Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Oversowing and top-dressing - A6148300

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

10 years with maintenance rights

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that there are benefits to farming from allowing the lessee to oversow and top-dress a semi-developed face to improve pasture production and better utilise stock for exotic woody weed control. Control of exotic woody weeds will also benefit indigenous vegetation in the wider area. Being able to carry out this activity will therefore make it easier to use the land concerned for farming purposes, and the conditions recommended will promote good management practice and mitigate effects on inherent values identified in the area.

Consent for oversowing and top-dressing is subject to the following conditions:

1. Oversowing and top-dressing may be undertaken within the area shown outlined in yellow on the plans attached.
2. Oversowing and top-dressing on rocky areas and within 10m of any waterways, wetlands and seeps within the area shown outlined in yellow is to be avoided.
3. Oversowing and top-dressing is to be carried out by an appropriately qualified operator/pilot capable of precision placement with appropriately calibrated equipment; and a written record of applications preferably with GPS mapping is to be maintained and provided to the Commissioner of Crown Lands if requested.
4. Permanent pasture species may include cocksfoot, timothy, ryegrass, clovers and pasture herbs.
5. Adequate fertiliser is to be applied to maintain a healthy sward without soil depletion. Soil testing is to be undertaken to inform fertiliser requirements and to avoid over-application of nutrients, particularly phosphorus.
6. Only seed certified as being free of weed seeds and impurities is to be sown.

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