Exemption of Pre-1990 forest land from the ETS

Two types of exemption are available for pre-1990 forest land:

  • Less than 50 hectares exemption
  • Deforestation of Tree Weeds exemption.

Pre-1990 forest land exemptions from the ETS are not automatic and must be applied for by the current forest landowner (or those with a liability for deforestation). Owners of exempt pre-1990 forest land are not eligible to a free allocation of New Zealand Units (NZUs) in respect of the exempt land. Before applying for an exemption, landowners should carefully consider whether or not they wish to forgo any entitlement they may have to a free allocation of NZUs.

Pre-1990 Exemptions from the ETS

Apply for a less than 50 hectares exemption

Further information

New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme Pre 1990 Forest Land: Forestry Allocation and Exemptions

Guide to Forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme

For recent updates please see the latest version of the Sustainable Forestry Bulletin.

Contact for Enquiries

Emissions Trading Scheme
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 1127
Wellington

Contact us

Or call us on 0800 CLIMATE (254 628)