we think New Zealand has a lot to offer due to our international reputation, land and natural environment. Starting now helps ensure the market will be ready when we really need it.”
The airline’s commitment includes 500 tonnes of removals in 2028, 2500 tonnes in 2029, and 5000 tonnes in 2030. Each credit represents one tonne of carbon removed, verified to international standards and issued through a global registry.
My Native Forest co-founder Mitchell McLaughlin says the partnership demonstrates how carbon finance can unlock large-scale native forest restoration.
“This partnership shows that planting native trees is no longer just a goodwill exercise — it is a genuine, commercially viable choice for landowners.
“By creating an income stream that recognises integrity, we can help landowners restore biodiversity, protect waterways and build resilience, while also delivering high-quality carbon removals.
“Alongside this are nurseries, contractors, pest control and community services right across rural New Zealand. Every tonne of carbon removed delivers benefits not just for the climate, but for people and ecosystems here in Aotearoa.”
Land blocks are currently being considered in Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Waikato, Auckland and Northland.
Air New Zealand is also finalising a second contract to purchase verified nature-based carbon removals from another New Zealand supplier before the end of the year.
