Women & Trees NZ

About us and April event

​At the beginning of 2026 Women and Trees NZ (W&TNZ) is two years into its epic journey of being New Zealand’s first advocacy and support group for women in the arboricultural industry.

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The collective has been created with a diverse range of skill sets to help increase community, opportunity, education and support systems for women in the industry. We have worked consciously to be structured as a ‘community driven’ collective and strive to be in touch with current and pressing needs.

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In the short time W&TNZ has been established, we’ve achieved several significant milestones. Our inaugural two-day camp, held in April 2025, saw strong engagement with 26 women in attendance - particularly notable given that, as of 2018, only 60 women were recorded as working in the industry nationwide. In addition, we have successfully delivered a number of networking and fundraising events, one of which enabled W&TNZ to gain international exposure through a presence at the International Tree Climbing Championship held at Hagley Park, Christchurch, in October 2025.

We are fortunate to have the backing and encouragement of NZ Arb, who have welcomed us with open arms as a subcommittee, as well as other businesses such as Proclimb, Arb-Eco, Thoughtplanters and many others throughout the industry. 

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An integral part of our collective is a shared commitment to our values and mission. We believe consistency, transparency, and clear communication are key, so with this in mind, we invite you to explore our tree-jectory.
 

Our aim is to;

1. Support members within the industry ensuring we align with current industry needs through a lens that focuses on community, education, kaitiakitanga and inclusion.

2. Encourage and help facilitate non-members of the Arboricultural industry to join our efforts in helping better the overall care and understanding of our urban canopy. 

Support diversification of the work force; which will in turn encourage innovation, inspire creativity, increase productivity and improve performance.
 

Our core values 

1. Empowerment & Leadership

We uplift women to grow their confidence, voice, and capability within arboriculture, with a focus on wellbeing and sustainability.  

2. Connection, Community & Collaboration (Whanaungatanga)

We create a supportive network where experiences, skills, and knowledge are shared freely within both the industry and the community.

3. Guardianship of the Land & Trees (Kaitiakitanga) 

We honour our responsibility to care for ngā rākau (the trees) and te whenua (land) for generations to come in a safe and sustainable way.

4. Inclusivity & Diversity

We celebrate individuality, welcome all women and allies, and embrace different perspectives.

2026 W&TNZ Camp – Round 2!

The camp we are running in April is the second of its kind in NZ and has once again been designed to further create a supportive learning environment and a space to help knit together meaningful connections with folks in the arboriculture industry all around NZ. We want you to come along and bring your full self, experience, knowledge and enthusiasm and help build on this open and supportive space we call Women and Trees NZ. 

This camp will run from the 24th to the 27th of April (over ANZAC weekend) and will be held in Gisborne's incredibleEastwood Hill Arboretum. There will be a number of industry leaders sharing knowledge, skills and passions on some pretty fascinating topics, ranging from health and well-being to climbing techniques and ecology, as well as some dedicated time for conversations around building our groovy new collective 'together'.
 

From old to new, we know there will be something to gain for all.
 

Details

Three night stay at Gisborne's Eastwood Hill Arboretum

Cost: $150 pp

*This camp is aimed at women in the Arboriculture industry, please feel free to bring family and loved ones but understand we do not have any extra room on site for sleeping and will not provide extra food. There will also be some moments during the weekend where we will need space for camp participants only

This Includes:

• Food provided from Friday evening to Monday mid day

• Accomodation Friday, Saturday and Sunday night

• 8 + workshops and skills sessions

• Facilitated Korero amongst women
   

There will be a few accommodation options, these are;

• 2 x 8 bed bunk rooms

• Twin room

• Camping (BYO tent and sleeping bag)

• Van / Motorhome parking 
   

You are more than welcome to come along even if you don't wish to stay the night although the costs will remain the same, the camp has been heavily subsidised through volunteer work and sponsors.

Registration below

>> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoZg0E578zlpzpjskDTWs_syrKhQ_mLvwwfWVNntSpj8f7kg/viewform?usp=header

Do get in touch if there are any questions. We’d like to encourage all to join, whether you're a new quacker or an old dawg, so just let us know if there's anything we can help with to get you here and we’ll do our best to make it happen.

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Programme at a glance

Click here to view the programme at a glance.​

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Goodbyes and thank you

There'll be heaps more to come so watch this space!
 

Warm thanks,
Women & Trees NZ (supported by and sub committee of NZARB)

​​If you'd like to get involved or learn more email womenandtreesnz@nzarb.org.nz 
 

If you are interested in supporting the Women & Trees NZ, please contact lea@nzarb.org.nz