Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Oversowing and top-dressing maintenance - A7161899

For this decision summary:

• LINZ received the application before 17 November 2022
• accordingly, the decision was made under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 excluding the amendments taking effect on 17 November 2022.

Oversowing and top-dressing maintenance

Ongoing maintenance rights

Given the benefits it will have on the farming operation, the Commissioner of Crown Lands considers that consent to oversow and top-dress should be approved for part of the area applied for. The ability for pastoral lessees to improve and maintain the current OSTD country is crucial to support a viable farming operation. It is considered that the benefits to the farming operation of being able to grow better pasture in the application area, and the benefits this will have on managing stock, are significant. 

Consent is granted, subject to the following conditions:

1. That oversowing and top-dressing is limited to the approved areas as indicated on the map attached to the Notice of Decision. 
2. Please note that this Notice of Decision and the conditions noted overrides all other Notices of Decision with regard to OSTD areas depicted on the map attached. 
3. That, where possible, only a certified seed mix is sown on the approved areas. 
4. No topdressing or sowing of seed is to occur within 20m of any stream, watercourse, or wetland. 
5. Every attempt shall be made to avoid the application of seed or fertiliser over rocky outcrops, gravel fields, and patches of indigenous shrubland – especially those greater than 1.5m in height. 
6. That appropriate maintenance applications of fertiliser are applied to approved areas so as to keep nutrients in balance and enhance the nitrogen cycle. 
7. That all contractors and employees of Te Akatarawa Station are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to oversowing and topdressing.

The Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 provides that permission to undertake the activity may still be needed under other enactments.