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Auckland mayoral candidate Phil Goff hopes iwi will pick up some of the tab for his plan to get a million extra trees and shrubs planted in and around the Auckland region over the next three years.
The Million Trees Programme will see Auckland Council provide practical support and coordination so that current planting programmes can be expanded.
Mr Goff says as mayor he will spend $1 million a year on the project to provide practical support to schools, local boards, private entities, NGOs and social groups.
Other costs will be offset by partnering with businesses and iwi.
Ngati Whatua Orakei already has a major tree planting programme at Takaparawaha Bastion Point and on other hapu land.
Mr Goff says planting more trees, especially riparian planting, will improve the health of harbours and rivers by preventing erosion and reducing siltation in the Hauraki Gulf, the Kaipara and Manukau Harbours, and rivers and streams.
Afforestation will also help combat climate change and go some way towards ensuring New Zealand meets its obligations under the Paris Conference on Climate Change.
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