Adele Fitzpatrick: Transforming New Zealand with Native Trees

Adele Fitzpatrick, the CEO of Project Crimson Trust, is making waves in New Zealand’s conservation efforts. Her leadership has led to the planting of hundreds of thousands of native trees, transforming the nation’s landscape and inspiring a movement of environmental stewardship.

The Birth of a Conservation Leader

In the late 1990s, Adele’s journey took her to the Israeli desert. The stark contrast of the arid landscape made her realize her deep longing for the lush native forests of New Zealand. This revelation sparked her passion for conservation, setting her on a path to make a significant impact on her home country’s natural environment.

Reconnecting with Nature

Upon her return to New Zealand, Adele immersed herself in the country’s natural beauty. Trail running and mountain biking through Wellington’s extensive trail network deepened her connection with nature. The early morning rides, accompanied by the symphony of birds waking up, filled her with a profound sense of well-being and a desire to protect and preserve these precious ecosystems.

From Corporate Marketing to Conservation

At the time, Adele was climbing the corporate ladder in marketing at Meridian Energy. Her involvement with Project Crimson began when she used an image of a rātā bloom for a Meridian campaign. Project Crimson reached out to use the image, leading to a sponsorship deal and eventually an invitation for Adele to join as a trustee. Her transition from the corporate world to conservation was driven by her passion for the environment and her desire to make a tangible difference.

Leading the Charge with Trees That Count

When Project Crimson secured government funding to develop Trees That Count, a project aimed at increasing the number of native trees, Adele was appointed as the chief executive. In this role, she has been instrumental in encouraging New Zealanders to plant around 2,500 hectares of native forest annually. The initiative involves individuals or groups funding trees, which are then matched with planting groups such as councils, schools, farmers, and community organizations.

The Vital Role of Native Trees

Native trees are crucial for providing habitats and food sources for wildlife, many of which are on the brink of extinction. They also play a significant role in improving water and soil quality and combating climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. To date, more than 660,000 native trees have been planted across New Zealand through this project. Over the next 50 years, these trees have the potential to remove approximately six million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

A Movement That Inspires

The message of Trees That Count has resonated deeply with New Zealanders. Many have used the gift registry to contribute to the environment in meaningful ways. For instance, a young couple from Christchurch requested guests to fund trees instead of wedding presents. Similarly, a 105-year-old couple celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary had their children organize tree funding in lieu of gifts. Funding trees in memory of loved ones to create forests of remembrance has also become a common practice.

A Dream Job with a Purpose

For Adele, this role is her dream job. It’s what gets her out of bed every morning. Her mission is to help people appreciate the beauty of New Zealand and understand the importance of preserving it for future generations. Through her leadership, Adele Fitzpatrick is not only transforming the landscape but also inspiring a nation to take action for a greener, more sustainable future.

For more information, visit the official website of Trees That Count.