Country Life: Ōtaki, the small town aiming for carbon neutrality
The New Zealand town of Ōtaki is pursuing carbon neutrality through the Ōtaki Carbon Forest Project, which involves landowners committing land for native tree plantings to create a carbon sink. This project is part of a broader community-driven effort by Energise Ōtaki, which also includes a solar farm and energy efficiency initiatives. So far, 17 hectares have been planted, with a goal of 32 hectares by 2030.
Why it matters
Ōtaki serves as a model for how small communities can take proactive, grassroots steps towards environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality, demonstrating that local action can significantly contribute to global climate goals.
Drew Mackenzie in the forest at Makahuri. Photo / RNZ, Sally Round
Drew Mackenzie cuts a small figure nestled among the roots of a giant kahikatea growing in a remnant ancient forest on the outskirts of Ōtaki.
But she’s part of a big vision for a circle of forests like this around the town, creating a carbon sink which it’s hoped will make the community carbon-neutral.
She and her husband, Anthony Ryan, the owners of Makahuri, which includes 20ha of mature forest and new plantings, were among the first landowners to sign up to the Ōtaki Carbon Forest Project, which started in 2023.
So far, 35 landowners have committed at least half a hectare of their property towards 32ha of new permanent native plantings by 2030, project lead Dianne Buchan told RNZ’s Country Life .
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