| Decision | Consent granted |
|---|---|
| Decision Maker | Overseas Investment Office |
| Decision Date | 3 February 2020 |
| Pathway(s) | Sensitive land – special forestry test |
| Investment | An overseas investment in sensitive land, being the Applicant's acquisition of a freehold interest in 1,319.2665 hectares of land at 42 Wiffens Road, Kekerengu, Kaikoura. |
| Consideration | $4,500,000 |
| Applicant | Drylandcarbon One Limited Partnership |
| Vendor | Matiawa Limited |
| Background | The Applicant has applied for consent under the special test relating to forestry activities set out in section 16A(4) of the Act. The land to be acquired is known as ‘Matiawa’ and 872 hectares are currently being used as a sheep and beef breeding farm. The Applicant proposes to plant approximately 850 hectares as a commercial rotation forest. The remainder of the land is made up of 170 hectares of native bush and 299 hectares containing riparian, reverting scrub and bush, a small exotic plantation and buildings and yards. If assessed as safe and habitable the dwellings on the land will only be used for forestry worker accommodation, in line with the requirements of the Act. The Applicant will continue to maintain relevant existing arrangements, including public access over the land for the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, Victoria University. The Applicant intends to harvest the existing crop of trees and replant following harvest. The Overseas Investment Office was satisfied the Investment met the requirements of the special forestry test. |
| More information | Susie Kilty |