Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Oversowing and top-dressing - A7100093

For this decision summary:

• LINZ received the application before 17 November 2022
• accordingly, the decision was made under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 

Oversowing and top-dressing

Ongoing

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that the proposed sowing of seed and top-dressing has positive farming benefits, and the conditions will enable any adverse effects on inherent values to be avoided, remedied, or mitigated. The sowing of seed and top-dressing is needed to help facilitate the recovery of pasture over the areas where trees have been felled. There is little indigenous vegetation present due to the density of the exotic trees and other exotic weed species, so the application of introduced grasses is not expected to have any adverse effects on inherent values.

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

1. Sowing seed and top-dressing are only permitted to occur within the areas indicated on the attached maps and is not permitted within 5 metres of waterways.
2. Oversowing and top-dressing are to be carried out by an experienced applicator 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.
3. Care shall be exercised to prevent any seed or fertiliser drifting onto neighbouring properties during application.
4. Only permanent pasture species that are suitable for the soil and climate are to be sown, such as perennial cocksfoot, tall fescue and clovers.
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 phosphorous.
6. Where possible, only a certified weed-free seed mix is sown on the approved area.
7. If any historic sites are accidentally uncovered in the process of carrying out the proposed activity, earth disturbance work should cease, and the appropriate authorities should be notified.
8. It is the Lessee’s responsibility to ensure that everyone involved with the activity is made aware of all conditions of this consent, and the need to comply with them, prior to undertaking the activity.

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