In the turbulent year that 2020 was, New Zealand managed to set many notable examples through its stringent administrative policies. For instance, it’s swift handling of the pandemic! Now, the country is gearing up to break the internet once again with its latest initiative in the Forest of Hope. Here’s what they are doing and why we should start taking notes. By Kumar Shree
New Zealand has crafted an unique initiative to ring in the New Year. The country has partnered with Trees That Count, a charity organisation that helps generate funds for planting native trees in Aotearoa. With this alliance, NZ wants to instil a sense of hope in the world so that we can all march into 2021 with positivity in our hearts. The country plans to invite people to plant trees in the Forest of Hope — a forest that will house native trees, signifying growth and prosperity for the upcoming year.
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As reported by Nature Speaks, Sarah Handley, General Manager for Americas and Europe at Tourism New Zealand said, “In New Zealand, the Te Reo Māori values of manaaki and tiaki have become incredibly relevant today. Manaaki speaks to the importance of having empathy, and tiaki inspires us to care for people and place.”
Handley also mentioned that while NZ’s borders remain off-limits for international travellers at the moment, they are looking forward to infusing a sense of manaaki and tiaki among those who need a fresh supply of optimism to enter the new year.
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The idea behind Forest of Hope initiative revolves around planting native trees in Queenstown and Northland. Those who wish to participate in this campaign can visit the Trees That Count’s website and donate trees. The organisation will notify participants through emails after planting their trees.
Trees That Count was formed in 2016; it is on a mission to help plant 200 million native trees across New Zealand. They are creating a community marketplace to connect tree planters and tree funders to help realise their collective dream.
Related: Today, New Zealand’s Passport Is The Most Powerful Passport In The World!
