Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Scrub clearance - A5466568

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.

Scrub clearance

10 years

For the part of the consent that was granted the Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that making it easier to use the land concerned for farming purposes can be balanced by appropriate conditions to protect inherent values associated with mature shrubland, waterways, wetlands and seeps, and the wider landscape.

For the part of the consent that was declined the Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that the areas outlined in pink have inherent values that it is desirable to protect. The potential adverse effects of removing diverse shrub communities including ‘At Risk’ plant and fauna species, and further fragmentation of the landscape including the degradation of water quality and aquatic habitat will be impacted by clearing scrub.

Consent is granted in part for scrub clearance as shown outlined in blue on plans 1 to 9 of 9 on the relevant map subject to the following conditions:

1. Spraying scrub within the areas outlined in pink is declined.
2. Apart from the areas outlined in pink, spraying scrub may be undertaken in the balance of areas outlined in blue on the plans.
3. Spraying above 900m above sea level is not permitted.
4. Spraying scrub on rocky areas is to be avoided.
5. Spraying open water is to be avoided.
6. Spraying Manuka and Kanuka is to be avoided.
7. Up to 40ha may be sprayed in any one year.
8. Spraying methods are to be adopted that ensure only the approved areas are sprayed.
9. Spray applicators should be experienced in precision agricultural chemical application.
10. Where possible scrub specific herbicides are to be used.
11. A record of areas of scrub sprayed, ideally with GPS mapping, is to be maintained and provided to LINZ if requested.
12. Scrub that re-grows in the areas approved for clearance may continue to be re-sprayed, subject to the conditions above and the obtaining of consent under any other enactments that may be applicable at any time. 

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

Consent is declined in part for scrub clearance as shown outlined in pink on plans 1 to 9 of 9 on the relevant map.