Arbor Day
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
NZ's Arbor Day which is held on World Environment Day on 5 June
Arbor Day, Conservation, Trees, Environment, World Environment Day, Holiday, Celebration
Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance in NZ that takes place on 5 June each year - the same date as 'World Environment Day'. Communities, schools, environmental groups, businesses, and individuals join together to plant trees to contribute to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable New Zealand. The term 'Arbor Day' had its beginnings in Nebraska on 10 April 1872 when a celebratory event was held to plant more than one million trees on the State's desolate prairies. The concept of Arbor Day then spread across to the other States and onto Canada and other countries.
NZ's early forestry legislation following the felling of native trees for farmland and the newspaper accounts of Arbor Day events held overseas helped pave the way for the concept of 'Arbor Day' being introduced. The first documented observance of Arbor Day was at Okaihau School on 2 September 1885, followed by the Greytown Borough Council on 3 July 1890. Thereafter, the concept increased in popularity with the Government proclaiming an Arbor Day holiday in 1892 for Government offices which councils and schools were also encouraged to observe. The celebration of Arbor Day began to wane by World War One. The last holiday for Government offices was held on 15 July 1915; however, local bodies and Education Boards were encouraged to plant trees on the dates that suited their community.
During the early 1930s there was a resurgence in Arbor Day events by local groups, including the Wellington Horticultural Society. The outcome was the Government gazetting in June 1934 that Arbor Day would be observed on the first Wednesday in August annually but would not be a national public holiday. In 1977, NZ officially set Arbor Day for 5 June annually - the same date as 'World Environment Day' which was founded by the United Nations in 1972 - and neither event is a public holiday.
Native Tree planting at Awatea Park
Palmerston North City Library
Arbor Day 1987; Councillor Shirley Russell plants a tree in Trentham Memorial Park.
Upper Hutt City Library
Arbor Day for Redwood Primary School at Murchison Park
Christchurch City Libraries
Arbor Day tree planting, Totara Park school
Upper Hutt City Library
Arbor Day 1987
Upper Hutt City Library
Milestone NZ 'ARBOR DAY' dates
2 September 1885: Earliest documented 'Arbor Day' event in NZ was held by Okaihau School in the Bay of Islands.
3 July 1890: Next documented 'Arbor Day' in NZ was the first to be held by a Borough Council - Greytown.
4 August 1892: An 'Arbor Day' holiday was gazetted in NZ for Government offices. The participation of schools was encouraged by the Education Boards and councils were contacted by the Department of Agriculture, but not all chose to take a day's holiday.
1893 onwards: An annual 'Arbor Day' holiday continued to be gazetted in NZ for Government offices, with the date taking place in either July or August, e.g. 1893 (Fri 4 Aug), 1894 (Wed 1 August); 1914 (Wed 15 July). Schools and councils were encouraged to observe the date with tree-panting; however, not all declared a day's holiday.
1916: The Government gazetted that the closing of Government offices for a holiday to observe Arbor Day to be discontinued. However, the Government hoped that each local body and Education Board would still plant trees on a date chosen by themselves.
1934: Government announced that Arbor Day will be held on the first Wednesday in August each year but would not be a national holiday.
5 June 1977: New date for NZ's official Arbor Day - the date of "World Environment Day" which was implemented by the United Nations in 1972 to engage people globally in protecting the planet.
On 2 Sept 1885, Okaihau School held Arbor Day after reading a Canadian newspaper about pupils' involvement in Arbor Day
Arbor Day had been founded in Nebraska in 1872 & spread across US & Canada. Several Canadian settlers lived in Okaihau.
National Library of New Zealand
On 3 July 1890, NZ's first Borough Council's Arbor Day event was held at Greytown
A large parade with c.250 children & c.400 adults led by a brass band was followed by speeches & planting of 153 trees
Wairarapa Archive
On 4 Aug 1892, Arbor Day was gazetted as a public holiday for Government departments & schools
The Dept of Agriculture contacted city & borough councils to encourage them to also hold a holiday, which some actioned
Palmerston North City Library
Thereafter, the holding of Arbor Day events began to gain momentum in towns and cities
(Image: Oamaru's first Arbor Day which was held in 1893)
Waitaki District Council
Schools also began involving their students in the planting of trees
(Image: Arbor Day at Rata School, 1 Aug 1894)
Alexander Turnbull Library
In 1916, the Govt gazetted that the closing of Govt offices for a holiday to observe Arbor Day to be discontinued
However, Govt hoped that each local body & Education Board would still plant trees on a date chosen by themselves
National Library of New Zealand
On 7 June 1934, the Govt gazetted the first Wednesday in August each year will be observed as Arbor Day
In the Gazette (7 June 1934), Min. of Internal Affairs invited local bodies to organise celebrations on 1 Aug for 1934
National Library of New Zealand
In 1977, NZ's official Arbor Day shifted to 5 June (the date of "World Environment Day") and is not a public holiday
World Environment Day was founded by United Nations in 1972 to engage people globally in protecting the planet
Radio New Zealand
Background to beginnings of "Arbor Day"
1. International
1594: First documented tree planting festival was held in the Spanish village of Mondoñedo
Mayor organised planting of linden & ash at Alameda de los Remedios. A bronze memorial plaque commemorates this event.
iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao
1805: First modern form of Arbor Day held in Spanish village of Villanueva de la Sierra by priest Don Juan Abern Samtrés
Ringing of the church bells on Carnival Tuesday was followed by planting of a poplar, other trees & feasting over 3 days
iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao
10 April 1872: First planting event named "Arbor Day" was held in Nebraska when about 1 million trees were planted
Agricultural Board had accepted proposal by Julius Morton for others to follow his planting of trees on prairie land
National Library of New Zealand
Jan 1879: Involving US students in Arbor Day was promoted by Birdsey Northrop (Connecticut Board of Educ Secretary)
He started a programme to encourage Connecticut school children to plant five “centennial trees” to earn a dollar prize
Tauranga City Libraries
In 1883, Northrup began chairing the American Forestry Assoc's committee to spread Arbor Day nationwide to schools
NZ newspapers reported on the increasing popularity of Arbor Day across the US as an example for NZ
National Library of New Zealand
In 1885, Northrup also visited Japan on a lecture tour about Arbor Day, followed by Australia, Canada, Turkey & Germany
Soon afterwards, those countries introduced Arbor Day
Digital Public Library of America
2. New Zealand
1850s-1880s: Early forestry legislation paved way for concept of 'Arbor Day'
19 Oct 1858: 'Planting of Forest Trees Ordinance' was passed by the Canterbury Provincial Government
With forests being felled to develop farmland, the intent was to promote need for shelter trees & local timber supplies
National Library of New Zealand
14 Nov 1871: 'Forest Tree Planting Encouragement Act' was passed for all provinces
The University of Auckland Library
31 Aug 1874: 'New Zealand Forests Act' regulated the logging, milling & sale of timber
The Act led to the establishment of state forests for the management of the ongoing supply of timber
The University of Auckland Library
1876-1877: The first Conservator of State Forests was appointed - Captain Campbell-Walker of the Indian Forest Service
He reported to the Govt in 1877 on the formation of a State Forest Department which was delayed for financial reasons
National Library of New Zealand
14 Sept 1885: 'New Zealand State Forest Act' led to the establishment of the State Forests Department
When abolished in 1887 due to costs, some functions transferred to the Lands Department
The University of Auckland Library
1885 onwards: Arrival of Arbor Day in NZ
2 Sept 1885: "Arbor Day" at Okaihau School in Northland
The Waikato Times (1 Sept 1885) reported that the Auckland Education Board at its last meeting (28 August) had granted the request by Okaihau School to observe 2 September as an Arbor Day whereby the students would plant trees in the school's grounds. The Clutha Leader (18 Sept 1885) also reported on the request by Okaihau School:
"At a meeting of the Auckland Education Board the other day, Mr Neild, teacher of the State School at Okaihu, asked for and obtained permission to observe the 2nd September as an " arbor day," that is, for the purpose of enabling the pupils attending school to plant trees in the school grounds. Mr Neild, who is an ex-Canadian, says that the practice is quite a common one in the Dominion. It is to be hoped the example thus set will be generally adopted, and that the cultivation of a taste for the beautiful and picturesque, that seems to have been so sadly neglected in the case of the present generation in the Colony, will have its proper place in connection with the education of the children of both sexes."
2 Sept 1885: Okaihau School held an Arbor Day, sparked by Canadian newspaper article about pupils involved in Arbor Day
As many of Okaihau's settlers were Canadian, a teacher proposed that Okaihau students also observe Arbor Day
Auckland Libraries
The Auckland Education Board had granted Okaihau School & its teacher Mr Nields permission to hold an Arbor Day
A copy of the letter seeking the Education Board's permission was printed by the Waikato Times
National Library of New Zealand
The NZ Herald (12 Sept 1885) reported on the Arbor Day held at Okaihau School:
“Some time ago the Board granted permission to the headmaster of Okaihau School to allow his scholars a holiday, for the purpose of planting the playground with shrubs and trees. The headmaster forwarded an account of the day's proceedings, which were of an interesting character. The children have manifested great interest in the work, and volunteered to keep in order certain flower beds and shrubberies. Sixteen forest trees and 25 New Zealand shrubs were planted, and six flower beds were formed. The headmaster hopes that Arbor Day will soon become celebrated in all public schools of the district.”
After the Arbor Day was held by Okaihau School, its purpose was commended in an article in Clutha Leader on 18 Sept 1885
National Library of New Zealand
April 1866: Campaign for all country schools to hold Arbor Day
In April 1886, a campaign began to have the Auckland Education Board introduce Arbor Day with all the country schools
Letter sent to schools by Warren Blyth from Greenhithe (Auckland) was printed in Waikato Times (26 June 1888)
National Library of New Zealand
During May 1886, newspapers reported Auckland Education Board was considering proclaiming an Arbor Day in its province
Intent was to encourage tree-planting in the country districts
National Library of New Zealand
Local newspapers reported on the responses by schools to holding an Arbor Day
Te Aroha News (10 July 1886) stated Te Aroha School Committee supported having an Arbor Day & would approve date chosen
National Library of New Zealand
Late 1880s: NZ newspapers continued to report on Arbor Day events held overseas
By 1886, the concept of "Arbor Day" began to spread globally & South Africa holding its own event was reported in NZ
The US & South Africa had granted a public holiday for their Arbor Day
National Library of New Zealand
In 1887, the observance of Arbor Day by an increasing number of US States was covered by NZ newspapers
National Library of New Zealand
3 July 1890: Arbor Day held by Greytown Borough Council
On 31 May 1890, Southland Times reported Greytown Borough Council would hold an Arbor Day as proposed by William Nation
Nation (owner of Wairarapa Standard) had proposed adopting America's Arbor Day to plant roadside trees
National Library of New Zealand
On 3 July 1890, Greytown's Arbor Day was held & an account of the planning & day's events were shared by William Nation
Nation also described what had taken place the following year, to aid the Mayor of Kaitangata with planning an Arbor Day
National Library of New Zealand
An evening Arbor Day concert was also held to raise funds for future tree plantings
Wairarapa Archive
4 Aug 1892: Government gazetted an Arbor Day holiday for Govt offices & schools, & encouraged councils to follow suit
In March 1892, George Woodward suggested to the Premier that there be "a general 'Arbor Day' for the whole Colony"
Woodward had been instrumental in establishing "Arbor Day' in Wellington
Auckland Libraries
Star (29 March 1892) reported a reply had been received "that the Government will be willing to assist the movement"
Also, that "the Minister for Lands mentions July or August as the best months for planting"
National Library of New Zealand
The Government gazetted 4 August 1892 as a holiday for Government offices to observe Arbor Day
National Library of New Zealand
Schools were also granted permission by the Education Boards to choose whether to observe Arbor Day as a holiday
Auckland Libraries
18 July 1892: Circular letter forwarded to Councils by Dpt of Agriculture to engender support for an Arbor Day holiday
Appended were suggestions for the planting of trees & shrubs, drawing on the experiences of US, Canada & Queensland
National Library of New Zealand
Although the Auckland City Council agreed about the desirability of tree-planting, it declined to observe a holiday
National Library of New Zealand
The Southland Times reported "The Christchurch Council did not observe a holiday"
However, "A few schools were closed, and some planting of grounds done."
National Library of New Zealand
Local newspapers reported on districts who'd carried out Arbor Day activities, & whether businesses closed for the day
National Library of New Zealand
Arbor Day activities carried out during unfavourable weather in Wellington were reported in the Evening Post
National Library of New Zealand
An Arbor Day poem was printed by the Otago Witness
National Library of New Zealand
1893 onwards: Arbor Day continued to be observed with a holiday for Govt offices & schools, gazetted during either July or August
Arbor Day gazetted for Friday 4 August 1893
National Library of New Zealand
Arbor Day gazetted for Wednesday 1 August 1894
National Library of New Zealand
Arbor Day gazetted for 17 July 1896
National Library of New Zealand
30 Aug 1899: Reports were tabled in Parliament on the Arbor Day events held on 19 July 1899
National Library of New Zealand
1900s
Arbor Day 26/8/03
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
Arbor Day, Alexandra, 28th Aug 1903
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
Arbor Day
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
Arbor day in Palmerston North
Auckland Libraries
Arbor Day, Knapdale
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
Tree planting at Northcote Wharf, Northcote, Auckland.
Auckland Libraries
1910s: Economic benefits of Arbor Day's tree-planting increasingly promoted
By 1910, the observance of Arbor Day had begun to wane in various districts in NZ. Consequently, the Government began to increasingly promote the economic benefits of tree-planting to Councils and to schools.
By 1910, tree-planting on Arbor Day had begun to wane although Govt staff still took the day off as a holiday
However, the indifference of Wellingtonians was gradually being turned around reported the Evening Post (20 June 1914)
National Library of New Zealand
July 1910 issue of the School Journal (which began in 1907) featured the economic importance of Arbor Day
National Library of New Zealand
Schoolchildren at the Auckland Domain being addressed by Acting Mayor (Mr J. Court) on Arbor Day (1912)
Arbor Day In Auckland
Auckland Libraries
Schoolchildren at the Auckland Domain on Arbor Day learning about the value of afforestation (1912)
Teaching Auckland School Children The Value Of Afforestation
Auckland Libraries
Arbour Day being observed at an East Coast Native School (1912)
Arbor Day Observed At An East Coast Native School
Auckland Libraries
Arbor Day celebrations at Reporoa School included skipping games (1912)
Skipping, Reporua School, Arbour Day
Alexander Turnbull Library
In 1913, the Forest Commission released its report on Arbor Day
The Report's findings on the economic benefits of Arbor Day was reported by the Otago Daily Times (30 Aprll 1914)
National Library of New Zealand
Govt continued to encourage Councils to observe an Arbor Day holiday
Gazetted notices for the date of the next Arbor Day to be observed as a public holiday by Government offices included the hope that Mayors of municipalities and Chairmen of local bodies will also promote tree-planting.
For example:
The New Zealand Gazette. Wellington, Thursday, June 18, 1914 (No. 58, p. 2446):
Arbor Day. Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington, 17th June, 1914.
WEDNESDAY, the 15th day of July next, will be observed as a public holiday in the Government offices throughout the Dominion, for the celebration of Arbor Day.
In order that the movement may be made as successful as possible, the Government hopes that the Mayors of various municipalities and Chairmen of local bodies will place the matter prominently before the people of the Dominion, and do all they can to encourage the planting of public reserves and other available lands, both public and private, with trees suited to the locality.
H. D. BELL, Minister of Internal Affairs.
Dept of Internal Affairs encouraged councils to join Govt offices in observing Arbour Day with planting of trees
(Image: Planting a tree in Northcote on Arbor Day, 1915)
Auckland Libraries
1916: Government discontinued Govt offices observing Arbor Day with a holiday
Observance of Arbor Day began to lapse during World War One. Subsequently, in 1916 the Government discontinued Government offices having an Arbor Day holiday annually but still encouraged local bodies and schools to continue to plant trees on a date that was suitable for them. A retrospective article in the Evening Post (1934) stated:
Unfortunately, as time went on, promotion of race meetings, football matches, and. similar attractions began to tako advantage of the Arbor Day holiday for their fixtures, and for this and other reasons interest in the proper object of the day began to wane. Finally, the Great War, with its tremendous demands of many kinds upon the people, sealed the fate of Arbor Day, and Wednesday, July 14, 1915, was the last day on which the function was observed. In the following year a notice was gazetted stating that the Government had decided to discontinue the annual closing of its offices for Arbor Day purposes, but trusted that 'the planting of trees in public reserves and other available lands would continue and that education boards and other local authorities would fix suitable days for that purpose each year.
Source: Evening Post, "More trees", (Vol. CXVIII, Issue 26, 31 July 1934, p. 7)
Aug 1916: Govt ceased closing Govt offices to observe Arbor Day, but encouraged local bodies & schools to plant trees
The holiday had been increasingly taken for sports & other events, & WWI was also making other demands on people
National Library of New Zealand
July 1916 issue of the New Zealand School Journal included economic importance of Arbor Day
National Library of New Zealand
On 12 July 1916, the voluntary group the New Zealand Forestry League was formed
It sought to educate the public on the dangers of deforestation & the need for scientific forest management
National Library of New Zealand
Tree-planting continued to be held in Auckland (1917)
Auckland Libraries
1920s: Initiatives undertaken to promote afforestation
In July 1923, the Forestry League in Wellington began plans for a New Zealand Forestry Day on 10 August
National Library of New Zealand
1923: Afforestation scheme started by Agricultural Instructor Rod Syme with northern Taranaki schools extended in south
When Taranaki Educ Board was not keen to implement the scheme, an Afforestation Shield was provided by timber merchant
National Library of New Zealand
1924: Melrose residents organised own working-bee when Wellington Council didn't promote Arbor Day
National Library of New Zealand
July 1924 issue of the New Zealand School Journal included information about Arbor Day
National Library of New Zealand
Feb 1925: The revival of Arbor Day was proposed at the conference of agricultural instructors & school inspectors
School nurseries were also suggested for teaching about timber conservation & afforestation
National Library of New Zealand
July 1928 issue of the New Zealand School Journal included information about Arbor Day
National Library of New Zealand
1928: For the first time, c.600 pupils from Invercargill schools join together to plant c300 trees at Queens Park
Auckland Libraries
1928: A large crowd gathered for Arbor Day in the Civic Reserve, Highbury, Birkenhead
Auckland Libraries
July 1929 issue of the New Zealand School Journal included information about Arbor Day
National Library of New Zealand
1930s: Revival of Arbor Day seen in Auckland, Wellington & other parts of NZ
Revival of Arbor Day seen with kowhai tree being planted at Epsom Girls Grammar School (1933)
Auckland Libraries
Governor-General Lord Bledisloe greeted Arbor Day ceremony participants at the Civic Reserve in Birkenhead (1933)
Auckland Libraries
Arbor Day celebrations at Birkenhead (1933)
Auckland Libraries
Wellington Horticultural Society passed resolution to encourage Education Board & schools to participate in 1934
National Library of New Zealand
Director of Wellington Technical College supported having Arbor Day to develop 'tree-sense' in children (May 1934)
National Library of New Zealand
7 June 1934: Govt decided Arbor Day to be observed on 1st Wed of August annually
On 7 June 1934, Govt decided that Arbor Day to be observed on first Wed of August annually
National Library of New Zealand
Education Board supported request of Wellington Horticultural Society that students be allowed time-off (20 June 1934)
National Library of New Zealand
Evening Post reported the revitalisation of Arbor Day stemming from the Wellington Horticultural Society (July 1934)
National Library of New Zealand
Planting of trees at Wellington College (1934)
National Library of New Zealand
Arbor Day promoted in New Zealand School Journal Part 1, Classes 1 & 2, Vol 29 (6), July 1935
journal
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
A plaque to mark one of the trees planted by Lord & Lady Galway (1935)
Evening Post"' Photo. TO MARK AN ARBOR DAY OCCASION.—One of the small identity} boards used to mark trees planted yesterday by Lord and Lady Galway...
National Library of New Zealand
Tree being planted at the new Marist Brothers' School at Miramar (1937)
Evening Post" Photo. Boys attending -the new Marist Brothers' School- at Miramar watching a tree being ..planted in the school grounds to mark 'Arb...
National Library of New Zealand
Governor-General's son planting a tree in the rhododendron dell in Kelburn, near the cable tram terminus (1937)
Erenlng Post" Photo. The Hon. Simon Moncklon-Arundell, only son of the Governor-General, Lord Galway, planting a tree in the rhododendron dell in K...
National Library of New Zealand
Children from four schools planting trees in Udy Street, Petone (1937)
y Arbor Day in < Petone. Children from four schools planting trees in Udy Street. ' • (Evening Post, 12 August 1937)
National Library of New Zealand
Arbor Day ceremony near Oamaru with activities by the North Otago Tree-planting Association (1937)
Arbor Day ceremony near Oamaru: inaugural activities of the North Otago Tree-planting Association
Auckland Libraries
Pupils at Queen Victoria School for Māori attend Auckland Arbor Day ceremony at St Peter's Chapel (1938)
Māori girls at Auckland Arbor Day ceremony
Auckland Libraries
Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Parry, planting a tree, assisted by the Director of Parks, Mr MacKenzie (1938)
Several functionstook place yesterday to celebrate Arbor Day. The principal event was ? that held by the Wellington -Beautifying Association betwee...
National Library of New Zealand
Mrs. Knox Gilmer, President of the Wellington Horticultural Society, planting a tree at Mt Cook School (1939)
Evening Post" Photo. Mrs. Knox Gilmer, president of the Wellington Horticultural Society, planting a tree at yesterday's Arbor Day function at Moun...
National Library of New Zealand
Further scenes during Arbor Day at Mt Cook School (1939)
Evening Post" Photo. Scenes at Mount Cook School yesterday, when Arbor Day treeplanting ceremonies took place. Top, some of the children watching p...
National Library of New Zealand
Tinui School pupils & adults with spades & small trees in front of the Tinui War Memorial at Tinui in Wairarapa (1939)
Arbor Day, Tinui School : photograph
Wairarapa Archive
1940s
Governor-General & Lady Newall taking part in the Arbor Day celebrations in Wellington's Bolton Street Cemetery (1941)
National Library of New Zealand
Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, planting an English lime tree at Central Park (1942)
The Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, planting an English lime tree at Central Park yesterday in connection with the Arbor Day celebration. Lady ...
National Library of New Zealand
Arbor Day tree-planting at the Wellington railway station (1943)
The Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, was present at the Arbor Day tree-planting at the railway station yesterday, and planted the first of four ...
National Library of New Zealand
Mayor, Mr. Appleton, planting kowhai tree at the Arbor Day ceremony organised by Wellington Beautifying Society (1945)
The Mayor, Mr. Appleton, planting the first kowhai tree at the Arbor Day ceremony organised by the Wellington Beautifying Society at hard Memorial ...
National Library of New Zealand
NZ National Film Unit's Weekly Review No. 260 (1946) includes "Hutt and Karori tree planting"
Weekly Review No. 260 (1946)
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
NZ National Film Unit's Weekly Review No. 363 (1948) includes footage on Arbor Day
Weekly Review No. 363 (1948)
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
1950s
Poster promoting Arbor Day was produced by the New Zealand Forest Service
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Governor General Lord Cobham's twin daughters planting a rhododendron on Arbor Day, 6 August
Alexander Turnbull Library
Walter Nash and an unidentified man planting a tree on Arbour Day, location unidentified
Alexander Turnbull Library
Mrs L Jackson with Mr H Mc Gill on Arbor Day
Alexander Turnbull Library
Arbour Day at the hospital
Alexander Turnbull Library
Group of boys going to plant trees at Waiwhetu for Arbor Day, Lower Hutt
Alexander Turnbull Library
Planting in Nelson for Arbor Day, 1959
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Planting in Nelson for Arbor Day, 1959
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
"Tree Planting Made Easy"
Palmerston North City Library
c. Arbor Day, Botanic Garden
Wellington City Council Archives
Matapihi School Arbor Day tree planting.
Tauranga City Libraries
Matapihi School Arbor Day tree planting.
Tauranga City Libraries
Planting trees, Ōtāhuhu, 1966
Auckland Libraries
Matapihi School Arbor Day tree planting.
Tauranga City Libraries
Mr Harris planting tree on Arbor Day
Tauranga City Libraries
Mount Primary Arbor Day 1968
Tauranga City Libraries
Arbor Day at Mount
Tauranga City Libraries
Tree planting project, Ōtara, 1968
Auckland Libraries
Keep it Green
Gisborne Photo News
1977: NZ's official Arbor Day shifted to 5 June - the date of "World Environment Day"
In 1977, NZ's official Arbor Day shifted to 5 June - the date of "World Environment Day" - and was not a public holiday
World Environment Day was founded by United Nations in 1972 to engage people globally in protecting the planet
Radio New Zealand
Arbor Day celebrations at Bombay Primary School on 5 June 1979
Arbor Day at Bombay Primary, 1979
Auckland Libraries
1980s
Poster for Arbor Day (1980): "Dig trees? Plant a tree on this fifth of June - Arbor Day"
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Students from Branston Intermediate planting trees at Elizabeth Park in the Port Hills (1981)
Arbor Day tree planting at Elizabeth Park
Christchurch City Libraries
Poster for Arbor Day designed by Beverley Buxton (1983)
Help the land help you plant trees.
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
1990s
A plaque was laid in Greytown to commemorate its centenary of Arbor Day in 1990
Wairarapa Archive
Native Tree planting at Awatea Park
Palmerston North City Library
Cenchrus clandestinus
iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao
Arbor Day tree planting, Brown Owl School, 1998
Upper Hutt City Library
2000s onwards
Upper Hutt City Library
Kaitoke Regional Park; planting a millennium totara grove; Stuart Macaskill, Liz Melhuish.
Upper Hutt City Library
RNZ (5 June 2008): Interviews about NZ's involvement in World Environment Day
World Environment Day (Part 1)
Radio New Zealand
World Environment Day (Part 2)
Radio New Zealand
World Environment Day (Part 3)
Radio New Zealand
World Environment Day (Part 4)
Radio New Zealand
In Nov 2016, "Trees That Count" was launched to keep a live count of the number of native trees being planted across NZ
Trees that Count | Te Rahi o Tāne is funded by the Tindall Foundation & run by the Project Crimson Trust
National Library of New Zealand
'Trees that Count" aims to plant millions more native trees during Arbor Day & beyond to reverse NZ’s carbon emission
See website: https://treesthatcount.co.nz/
Te Puni Kōkiri
Dpt of Conservation (2020): Youtube "Let nature in - Benji's seed hunt' shown on Arbor/World Environment Day (46 secs)
Let Nature In — Benji's Seed Hunt
Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Find out more:
Arbor Day Foundation, URL: https://www.arborday.org/
Nancy Swarbrick, 'Public holidays - Celebrating imperial ties', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/ephemera/32471/arbor-day
Wikipedia: Arbor Day, URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbor_Day
World Environment Day, URL: https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/