Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Planting trees - A6274483

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.

Planting trees

5 years. Any planting established within the 5 year period is approved for ongoing maintenance and replanting subject to the same conditions of the consent.

The Commissioner of Crown Lands (CCL) has determined that the benefits of the proposed tree planting for the farming operation are significant enough to warrant approval by the CCL. The shelter belt planting will help the farming operation by providing shelter from prevailing winds which will have benefits for stock welfare as well as for soil conservation. The eucalyptus trees will also provide some shelter and also be a future supply of firewood on the Station. The Director General of Conservation has advised that any inherent values will not be adversely affected by the proposed planting provided that non-spreading species are planted and that no trees are planted on the gully floor in the amenity area.

Consent is granted for tree planting subject to the following conditions:

1. That the planting will only occur at the areas as indicated on the maps attached to the Notice of Decision.
2. That the planting for the shelter belt shall only occur on the southern side of the existing boundary fence in the developed paddock.
3. That in the amenity planting area, no trees shall be planted on the floor of the gully.
4. Any tools and equipment used when planting must be clean and free from soil and plant fragments (especially seeds).
5. All plants, mulch and/or soil going into the site must be free from weeds.
6. Soil disturbance while planting must be minimised by only clearing vegetation to dig the hole at each plant site (i.e. vegetation is not to be cleared across the entire planting area). 
7. Any exotic trees planted shall be limited to non-spreading, or low spread risk species of poplar, eucalyptus or pine. 
8. Areas approved for planting may be replanted should the initial plantings fail to establish. 
9. That all contractors and employees working on Matangi Station are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to the works starting.

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