After months of preparations the New Zealand World War One Memorial Forest project will be officially launched by Conservation Minister Maggie Barry this Friday.

The launch of the Thames-Coromandel District Council initiative will take place on public conservation land above Cathedral Cove, near Hahei, and will coincide with Arbour Day – June 5.

Conservation and World War One Commemorations Minister Maggie Barry will officially launch the New Zealand WWI Memorial Forest at Cathedral Cove tomorrow. Photo: www.maggiebarry.co.nz

The memorial forest project will eventually see 18,166 trees planted at some 10 sites around the Coromandel Peninsula - one tree for each New Zealand soldier killed in the war.

Project manager Ben Dunbar-Smith says they are extremely pleased to have Maggie officially launching the memorial forest.

'With June 5 being Arbor Day and World Environment Day,” says Ben, 'it is fitting that the Hon Maggie Barry, as Minister of Conservation and Minister in charge of WWI commemorations, has agreed to officially open the Forest project.”

The individual forests will provide a long-lasting focus of remembrance and reflection and a valuable environmental attraction for Coromandel residents and visitors.

Each site commemorates a different battle or aspect of the war. The Cathedral Cove site pays tribute to those who fell in the Gallipoli campaign and so 2,779 trees will be planted there.

The first 100 trees will be planted at the Cathedral Cove site on June 5 as part of the official launch officiated by Ms Barry.

As part of the ceremony, local school children will also lay 2,779 flax crosses along the path at the site.

For more information on the Memorial Forest and all its sites across the Coromandel Peninsula visit: www.tcdc.govt.nz/ww1memorialforest