Air New Zealand has invested back into the community to support causes protecting nature, from the winterless north to the deep south.
Launched with an initial NZD 1 million investment from the airline's Climate and Nature Fund, the Every Corner Project aims to support nature-based initiatives in every region, ensuring no corner of New Zealand is left behind in the effort to restore and regenerate our natural environment.
More than 640 applications were received from registered charities, schools/kura and hapū. The calibre of applications was so impressive that the airline increased its contribution to NZD 1.2 million.
In total, 115 projects have been selected, spanning a wide range of locations and communities, including the Chatham Islands, highlighting the depth and diversity of environmental action underway across New Zealand. Projects selected include native planting, wetland restoration, establishing rainwater harvesting systems, building community compost hubs, and installing predator control networks to protect threatened plant and animal species.
Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Kiri Hannifin said the level of response has been nothing short of inspiring.
"New Zealand is intrinsically linked to and reliant on nature, whether that's for economic, tourism or trade reasons, or simply because we enjoy being in nature and the outdoors. We all have a part to play, and it's been humbling to see just how many New Zealanders are working tirelessly to protect and enhance the things that make our natural environment here so unique."
The airline's domestic port teams – Air New Zealanders who know their communities best – were tasked with reviewing and selecting the successful projects for their areas.
"Our people have loved reading the applications and seeing the passion and care for nature in their local areas. They were very proud to select the projects for their own communities, and I know they will watch their success with great enjoyment," Hannifin said.
"Air New Zealand is committed to reducing our own carbon footprint, but we also want to uplift the inspiring work already underway across New Zealand. This project is about backing local communities, and we're proud to help bring these initiatives to life. Our sincere thanks to the thousands of people across our country caring for nature."
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