Shane Jones wants to work with Whanganui landowners in tree planting programme

Forestry Minister Shane Jones says Whanganui will benefit from tree planting. Photo/Lewis Gardner

Forestry Minister Shane Jones hopes funding for tree planting schemes will benefit Whanganui.

On Wednesday the Government announced $14 million to support Crown Forestry in the planting of trees and purchase of seedlings in commercial arrangements with private landowners.

The programme targets the planting of 1 billion trees to encourage regional economic growth, create jobs and create environmental benefits.

"Initial projections indicate that the planting of 1 billion trees over 10 years could lead to between 10 and 30 million tonnes of additional carbon dioxide removals."

Mr Jones visited Whanganui last week and said there was interest and a need for such planting in Whanganui.

"It's not for me to talk ill on any region but obviously the land around the Whanganui River catchment has suffered and it needs to be put back into trees.

"And if I can facilitate that then I truly believe I'm doing God's work."

Crown Forestry would consider commercial arrangements such as long-term leases or profit sharing.

"There's a myriad of models," Mr Jones said.

"[Horizons Regional Council] have pledged to work with me to identify large areas where they believe landowners would look favourably [on such schemes]."

Mr Jones wanted work to move quickly so Crown Forestry can buy seedlings from nursery stock and begin planting during the winter season.

"Mother Nature's not going to wait for us."

He said landowners interested in a scheme should contact the Ministry for Primary Industries.

"This is the first in many milestones in the tree planting programme. As further work is progressed to establish a Forestry Service, I will take proposals back to Cabinet covering the more fundamental considerations on future funding for Crown Forestry, its role and governance structure."