From the northernmost point of Te Kao in the Far North to the remote reaches of Tuatapere in the Deep South, environmental champions throughout Aotearoa are being supported by a remarkable initiative from Air New Zealand. The airline today announced recipients of its Every Corner Project funding, which will provide $1.2 million to 115 community-led nature projects nationwide.

The Every Corner Project is part of Air New Zealand’s broader commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, launched through the airline’s Climate and Nature Fund.

Initially seeded with $1 million, the fund received an overwhelming response from communities, prompting the airline to increase its contribution to $1.2 million, demonstrating its dedication to empowering grassroots conservation efforts across New Zealand.

A Nationwide Response to Environmental Needs

The Every Corner Project called for applications from registered charities, schools, kura (Māori immersion schools), and hapū (sub-tribes), receiving over 640 proposals spanning a wide array of environmental objectives. The vast number and high quality of applications reflected the strong community commitment to protecting New Zealand’s unique and fragile ecosystems.

The selected 115 projects represent a wide geographical spread, including even the Chatham Islands, underscoring the nationwide scale of community-led conservation work. These projects address critical ecological needs and employ diverse strategies such as native tree planting, wetland restoration, rainwater harvesting system installations, community compost hubs, and predator control networks designed to protect endangered species.

The Importance of Community-Driven Conservation in New Zealand

New Zealand’s identity and economy are intimately tied to its natural environment. Tourism, agriculture, and trade depend heavily on healthy ecosystems, while the cultural and spiritual well-being of Māori and the wider population are deeply connected to the land (whenua) and waterways (wai).

According to the Department of Conservation (DOC), community involvement in conservation is vital for protecting biodiversity and restoring habitats. Local groups and hapū often possess invaluable traditional knowledge and a deep understanding of the land, which, combined with scientific research, makes community-led projects an essential part of national conservation strategies.

Air New Zealand’s funding aligns closely with government priorities outlined in the Ministry for the Environment’s Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, which emphasizes community engagement, pest management, and restoration of native habitats.

Project Types and Impact: From Native Planting to Predator Control

The diverse nature of the funded projects highlights the multifaceted approach needed to protect New Zealand’s environment:

• Native Planting: Reforestation and riparian planting projects help restore native vegetation, stabilize soil, improve water quality, and provide habitat corridors for native birds and insects. These initiatives support New Zealand’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and contribute to carbon sequestration efforts.
• Wetland Restoration: Wetlands are crucial for biodiversity, water purification, flood mitigation, and as carbon sinks. Many projects focus on restoring degraded wetlands, which have suffered significant losses due to agriculture and urban development.
• Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Installing these systems promotes water conservation, an increasingly critical resource given changing rainfall patterns and drought risks exacerbated by climate change.
• Community Compost Hubs: These hubs reduce landfill waste, promote sustainable organic recycling, and improve soil health, aligning with New Zealand’s Waste Minimization Strategy.
• Predator Control Networks: Controlling invasive predators like rats, stoats, and possums is vital to protect native fauna such as kiwi, kakapo, and other threatened birds. These efforts complement large-scale government predator-free initiatives like Predator Free 2050.

Air New Zealand’s Commitment to Sustainability and Community Partnership

Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasized the inspiring breadth of community engagement:

“New Zealand is intrinsically linked to and reliant on nature, whether that’s for economic, tourism or trade reasons, or simply because we enjoy being in nature and the outdoors. We all have a part to play, and it’s been humbling to see just how many New Zealanders are working tirelessly to protect and enhance the things that make our natural environment here so unique.”

The airline’s initiative not only focuses on reducing its carbon footprint but also amplifies local community efforts to regenerate nature. By empowering grassroots projects, Air New Zealand leverages local knowledge and enthusiasm to achieve meaningful conservation outcomes.

Local Involvement: Air New Zealand’s Domestic Port Teams in Action

The selection process was entrusted to Air New Zealand’s domestic port teams, staff members embedded in communities who understand local environmental priorities. Their role was to assess applications and select projects that best represent the needs and passions of their regions.

Hannifin noted the pride and enthusiasm of Air New Zealanders involved in the process:

“Our people have loved reading the applications and seeing the passion and care for nature in their local areas. They were very proud to select the projects for their own communities, and I know they will watch their success with great enjoyment.”

This approach reinforces the airline’s ethos of partnership and shared responsibility between corporate, community, and environment.

Broader Environmental and Economic Benefits

The Every Corner Project contributes to New Zealand’s larger environmental restoration goals and economic resilience. Healthy ecosystems support primary industries, tourism, and recreational activities vital to the country’s GDP. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) highlights the importance of environmental sustainability for maintaining New Zealand’s global reputation as a clean, green destination.

Moreover, community projects foster social cohesion, create educational opportunities, and promote cultural connections, especially when involving Māori communities and iwi, whose traditional environmental stewardship (kaitiakitanga) is integral to conservation success.

Looking Ahead: A Model for Corporate-Community Environmental Action

Air New Zealand’s Every Corner Project is a pioneering example of how corporate funding can drive impactful environmental outcomes at a grassroots level. As the airline pursues carbon reduction goals in its operations, this project broadens its influence by supporting thousands of volunteers and conservationists working on the ground.

The success of these 115 projects is a testament to the widespread passion for environmental stewardship across Aotearoa. It also sets a strong precedent for other businesses aiming to contribute to New Zealand’s sustainability goals.

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