Carbon Conscious in NZ expansion

Perth-based environmental group Carbon Conscious says it is expanding across the Tasman, after it entered into a $NZ11 million carbon forest sink deal with a New Zealand-based energy company.

The contract involved Carbon Conscious establishing carbon forest sink plantings over multiple seasons, commencing this year.

Carbon Conscious estimated it would plant up to 1 million trees under the deal.

A carbon emissions trading scheme has been in place in New Zealand since January 2008.

"We are excited about our expansion into New Zealand and pleased that we have secured our initial New Zealand client," Carbon Conscious chief executive Peter Balsarini said.

"The New Zealand expansion offers Carbon Conscious a significant opportunity to capitalise on our technical and operational capabilities and client relationships.

"Given the established nature of the carbon market in New Zealand we believe the New Zealand business model has the potential to be as rewarding as the company's Australian operations."

Carbon Conscious said it would relocate existing staff from its Austrlaian business to the New Zealand operations.

Tom Reynolds has been appointed Carbon Conscious New Zealand general manager.

The announcement follows recent deals with Wesfarmers Insurance and 2009 deals with Origin Energy and BP.