Trees for Transport planting initiative set to launch in New Zealand

 July 2022

As the world slowly weans itself off fossil fuels, the transport sector is set for some particularly dramatic changes. In New Zealand, we’ve made a start towards a cleaner fuel future with electric vehicles becoming a more common sight on our roads.

However, affordability and practicality of use are still two factors putting the brakes on some kiwi motorists and commercial fleet owners from transitioning to electric vehicles or other clean fuels. These roadblocks will certainly be overcome with time, but while we wait for accessibility to improve, there are scores of kiwi drivers looking for a way to do their bit for the planet, now.

This was the thought that inspired the creation of Trees for Transport.

With our charity partner, Trees That Count, we are raising funds to plant native trees along New Zealand’s growing network of walking and cycling trails. Through donations, drivers and fleet owners now have a simple mechanism to make an immediate positive contribution towards a cleaner future. For just $10, someone can sponsor the planting of a tree which will help absorb C02 emissions generated in the transport sector.

Although slower-growing, it was important that Trees for Transport focus on native rather than exotic trees.  Even when carbon-based fuels are a thing of the past, native species will continue to enrich ecosystems, provide shelter and food for native fauna, purify the air we breathe and beautify our natural surrounds. Cycling and walking trails were chosen as our main planting sites to enhance New Zealand’s ‘outdoor experience’ for future generations of kiwis and visitors to explore and enjoy.

Trees for Transport was the brainchild of our foundation partner, Ando Insurance. As a recent signatory of the Climate Leaders Coalition, Ando have made a strong commitment to being carbon neutral in their own operations. However, as an insurance company with customers and partners across New Zealand, they recognise that they can have an even greater impact by engaging with the broader community. In particular, since many of Ando’s customers are in the transport and freight sectors, it was an obvious place for them to look to help.

Therese Singleton, Chief Operating Officer at Ando said, “Our commitment to making a positive impact on the wellbeing of New Zealanders is the purpose that underpins everything we do at Ando. You cannot separate our environment from that, so founding Trees for Transport made perfect sense for us. These trees, and the benefits they bring, are a key part of our nation’s insurance policy.”

Working with Trees That Count and community planting groups, Ando is donating 10,000 trees each year to an array of exciting planting projects. By leading this initiative, they are anticipating that many of their transport partners and insurance customers will join them through making their own tree donations.

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For further information please contact:

Tim Skellern
Tel: +64 225322455

Email: media@ando.co.nz