Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Oversowing and top-dressing - A7161884

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

5 years with maintenance rights

For the part of the consent that was granted:

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 better 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.

For the part of the consent that was declined:

Given the advice of the Director-General of Conservation with regards to the inherent values within parts of the application areas, including adjacent to waterways and rocky outcrops, and the adverse effects oversowing and top-dressing will have on these, the Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined these areas should be declined.
 

Granted in part for OSTD, subject to the following conditions: 

1. That oversowing and top-dressing will only occur within the areas as indicated on the map attached to the Notice of Decision. 

2. That, where possible, only a certified seed mix is sown on the approved area. Acceptable pasture species that are permitted to be sown include clover, cocksfoot, and ryegrass. 

3. No top-dressing or sowing of seed is to occur within a 20 metres riparian margin of any stream, watercourse, or wetland, including either side of the creek running through Briar Gully. 
4. 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 1.5 metres in height. 
5. That appropriate maintenance applications of fertiliser are applied to approved areas so as to keep nutrients in balance and enhance the nitrogen cycle. 
6. That a grazing system is implemented that avoids overgrazing of the introduced exotic pastures and any native plants. 
7. That all contractors and employees of Te Akatarawa Station are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to commencing any oversowing. 

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