Meridian Launches Forever Forests 2.0 With $2.5M for Native Reforestation and Pest Control in New Zealand

Meridian Energy has committed another $2.5 million to Forever Forests 2.0, the next phase of its native forest and pest control programme in New Zealand. The company says the programme has planted more than 676 hectares of permanent forest and removed over 13,000 invasive pests since 2019, with a total investment of $16 million. The new phase will focus on biodiversity and native forest establishment from the start, rather than using exotic species as a carbon nurse first. Meridian is also exploring seeding trials with drone and drill technology, more partnerships with tangata whenua, and expansion on its own land. The programme is forecast to generate more than 62,000 New Zealand Units before 2030 and over 15,000 NZUs annually after that, which Meridian uses to offset its operational emissions.