Published on
October 9, 2025
By: Paramita Sarkar
Air New Zealand is taking significant strides toward sustainability by pledging to purchase 8000 tonnes of internationally verified carbon removals by 2030. The airline has partnered with My Native Forest, a New Zealand-based platform focused on restoring native forests, to create a carbon removal system that is both beneficial to the climate and the local environment.
This new initiative will support the creation of a robust voluntary carbon market in New Zealand, providing a new avenue for companies to offset their emissions by investing in high-quality carbon removal projects. With the aviation industry being one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, Air New Zealand’s move aims to drive significant change and foster local environmental benefits.
What Is the Purpose of the Partnership?
The core purpose of the partnership is to leverage carbon credits, particularly nature-based carbon removals, to offset emissions. Unlike carbon avoidance or reduction credits, carbon removals actively take carbon out of the atmosphere, making them a crucial tool for mitigating climate change.
Through this initiative, Air New Zealand has committed to purchasing carbon credits generated by native forest restoration projects across Aotearoa New Zealand. These credits will be internationally verified, ensuring their integrity and trustworthiness. The carbon removals will be issued through a global registry, with each credit representing one tonne of carbon removed from the atmosphere.
Where Will the Carbon Removals Occur?
The carbon removals will be generated through large-scale native forest restoration projects located throughout New Zealand, including areas in Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, Tairawhiti Gisborne, Waikato, Auckland, and Northland. The forests will not only provide carbon benefits but will also help restore biodiversity and improve local ecosystems.
My Native Forest, co-founded by Mitchell McLaughlin, will lead the effort to implement the restoration projects. This partnership marks a significant turning point for the region, as it provides an opportunity for landowners to participate in restoring native forests while simultaneously benefiting from the commercial viability of carbon finance.
Why Is Air New Zealand Committing to Carbon Removals?
The commitment is part of Air New Zealand’s broader sustainability strategy aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The airline recognizes that aviation is a challenging sector to decarbonize, due to the complexity and high costs associated with scaling technologies like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and developing alternative propulsion aircraft.
In the face of these challenges, Air New Zealand is turning to carbon removals as a critical tool to meet its climate goals. By investing in carbon removals, the airline not only offsets its emissions but also fosters a local carbon market that could grow to benefit the entire country. The company’s decision to focus on New Zealand-native solutions underscores its commitment to the country’s environmental sustainability and to supporting local biodiversity efforts.
When Will the Carbon Removals Begin?
Air New Zealand’s commitment to carbon removals will span the next decade, with 8000 tonnes of removals expected by 2030. The airline will begin by purchasing 500 tonnes in 2028, followed by 2500 tonnes in 2029, and 5000 tonnes in 2030. These carbon credits will be purchased from My Native Forest in exchange for funding the restoration and planting of native forests.
The projects will require time to develop, as forest restoration is a long-term process. However, the early purchase of carbon credits ensures a steady flow of resources into these efforts, securing a future supply of high-quality carbon removals for Air New Zealand and other companies looking to offset their emissions.
How Will This Partnership Benefit New Zealand?
The partnership between Air New Zealand and My Native Forest is not just about climate change mitigation but also about providing tangible benefits for local communities and ecosystems. By restoring native forests, the initiative will improve biodiversity, protect waterways, and help landowners build resilience in their land.
Additionally, the restoration projects will create job opportunities across rural New Zealand, including for nurseries, contractors, pest control services, and community organizations. Every tonne of carbon removed will contribute to the health of local ecosystems, promoting long-term environmental sustainability.
This initiative also provides a commercial avenue for landowners to participate in carbon offsetting, making native tree planting a financially viable option. The revenue generated from carbon credits will offer landowners an income stream that supports biodiversity restoration efforts and builds a sustainable future for their properties.
What Are the Next Steps for Air New Zealand?
Air New Zealand is in the final stages of another agreement with a second New Zealand-based supplier of internationally verified carbon removals. The airline expects to finalize this contract by the end of the year, further expanding its commitment to the local carbon market and sustainability efforts.
In the coming years, as the demand for carbon removals continues to grow globally, New Zealand is well-positioned to play a leading role in the voluntary carbon market. The country’s international reputation, combined with its vast natural resources, makes it an ideal location for high-integrity carbon removal projects.
Conclusion
Air New Zealand’s partnership with My Native Forest is a landmark step in the airline’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global climate goals. By investing in the restoration of native forests and supporting the development of a voluntary carbon market in New Zealand, the airline is not only helping to mitigate climate change but also fostering local biodiversity and community resilience. As the world continues to face environmental challenges, this initiative sets a powerful example of how businesses can play a crucial role in supporting sustainability efforts and creating a greener future for all.
