Agri-Environmental Programmes in New Zealand

a. Rabbit and Land Management Programme
b. East Coast Forestry Project
c. Regional council programmes
i. Land clearance and earthworks controls
ii. Land use controls
iii. Soil conservation cost-share programmes
iv. Extension activities

2. Soil Quality

a. Rabbit and Land Management Programme

The Rabbit and Land Management Programme addresses serious land degradation on approximately 400,000 ha of dry tussock grasslands. The degradation resulted from a failure to manage feral rabbits, but this was part of a larger complex of socio-economic conditions and landuse practices. The programme supports research and monitoring activities and assistance with rabbit control. Participating landholders were required to develop and implement property management plans integrating biophysical, economic and social factors in order to qualify for assistance with rabbit control. Plan requirements are recorded on property titles, and must be maintained for at least 20 years.

Central government funding has averaged $3.5 million per year for the five-year programme. This provides approximately 50% of funding, with roughly 25% each coming from regional councils and participating landholders. For more details, see the original NZ report. The programme ends in June 1995. The government is considering options for extending the research and facilitation components, but is not considered likely to extend the pest control subsidies.

Implementing agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries;

Regional councils

1994/95 Budget: $2.926 million (including GST)

b. East Coast Forestry Project

In 1992, the Government initiated a programme to encourage commercial forestry on severely erodible land in the East Coast region of the North Island. The project aims to establish 7000 ha of forest per year, with a goal of planting 200,000 ha of erodible land over a 28 year period. The project targets land which is generally regarded as unsustainable in its current use (predominately sheep and beef farming) due to severe soil erosion. The project invites landholders to tender for grants to plant forest on eligible land. For more details, see the original NZ report.

Implementing agency: Ministry of Forestry

1994/95 Budget: $2.88 million (including GST)

c. Regional council programmes

Although central government funds certain programmes to target severe problems in selected areas, regional councils have primary responsibility for soil conservation. The phased withdrawal of government grants for on-farm practices has led to a shift to more advisory and extension services, with consequently lower levels of expenditure, funded by general property taxes. Some cost-sharing programmes continue, as well as regulations affecting land use practices. In 1994/95, regional councils spent $9.0 million on soil conservation activities, which are described below. This is a decrease from $15.2 million in 1990/91. In 1994/95, councils planned to recover $2.0 million of these costs through permit application fees and charges for technical services.

i. Land clearance and earthworks controls

Most regional councils and their predecessor organisations have maintained regulatory controls on land clearance and earthworks since the passage of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Act 1941. Land users who wish to clear highly erodible land or undertake earthwork (eg road construction, property development) must apply for a permit, which is usually granted subject to compliance with conditions to protect water quality. All regional councils charge application fees, and these are increasing as councils move to recover costs associated with processing applications and monitoring compliance.

Several councils also require permits for clearance or burning of native vegetation, especially tussock grass in the South Island. Objectives include protection of soil quality, native vegetation, air quality, and reducing risk of fire getting out of control.

ii. Land use controls

The Resource Management Act empowers local authorities to control land use for the purpose of soil conservation, among other possible objectives. To date, this authority has been used to restrict expansion of potentially damaging activities (agricultural and other) to vulnerable land rather than to force changes in existing practices.

iii. Soil conservation cost-share programmes

Central government funding for soil conservation programmes has virtually ceased. These programmes, administered by regional councils, provide 50% to 70% cost-sharing for conservation practices undertaken by farmers. Most councils have eliminated their cost-sharing programmes, though some continue. For instance, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, together with district councils and other organisations, provides cost-sharing for some conservation activities agreed upon as part of a property environmental plan. The maintenance of these activities is guaranteed by a covenant on the property title. Some councils also purchase eroded land and retire it from grazing, typically planting it in trees.

iv. Extension activities

Regional council programmes providing technical advice on soil conservation and other environmental issues have taken on a renewed importance with the reduction in grants from central government. In many councils, officials assist land users to develop property management plans that address not only soil conservation but also other environmental issues on the farm. Some councils charge for this service to recover some of their costs, while others provide free advice. The Sustainable Agriculture Programme and Rabbit and Land Management Programme, described above, also contain extension components.

Implementing agency: Regional councils

1994/95 Budget: $9.0 million