There is an optional registration process for planted indigenous forests. It is ostensibly used for forests grown for timber and differentiates a designated area from natural indigenous forests. The registration process identifies both the area and tree species planted, allowing for the future felling of those trees without opposition from the Department of Conservation.

I applied for registration so management of the Kauri trees can be undertaken without regulator opposition. The Kauri trees will need to be thinned from 1,000 trees per hectare to 700 trees/ha around Year 30, then down to the final density of 400 trees/ha around Year 100. 

In early December 2024 I met NZ Forest Service’s Janelle Rice and Luke Gardener on site, and we spent 2 hours walking over the property, discussing what I’ve done and my future plans. Following assessment by NZ Forestry Service, a Registration Certificate was issued for the property (excluding the existing gully forest). 

The Certificate did not include all the 44 varieties I’ve planted. It was limited to those species on a designated list. Once the Kauri trees are planted, I can apply for an amendment to add Kauri to the species list.

20 December 2024

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