In this report, we use expert knowledge and spatial data on the extent and types of erosion initiated during previous storms as the basis for assessing the erosion susceptibility for the current exotic forest estate in the East Coast region and – in more detail – for four currently forested study sites in the likely event that they will be subjected to episodic storms at some stage during the rotation cycle of P. radiata (~27–30 years). Furthermore, by selecting study sites within two lithologically and structurally contrasting terrains, we identify geologic and topographic factors that influence the development rate and type of erosion process that ultimately determines the degree of susceptibility (low to very high) of different areas within and between study sites.

This fact sheet outlines the biosecurity threat that myrtle rust poses to New Zealand plants.
It has been found in the Kermadec group north of New Zealand, and also in Northland, Waikato and Taranaki and on Raoul Island. It’s thought it has blown here from Australia where it is widespread.

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the Permanent Forest Sink Initiative (PFSI)
were created by the New Zealand Government as part of a package of climate change
initiatives that will support New Zealand’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and the Permanent Forest Sink Initiative (PFSI)
were created by the New Zealand Government as part of a package of climate change
initiatives that will support New Zealand’s ratification of the Kyoto Protocol.

This project addressed an urgent need of the livestock industries for cost-effective methods of reducing methane emissions by ruminants grazing pasture. The predominance of pasture in the diet of ruminants in NZ presents some specific challenges for mitigation of methane production. A forage-based solution, while elusive to date, could provide a simple, cost-effective solution for a significant proportion of ruminant livestock in New Zealand.

Tree-pasture (TP) systems involving widely spaced planted trees on pastoral land have been a widespread feature of New Zealand’s pastoral hill country for 50+ years. The primary purpose of the trees is to reduce the occurrence of erosion processes to enable the continuation of livestock farming.

The Government has set a goal to plant one billion trees over 10 years. MPI has a key role in helping to meet this goal. Our initial estimates suggest about 500 million trees will be delivered through current planting rates. MPI’s aim is to increase the rate of planting to meet the Government’s goal.

Keywords: animal welfare; dairy calf; bobby calf
This research identifies reasons for mortality and morbidity in dairy calves for slaughter (bobby calves), and potential new welfare indicators. Results are based on observations of calves, information from questionnaires given to farmers, transport operators and slaughter plant personnel. The research links calf mortality to on-farm management practices, transport, time in calving season, and slaughter schedule. The results will be used for initiatives to further improve calf welfare.

Note, while this document is marked 'confidential', it has since been approved for public release.

Poplars and willows are expected to continue to be the key tree species used to stabilise soil on pastoral hill country in New Zealand. Pastoral hill country is extensive across most regions of New Zealand, and particularly across regions of the North Island of New Zealand. Pastoral hill country erosion is more severe in the North Island, which tends to experience more intense rain storms. Hence the extensive planting of poplars and willows for hill slope stabilisation is more typical in the North Island than in the South Island.

Horizons region contains 1.5 million hectares of farmed hill country, one of the largest amounts for any region in New Zealand. However, farming is severely limited by erosion on some of this land, with over 270,000 hectares identified as high priority for erosion control that is currently unplanted.

This fact sheet summarises the threat that the exotic plant White Bryony (Byronica cretica subsp. dioica) poses to New Zealand's environment.

The National Exotic Forest Description (NEFD) 2016 provides a detailed description of New Zealand’s planted production forests as at 1 April 2017.