Our Urban Ngāhere_2

A decade-long mission to cool, connect and re-canopy South Auckland

Urban Ngāhere is a 10-year tree planting programme that forms part of Auckland's Urban Ngāhere (Forest) Strategy. Over the next decade, 80,000 large trees will be planted across South Auckland to create cooler, greener neighbourhoods that are healthier, more resilient and better connected to nature.

As the trees grow, they will help reduce urban heat, improve biodiversity, capture carbon and reduce flood risk.

Documenting the programme

In spring 2025, South Auckland photographer Anna Delany documented the first year of the programme in the streets surrounding Ambury Park, capturing the patience, care and optimism needed to grow both trees and communities over time.

Explore the photographs

Click on each image to explore the photographs in detail. The accompanying captions share the story behind the programme, the challenges these young trees face, and the lasting climate benefits an urban ngāhere can bring.