Carbon options a complex path to follow

Since the government came into power with its “one billion trees” policy almost two years ago the landscape for forestry investment in New Zealand has changed dramatically, both literally and figuratively.

As central to government policy promises as the Kiwibuild programme, the one billion trees policy aimed to play a dual role in lifting water quality in rivers and streams, regional job creation and providing a sink for New Zealand’s carbon emissions. It promised validation to other countries New Zealand was doing something about greenhouse gases as a Paris Accord signatory.

Government support for what amounts to an additional 50,000ha a year of trees on top of a “replacement rate” of 50,000ha a year has been significant.

Farmers can apply for grants when planting out wood lots, both indigenous and exotics.

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