Best Telecom NZ, Native Forest Restoration Trust
We use low carbon impact infrastructure that directly financially contributes to the Native Forest Restoration Trust in New Zealand.
Apart from being a comprehensive telecommunications provider we aim to reduce the environmental impact of data storage and access through energy efficiency and making a tangible contribution to the New Zealand natural environment.
We achieve lower environmental impact than typical data centres by reducing energy costs and contributing in a positive way to the natural environment. The data centres we used are lit by LED lighting, which has a significant energy saving over fluorescent strips.
Computers generate a lot of heat, which is removed from the facility using forced fresh air rather than refrigerant-cooled air except when outside temperatures are particularly high. When we source new servers and components we try to minimise energy consumption as much as possible. We also use virtualisation to reduce the number of servers required, thereby decreasing energy demands.
We made the decision in 2017 to offset the remaining unavoidable environmental impact by making regular donations to the Native Forest Restoration Trust. By using our services, you can be sure that you are taking an environmentally responsible approach to your data storage and management needs
About the Trust
Since its founding in 1980, the Native Forest Restoration Trust has acquired land to promote the regeneration of forests, protect important species and restore their habitats, and to improve the quality of our waterways. It has purchased and protected well over 7,000 hectares of native forests and wetlands throughout New Zealand.
The Trust is assisted by many volunteers who give freely of their time to plant trees, help with maintenance and carry out administrative tasks.
A large number of supporters donate regularly and they receive regular newsletters, respond to opportunities for planting programmes, assist with funding for appeals and provide invaluable feedback.
How you can help
From its inception the Trust has depended upon the generosity of benefactors, donors and supporters in order to pursue its goals. While not everyone can donate a regenerating forest or the funds to buy one, every little helps.
Our supporters are a very valued part of the Trust’s ongoing activities, serving as a means to keep the flame alive, to get messages out to the wider community and to provide feedback. Fundraising drives are launched for specific acquisitions.
From time to time opportunities arise to take an active role – see Get involved for more information. In return for an annual donation our supporters receive copies of our newsletter Canopy.
Reserves and Projects
The Trust’s numerous reserves require active management to control the spread of weeds and the proliferation of predators of birds. While each reserve has an honorary ranger, there are always tasks that can be undertaken by local ‘friends’. If you want to assist in the upkeep of a reserve near you, please contact us.
Now and again, particularly after the acquisition of a new reserve, there are tree-planting projects to be carried through. There is nothing more satisfying than to place a young plant in the ground and know that it will live on for the rest of your lifetime and beyond, giving joy to all and an environment for our precious wildlife. Major projects are announced well in advance through Canopy and in this website’s news section.