Latest news with #SignificantNaturalAreas
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Farmers Welcome Halt To New Plan Changes
The decision that councils will be stopped from rushing through new restrictive plan changes is welcome news to farmers, Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper says. "Councils across New Zealand have been continuing to push ahead with new district plans that put farms under restrictive overlays, such as Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Significant Natural Areas. "This is despite the fact any plan changes may only have a shelf life of months, given the Government intends to pass a new Resource Management Act next year. "It's a huge waste of time - and ratepayers' money." The Waitaki District, for example, has a proposed plan change that would see over 200,000 hectares of private land under landscape overlays, and creates 329 Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) covering over 7000ha of private land. "Once a farmer has an overlay like an Outstanding Natural Landscape (ONL) on their farm, it creates huge uncertainty over how they can use their land. "Basic activities like putting in a new fence or farm race may require resource consent. Under some council proposed plans, building a new house or shed is nearly impossible," Hooper says. "Farm values under an ONL can drop considerably too, meaning regulation has the effect of taking property rights and value away from farmers." Work on these new rules is pointless when the current RMA will be scrapped within 12 months, Hooper says. "All the councils are doing is creating angst and confusion, and wasting bucketloads of ratepayer money. "Federated Farmers welcomes the Government stepping in and calling a halt on this today. "We trust a new RMA, based on property rights, won't allow councils to take basic property rights away from farmers in the form of restrictive overlays. "Halting plan changes now avoids councils rushing to put in new red tape before a new RMA is in place."
Scoop
16-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Rural Voters Fed Up With Rates Rip-Off
Councils have a mountain to climb to win back the trust of rural ratepayers, Federated Farmers says - and that starts with cutting wasteful spending and sharing the burden more fairly. "At the same time, councils deserve an overhaul of their funding tools and other changes to central government policy," Feds local government spokesperson Sandra Faulkner says. "Council rates hikes have climbed well above inflation for several decades, but the pressure on ratepayers has only worsened. "When elections happen this October, voters should back candidates who commit to capping general rate increases at inflation - unless there's a genuinely extraordinary reason not to," Faulkner says. She says rural ratepayers are fed up with footing the bill for urban-centric services they don't use and aren't connected to. "It's time to scrap unfair rating differentials and shift towards targeted uniform charges and annual general charges to reduce reliance on property value-based rates." Federated Farmers is also calling for legislation changes that would require binding referenda on any council commercial projects that cost more than $500 per rateable property. "We're not talking about sewage treatment plants, bridges or other such essential infrastructure," Faulkner says. "We're meaning commercial ventures like stadiums, conference centres and marinas that are beyond core council purposes and can destroy balance sheets. "It's not to say these projects can't happen, but ratepayers should get to make the final call." Councils could also save money by sticking to their lane and leaving climate policy to central government, Faulkner says. "Councils should stop duplicating effort - and wasting ratepayer dollars - by setting climate policies. "To do something positive for the environment, councils that haven't already should bring in a rates remission policy for land under QEII covenants, Significant Natural Areas and Outstanding Natural Landscapes. "Given that public conservation values are protected by these mechanisms, farmers deserve rates relief," Faulkner says. Federated Farmers supports RMA and local planning reform that reduces delays, costs and uncertainty, and utilises tools like farm plans rather than consents. Significant Natural Area and environmental rules must be science-based and farmer-friendly. Faulkner says central government also has a major role in the drive for council efficiency and fairness. Federated Farmers believes road users, rather than property owners, should be paying for local roads and bridges - as is the case for State Highways. "We're calling for 90% of local roading maintenance and renewal costs to come from fuel excise tax and road user charges, rather than rates. Currently, the average is only 53%. "Property value rates are a particularly poor mechanism to fund roads for the same reason as general taxation: it doesn't tie those who use roads with those who pay for roads. "This system also lacks logic. In areas with a lot of tourism or freight, for example, locals are left paying for roading networks that serve a wider regional or national purpose." The 10% cost share left with ratepayers would lock in a district say on local road priorities. Other steps from central government are also needed to relieve cost pressures on council, Faulkner says. "Crown land should be rateable, the 30% cap on council uniform annual general charges should be scrapped, and the Beehive should stop unfunded mandates - piling extra responsibilities onto councils with no corresponding funding." Faulkner says with council elections looming, now's a great chance to ask some tough questions of councillors seeking re-election - and those challenging them for seats - on how they'll lessen the rural rates burden.
Scoop
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Government Backs Voluntary Nature Credits
Press Release – New Zealand Government The development of a nature credit market is important to investors and New Zealands reputation. Associate Minister for the Environment The Government is supporting the expansion of a voluntary credits nature market through the running of pilot projects across New Zealand. Establishing a market that is durable, measurable and transparent will help farmers, landowners, iwi, and conservation groups unlock new income streams for looking after nature on their land, Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard announced today at Fieldays. 'We want to connect those caring for the land with investors who support conservation. Nature credit markets help fund trusted environmental projects that actively protect and restore ecosystems.' Mr Hoggard said international and domestic investors—including corporates, banks, and philanthropists—are seeking high-quality nature and carbon credits that meet global standards. The development of a nature credit market is important to investors and New Zealand's reputation. 'New Zealand companies spent millions on carbon and nature credits mainly offshore last year. With the right framework, we can keep more of that investment at home.' The Government moved quickly to repeal the previous Government's direction to Councils to identify and map Significant Natural Areas (SNA) by suspending parts of the National Policy Statement – Indigenous Biodiversity. 'Farmers and other private landowners are doing their part to protect native biodiversity and want to do more. Supporting voluntary natural credits markets is a chance for the Government to show them the carrot, not just the stick. Privately funded pilot projects are underway to test how nature credit markets can work in the New Zealand context. As part of these pilots, we will test the role for Government which may include setting principles, and a framework for standards, to build market confidence and ensure quality.' Further details on the Government's role and the design of the expanded market will be announced in the coming months. Information about voluntary nature credits market pilots The pilots represent different land conditions, locations, types of market participants, and activities. They will help the Government understand how to meet the high standards of international markets, the role of Government, and what works best in New Zealand. This real-life experience will provide valuable insights as we move to the next stage of market design. Te Toa Whenua Northland, led by Reconnecting Northland. Transitioning around 100 ha from exotic forestry to native including pest control on iwi-owned land. Waituna Nature Credits Prototype Southland, led by Whakamana te Waituna Charitable Trust (Awarua Rūnunga, Ngai Tahu, Fonterra, Southland District Council, Environment Southland, and Department of Conservation). Restoring 400 ha of farmland at lagoon margins to lowland forest & wetlands (RAMSAR protected site). Waimanu Forest Gisborne Led by Aratu Forests. Converting a commercial forestry block to 50 ha of natives for biodiversity uplift and increased recreational and educational values. Scope to expand to up to 5,000 ha. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari insights Waikato, led by Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Observing the current process of issuing credits for conservation and protection activities within the 3,360 ha inland ecological sanctuary. Existing Biodiversity Credits Market (BCM) project standard insights Led by Ekos. Offering market insights from an existing BCM provider. Includes understanding the journey of Reconnecting Northland's proof-of-concept project through this process. Adapted nature credits international standards Led by Boffa Miskell. Testing at-place an additional NZ BCM project standard that is adapting UK methodology to NZ environments as a competitor to domestic or international project standard/certification providers. Voluntary carbon market standard with biodiversity safeguards insights Led by AsureQuality. Testing its carbon project standard, which requires native revegetation, designed to be more applicable and affordable for the New Zealand context. Nature positive credit programme pilot Led by Silver Fern Farms. Testing a processor-led programme for market attraction, and potentially third-party investment, in on-farm nature restoration and enhancement activities that support commercial 'nature positive' claims. Nature-based markets pilots for rural landowners Led by Pāmu Farms. Exploring pathways to make nature-based markets accessible to a range of New Zealand farmers and landholders.
Scoop
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Government Backs Voluntary Nature Credits
Press Release – New Zealand Government The development of a nature credit market is important to investors and New Zealands reputation. Associate Minister for the Environment The Government is supporting the expansion of a voluntary credits nature market through the running of pilot projects across New Zealand. Establishing a market that is durable, measurable and transparent will help farmers, landowners, iwi, and conservation groups unlock new income streams for looking after nature on their land, Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard announced today at Fieldays. 'We want to connect those caring for the land with investors who support conservation. Nature credit markets help fund trusted environmental projects that actively protect and restore ecosystems.' Mr Hoggard said international and domestic investors—including corporates, banks, and philanthropists—are seeking high-quality nature and carbon credits that meet global standards. The development of a nature credit market is important to investors and New Zealand's reputation. 'New Zealand companies spent millions on carbon and nature credits mainly offshore last year. With the right framework, we can keep more of that investment at home.' The Government moved quickly to repeal the previous Government's direction to Councils to identify and map Significant Natural Areas (SNA) by suspending parts of the National Policy Statement – Indigenous Biodiversity. 'Farmers and other private landowners are doing their part to protect native biodiversity and want to do more. Supporting voluntary natural credits markets is a chance for the Government to show them the carrot, not just the stick. Privately funded pilot projects are underway to test how nature credit markets can work in the New Zealand context. As part of these pilots, we will test the role for Government which may include setting principles, and a framework for standards, to build market confidence and ensure quality.' Further details on the Government's role and the design of the expanded market will be announced in the coming months. Information about voluntary nature credits market pilots The pilots represent different land conditions, locations, types of market participants, and activities. They will help the Government understand how to meet the high standards of international markets, the role of Government, and what works best in New Zealand. This real-life experience will provide valuable insights as we move to the next stage of market design. Te Toa Whenua Northland, led by Reconnecting Northland. Transitioning around 100 ha from exotic forestry to native including pest control on iwi-owned land. Waituna Nature Credits Prototype Southland, led by Whakamana te Waituna Charitable Trust (Awarua Rūnunga, Ngai Tahu, Fonterra, Southland District Council, Environment Southland, and Department of Conservation). Restoring 400 ha of farmland at lagoon margins to lowland forest & wetlands (RAMSAR protected site). Waimanu Forest Gisborne Led by Aratu Forests. Converting a commercial forestry block to 50 ha of natives for biodiversity uplift and increased recreational and educational values. Scope to expand to up to 5,000 ha. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari insights Waikato, led by Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Observing the current process of issuing credits for conservation and protection activities within the 3,360 ha inland ecological sanctuary. Existing Biodiversity Credits Market (BCM) project standard insights Led by Ekos. Offering market insights from an existing BCM provider. Includes understanding the journey of Reconnecting Northland's proof-of-concept project through this process. Adapted nature credits international standards Led by Boffa Miskell. Testing at-place an additional NZ BCM project standard that is adapting UK methodology to NZ environments as a competitor to domestic or international project standard/certification providers. Voluntary carbon market standard with biodiversity safeguards insights Led by AsureQuality. Testing its carbon project standard, which requires native revegetation, designed to be more applicable and affordable for the New Zealand context. Nature positive credit programme pilot Led by Silver Fern Farms. Testing a processor-led programme for market attraction, and potentially third-party investment, in on-farm nature restoration and enhancement activities that support commercial 'nature positive' claims. Nature-based markets pilots for rural landowners Led by Pāmu Farms. Exploring pathways to make nature-based markets accessible to a range of New Zealand farmers and landholders.
Scoop
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Government Backs Voluntary Nature Credits
The Government is supporting the expansion of a voluntary credits nature market through the running of pilot projects across New Zealand. Establishing a market that is durable, measurable and transparent will help farmers, landowners, iwi, and conservation groups unlock new income streams for looking after nature on their land, Associate Minister for the Environment Andrew Hoggard announced today at Fieldays. 'We want to connect those caring for the land with investors who support conservation. Nature credit markets help fund trusted environmental projects that actively protect and restore ecosystems.' Mr Hoggard said international and domestic investors—including corporates, banks, and philanthropists—are seeking high-quality nature and carbon credits that meet global standards. The development of a nature credit market is important to investors and New Zealand's reputation. 'New Zealand companies spent millions on carbon and nature credits mainly offshore last year. With the right framework, we can keep more of that investment at home.' The Government moved quickly to repeal the previous Government's direction to Councils to identify and map Significant Natural Areas (SNA) by suspending parts of the National Policy Statement - Indigenous Biodiversity. 'Farmers and other private landowners are doing their part to protect native biodiversity and want to do more. Supporting voluntary natural credits markets is a chance for the Government to show them the carrot, not just the stick. Privately funded pilot projects are underway to test how nature credit markets can work in the New Zealand context. As part of these pilots, we will test the role for Government which may include setting principles, and a framework for standards, to build market confidence and ensure quality.' Further details on the Government's role and the design of the expanded market will be announced in the coming months. Information about voluntary nature credits market pilots The pilots represent different land conditions, locations, types of market participants, and activities. They will help the Government understand how to meet the high standards of international markets, the role of Government, and what works best in New Zealand. This real-life experience will provide valuable insights as we move to the next stage of market design. Te Toa Whenua Northland, led by Reconnecting Northland. Transitioning around 100 ha from exotic forestry to native including pest control on iwi-owned land. Waituna Nature Credits Prototype Southland, led by Whakamana te Waituna Charitable Trust (Awarua Rūnunga, Ngai Tahu, Fonterra, Southland District Council, Environment Southland, and Department of Conservation). Restoring 400 ha of farmland at lagoon margins to lowland forest & wetlands (RAMSAR protected site). Waimanu Forest Gisborne Led by Aratu Forests. Converting a commercial forestry block to 50 ha of natives for biodiversity uplift and increased recreational and educational values. Scope to expand to up to 5,000 ha. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari insights Waikato, led by Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari. Observing the current process of issuing credits for conservation and protection activities within the 3,360 ha inland ecological sanctuary. Existing Biodiversity Credits Market (BCM) project standard insights Led by Ekos. Offering market insights from an existing BCM provider. Includes understanding the journey of Reconnecting Northland's proof-of-concept project through this process. Adapted nature credits international standards Led by Boffa Miskell. Testing at-place an additional NZ BCM project standard that is adapting UK methodology to NZ environments as a competitor to domestic or international project standard/certification providers. Voluntary carbon market standard with biodiversity safeguards insights Led by AsureQuality. Testing its carbon project standard, which requires native revegetation, designed to be more applicable and affordable for the New Zealand context. Nature positive credit programme pilot Led by Silver Fern Farms. Testing a processor-led programme for market attraction, and potentially third-party investment, in on-farm nature restoration and enhancement activities that support commercial 'nature positive' claims. Nature-based markets pilots for rural landowners Led by Pāmu Farms. Exploring pathways to make nature-based markets accessible to a range of New Zealand farmers and landholders.
