Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Soil disturbance for fencing - A522224

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.

Soil disturbance for fencing

10 years with maintenance rights

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that granting consent to disturb the soil for the activities noted above will make it easier to use the land for farming purposes, and that any adverse effects on inherent values can be minimised through compliance with the conditions specified, with the added benefit of excluding stock from waterways.

Consent is granted to disturb soil to enable fence construction subject to the following conditions:

1. Soil disturbance is to be kept to the minimum required to establish a stock proof fence and no greater width than 3m.
2. Any crossings of waterways are to be constructed in a manner that will not alter the flow of water or impede fish passage.
3. Disturbed areas are to be sown with seed and topdressed within six months of construction.
4. Cut-outs shall be installed every 30-50 metres in steeper sections, in order to minimise runoff and scouring.
5. All machinery used in construction is to be thoroughly cleaned and free of weed seeds. 
6. Any spill is to be positioned in a way that prevents sediment reaching waterways, seeps and wetlands. 
7. Any uphill batters are to be sloped off or struck back to minimise slumping and allow re-grassing.
8. That all contractors and employees operating under this consent are informed of the conditions prior to commencing soil disturbance activities.

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