Tauranga residents can pick up a free native tree this Sunday, June 9, to plant on their property and help boost the city’s canopy cover.

Tauranga currently has only 22 per cent tree canopy cover – and the council is aiming to increase this to 30 per cent or more.

As a result, and to celebrate Arbor Day, Tauranga City Council is holding its inaugural Free Tree Day at Baypark from 9am-1pm on June 9.

Council principal urban forester Mark Armistead says the initiative offers residents a chance to receive one free native tree per household to plant on their property.

“The aim of Free Tree Day is to enhance tree canopy coverage across Tauranga, support local biodiversity, and provide a fun, whānau friendly outdoor activity,” says Mark.

“We’re eager to engage with our community about the many benefits trees bring to our neighbourhoods, such as providing shade during hot summer days and shelter for native birdlife.

“We want to not only enhance our environment but also cultivate a deeper sense of responsibility towards our natural surroundings.”

Residents can choose from a variety of native tree species including pōhutukawa, tōtara and kōwhai. Trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a total of 1900 trees available.

The trees are ready to plant and can easily fit in a car, so trailers won’t be needed.

Council staff from the sustainability, arborist and environment teams will be present at Baypark to provide educational materials, guidance on tree care and information on other council-led environmental initiatives.

Attendees can enjoy a coffee cart and sausage sizzle on-site. This event is exclusively for Tauranga residents. Council staff will record the intended planting locations to ensure all suburbs benefit from this initiative.

Free Tree Day is at Baypark, 81 Truman Lane, Tauranga, from 9am-1pm, Sunday, June 9.