Discretionary pastoral activity decision for Mt Nicholas - Cultivation - A5482400

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.

Cultivation

5 (five) years - with maintenance rights if intital cultivation occurs within those initial 5 years.

The Commissioner has determined that, provided the activity remains in the areas identified on the plans attached, the activity will improve pasture over the most accessible and developed blocks which will improve year-round feed availability and quality for stock. The areas identified do not contain significant inherent values, and any effects are less than minor. The positive benefits for farming will outweigh any negative affects to inherent values of the land he wishes to protect. The conditions requiring appropriate management will minimise the potential for adverse effects on inherent values.

Consent is granted for cultivation by application of spray and laying down with pasture and sowing seed using direct drilling techniques, subject to the following conditions:

1. Cultivation must only occur within the areas as indicated on the plans attached to the Notice of Decision. Any deviation to the location of the works must have prior approval from the Commissioner of Crown Lands. Good management practice measures are to be undertaken to minimise the risk of soil erosion, including the use of direct drilling techniques, leaving soil bare for as short a period as possible, and avoiding cultivation of dry soil.
2. Spraying is to be undertaken by an experienced and appropriately qualified operator and is to be undertaken in suitable weather conditions to minimise spray drift onto adjoining areas.
3. This consent authorises the planting via direct drilling of lucerne, plantain, clovers, cocksfoot and fescue.
4. The areas may be re-cultivated not more frequently than 10-year intervals for the purposes of growing feed or forage for livestock on the property. During such re-cultivations the conditions of this consent must be adhered to.
5. That a grazing system is implemented that avoids overgrazing of the introduced pasture.
6. That only certified permanent pasture seed free from weeds and impurities is to be sown.
7. That no cultivation will occur within 5m of any ephemeral or permanent waterbody.
8. Continued inputs of maintenance fertiliser are to be applied to ensure the healthy maintenance of sward and to extend the effective life of the permanent pasture to reduce the need and frequency for renewal cultivation. This application of fertiliser shall be done in compliance with the terms of the Notice(s) of Decision for topdressing that relate to the same areas.
9. All machinery, equipment (including hand and mechanical tools) and materials intended to be used to undertake the activity must be cleaned of plant matter and soil and free of weeds or seeds prior to entering the lease to avoid the introduction of pest plants.
10. In the event of an accidental discovery of any archaeological sites, features or material that is likely to predate 1900, work must cease immediately, and the consent holder must advise Heritage New Zealand, and if required make an application for an archaeological authority pursuant to the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014.