Projects based in Rotorua have received combined funding of more than $1 million from the One Billion Trees programme for innovative forestry research.

'One Billion Trees is about more than trees. It also aims to upskill and enrich communities through forestry, with innovation and No.8 wire thinking at its core,” Forestry Minister Shane Jones says.

Crown Research Institute Scion in Rotorua has received One Billion Trees partnership funding for two significant projects which will improve the quality of native trees and boost forestry productivity.

The Acceleration of Primary Production in Native Trees project - in partnership with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, community groups and iwi partners - received $422,500.

The project will focus on improving nursery production techniques and automating processes to reduce bottlenecks.

The Towards Native Trees Establishment Success project received $400,000 and will lead to more efficient and cost-effective weed control, and reduce the risk of herbicide-related tree mortality.

Perrin Ag, also based in Rotorua, received funding of $288,088. Perrin Ag is developing case studies that will demonstrate how to integrate trees into farming landscapes, increase biodiversity, provide shade for animals, and stabilise erosion-prone land.

This project, based on science and informed by case studies and evaluations, will work with farmers in Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Manawatū.

The investment comes from the One Billion Trees Grants and Partnership Fund, which has more than $200 million available and which has directly funded 16,442,599 trees.

Shane says $22.2m was approved from the grants fund for 10,758ha of new planting, with 228 grant applications received for the year to 30 November 2019.

More than $35m of the $42.5m granted in partnership funding was for initiatives planting native trees. This will support the Government's commitment to two-thirds of trees funded being natives.

'This funding highlights the far-reaching benefits of the One Billion Trees programme, which is improving the wellbeing of our communities, our people, our environment, and our economy."

More information on recently approved projects and how to apply for funding can be found on Te Uru Rākau website.