A 20.5 ha area of steep land in the Matai Valley, previously used for commercial pine forestry and harvested in 2022, is to be planted in redwoods over the next three weeks as the first step in implementing Council’s Long Term Plan decision to transition its commercial forestry into amenity continuous canopy forests.

Council adopted the Right Tree Right Place (RTRP) Taskforce’s recommendations in November 2023 and through the most recent Long Term Plan consulted with the public on moving away from commercial forestry over time and managing its forest estate in a way that is better for the environment.

This plan was overwhelmingly supported in submissions to the LTP and now this decision has been made by Council, staff are working to action high priority recommendations at an operational level.

“Council paused forestry operations at the beginning of 2023 as it undertook the review of its commercial forestry and established the Right Tree Right Place Taskforce,” says Nelson City Council Chief Executive Nigel Philpott.

“We are replanting these areas now because we do not want to incur significant Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) costs and because each year we leave them unplanted increases the potential for erosion and landslips. The Chair of the Taskforce specifically requested these areas be planted in 2024.”

If these areas are not replanted, Council could face a substantial financial penalty under the ETS, potentially close to a million dollars.

“The ETS clock has started ticking so we need to make a decision on what do with this land with some urgency.”

Redwoods are particularly suited to these steeper areas, have a sturdy root system, establish more quickly than natives and are not as susceptible to effects of weeds. Redwoods will also be able to thrive despite being planted late in the season.

The 12 ha of adjacent lower lying areas will be planted in winter 2025 in a mix of native species including totara and manuka.

“This is just the first step in the implementation of the taskforce’s recommendations to transition its 600 ha of commercial forestry into amenity continuous canopy forests of mixed species. The report recommends the development of a detailed plan for all its forested lands. This 20.5 ha of planting has preceded the development of the overall plan so we can mitigate ETS liabilities and to reduce the risk of landslips."

Council manages around 10,000 ha of forested land, of which 600 ha is either planted in commercial pine or recently harvested. The RTRP review recommends that Council treats its entire forested land holistically, removing all pinus radiata, and has an estimated timeline of around thirty years to achieve this.