Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Planting trees (indigenous) - A6637801

For this decision summary:

• LINZ received the application on or after 17 November 2022
• accordingly, the decision was made under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 including the amendments taking effect on 17 November 2022.

Planting trees (indigenous)

15 years with maintenance rights

The Commissioner has determined there are benefits of planting trees (natives) within the area as requested and is an appropriate use of the land with less than minor effect on the inherent values identified by the Director-General of Conservation, provided the conditions of the Notice are complied with. These values include plant communities including, remnant beech forest, manuka shrubland, diverse shrublands, fernland and semi natural grasslands and numerous New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA) recorded historic gold mining and domestic occupation sites.

Consent is granted for planting trees, subject to the following conditions:

1. No disturbance to New Zealand Archaeological Association recorded archaeological sites.
2. In the event of an accidental discovery of any archaeological sites, work shall stop, and the lessee shall advise Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga of the discovery.
3. All native plants must come from eco-sourced plants or seeds. That is, only native species that are naturally occurring locally are to be planted. Plant stock should ideally be sourced from on the property, however plants may also be sourced from the local area.
4. Any tools and equipment used when planting must be clean and free from soil and plant fragments (especially seeds).
5. Chemicals (e.g. glyphosate) must not be applied directly to open water, and where possible should be weed specific. Chemicals may only be applied by applicators trained in the correct techniques for riparian spraying, with properly calibrated equipment in suitable weather conditions.
6. Weeds and pests are to be controlled within the planting areas.
7. That all contractors and employees carrying out the planting on Motatapu Station are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to the works occurring.

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