Air New Zealand has committed to purchasing 8,000 tonnes of internationally verified, New Zealand nature-based carbon removals by 2030 through a new partnership with My Native Forest, marking a key step in supporting the development of a high-integrity voluntary carbon market in the country.
My Native Forest operates a platform that enables investment in native forest planting and restoration projects across Aotearoa New Zealand, generating verified carbon removals — a form of carbon credit representing the permanent removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Unlike avoidance credits, carbon removals directly extract carbon, playing a vital role in achieving net-zero emissions.
Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, said the partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to investing in domestic climate solutions. “Native forest planting takes time, so it’s important to secure future supply now. As New Zealand’s national carrier, the co-benefits for biodiversity and pest control here at home make this agreement even more powerful,” she said.
“Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. While we continue to scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel, optimise our fleet and explore alternative propulsion, high-integrity carbon credits will play a significant role in achieving net zero by 2050. New Zealand has the potential to be a trusted supplier in this market thanks to its natural environment and strong reputation for integrity.”
Under the agreement, Air New Zealand will acquire 500 tonnes of removals in 2028, 2,500 tonnes in 2029, and 5,000 tonnes in 2030. Each credit will represent one tonne of carbon dioxide removed and will be verified to international standards and issued via a global registry.
My Native Forest co-founder Mitchell McLaughlin said the partnership demonstrates how carbon finance can unlock large-scale native forest restoration, with sites being considered across Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Waikato, Auckland, and Northland.
“Air New Zealand’s investment ensures carbon finance stays in New Zealand, supporting local forests rather than flowing offshore,” he said.
“This partnership proves native tree planting is no longer just a goodwill exercise but a commercially viable option for landowners. By creating an income stream grounded in integrity, we can restore biodiversity, protect waterways, and strengthen land resilience while delivering verified carbon removals.”
He added that the initiative will create wider economic benefits for nurseries, contractors, pest control operations and rural communities nationwide. “With corporate demand for removals growing globally, Aotearoa is well placed to lead in building a voluntary carbon market that delivers trusted climate and biodiversity outcomes,” McLaughlin said.
Air New Zealand is also in the final stages of a second agreement to purchase nature-based carbon removals from another New Zealand supplier, expected to be finalised by the end of the year.
