Celebrating New Zealand’s native forest champs

Forestry Minister Todd McClay has today congratulated the winners of the 2026 Growing Native Forests Champions Awards at Fieldays.  

“These awards, now in their second year, highlight how native planting can work alongside other productive land uses to deliver strong environmental and economic outcomes,” Mr McClay says. 

“Native forests and farming go hand in hand. We can farm the best land and plant natives on the most vulnerable, to stabilise hillsides and safeguard waterways.

“With 67 entries, the awards show what’s achievable when enthusiasm for native forests meets local knowledge - from farmers and lifestyle block owners, to iwi, communities, and forestry companies,” Mr McClay says. 

“Growing interest in the awards reflects increasing confidence that native forestry can support environmental resilience while complementing productive land uses. 

“These champions are helping to shape a more sustainable future for our landscapes and communities. My congratulations go to each of them.”

The six Growing Native Forests Champions award winners for 2026:

Lifestyle Block Owner: Ollie Langridge, Tasman - for organising 450 volunteers from 23 countries to ‘rewild’ a 17-hectare lifestyle property, including planting locally endemic species. 
Mana Whenua: Ngāti Koata Trust, Te Tauihu (Nelson and Marlborough) - iwi focused on growing native forest across Te Tauihu for future generations.   
Trees on Farms: Philip & Jenny Leith, Tasman - resilient farming through native planting of gullies and wetlands, and opening farm to public for lasting environmental and community benefit.  
Forestry Company: Kingheim Limited, Taranaki - promotion and propagation of puriri trees for timber, carbon, and cultural values. 
Catchment and Community: Styx Living Laboratory Trust (Canterbury) - for planting 230,000 trees with the community within the Pūharakekenui/Styx River Catchment. 
Large Scale Restoration Project: Waingake Transformation Programme, Tairāwhiti - Project transitioning from pine to native forest to protect Gisborne’s water supply. ...