Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Burning - A7376845

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.

Burning

10 years

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 undertake burning should be approved for most 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 such as being able to grow better pasture on the application area, for managing and mustering stock, and for pest control is significant. The conditions of the approval will ensure that larger, more diverse indigenous grey shrubland and inherent values associated with the natural systems are preserved and not burnt subsequent to spraying.

For the part of the consent that was declined:

Given the advice of the Director-General of Conservation with regards to the inherent values such as tree daisy (Olearia odorata and O.lineata) within parts of the application areas, and in and adjacent to waterways that flow through the application areas, and the adverse effects burning will have on these, the Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined these areas should be declined.

Consent is granted in part to burn, subject to the following conditions:

1. Burning is to be restricted to those areas identified on the attached map. 
2. No area may be burnt more than once during the term of this consent. 
3. Burning may only occur in the period from the 1st July to 30th September and when ground conditions are appropriate (i.e. cold and damp) and weather conditions are ideal for burning. 
4. No burning shall occur within at least 20 metres either side of any permanent or seasonal waterway and adjacent wetlands. 
5. All burned areas are to be spelled from grazing for at least three (3) months following the burn. 
6. All burned areas are to be top-dressed and oversewn within 6 weeks of the burn occurring and in accordance with the conditions of the consents for these activities. Oversowing and topdressing shall be thereafter maintained. 
7. A helicopter with a monsoon bucket is to be held on standby during all burning operations. 
8. Any landowner within 1 kilometre of an area which is planned to be burned shall be informed at least 24 hours before the burning occurs. 
9. The people involved in lighting and controlling the fire shall have prior experience with burning and shall supervise the burn closely throughout the duration of the burn. Furthermore, the burnt area shall be inspected thoroughly following the completion of the burn to ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area. 
10. Any fire that burns outside the area for which consent has been granted, for whatever reason, is to be reported to the Commissioner of Crown Lands within 14 days of the burn occurring supplying full details of the circumstances.
11. That all staff employed by Te Akatarawa Pastoral Lease are aware of the approved areas for burning and the conditions imposed on the consent. 

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