Arbor Day is observed in New Zealand every June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day. The celebration has a long history, with the first unofficial Arbor Day taking place in New Zealand on July 3, 1890, and official tree planting events being recognized nationally by 1892. Initially promoted by the government until 1914, the day involved activities at schools and service organizations where people received a day off to plant exotic trees. The event was revived in 1934 and has since focused on planting native trees to restore habitats damaged by human activity, weeds, and pests. The New Zealand government actively promotes Arbor Day, organizing annual events that involve various organizations in a long-term project aimed at protecting and restoring indigenous biodiversity.