Tony Orman
Proposed government changes to help farmers leasing Crown land diversity and uplift value have had strong support from former Molesworth Farm manager Jim Ward.
“The crux of it should be giving high country farmers on pastoral leases the right to do things as on private land by removing red tape and inhibiting unnecessary rules, while not to the detriment of the environment,” he said.
“I like the concept and intent. There needs to be a greater measure of practicality and pragmatism without sacrificing environmental values,” he added. “I’m a strong advocate for the ethos of stewardship of the land.”
Kaikoura MP Stuart Smith supported the proposals which will “unlock economic growth opportunities in high-country farms across the country by changes to the Crown Pastoral Land Act and Land Act that will allow a wider range of activities on Crown pastoral land and help farmers to grow and diversify their operations.”
Diversification
He said alongside traditional pastoral farming, these changes will allow activities like horticulture, beekeeping, renewable energy projects, selling fresh produce on site and encouraging hunting, agri-tourism and other hospitality ventures.
“I’ve had positive feedback from farmers about the proposed changes,” he added.
The changes would make the rules clearer and more workable for farmers, while keeping strong protections for the environment and ensuring pastoral farming remains the main use.
Announcing the proposals Land Information Minister Chris Penk and South Island Minister James Meager said proposed rule changes will free up high country farmers to make the most of their land, will unlock economic opportunities, support job creation and strengthen regional economies.
“Farmers in the high country make a significant contribution to New Zealand’s primary industries, but they’re telling us they want to do more and regulatory barriers are holding them back,” Minister Chris Penk said.
Value Lift
“Modelling suggests these changes could significantly lift the value of Crown pastoral land, with returns per hectare rising from around $80 for pastoral farming to about $2,000 for horticulture such as cherries, and up to $18,500 for solar projects in some cases,” said Chris Penk.
South Island Minister James Meager said with 1.2 million hectares of Crown pastoral land in the South Island, stretching from Marlborough to Southland, most of it currently used for pastoral farming, the scale of the opportunity was considerable and significant.
“Adding activities like horticulture and beekeeping alongside traditional farming, along with selling fresh produce on site, gives farmers more ways to earn from their land and grow their operations. Encouraging hospitality ventures, tourism and hunting also attracts visitors to the region, benefiting the wider local business community as people spend in shops, eat at restaurants, and stay in nearby accommodation, he said.
The Government appreciated the high country and its environment are deeply valued in the South Island, and the proposed changes will “make the rules clearer, simpler, and more workable for farmers, while maintaining strong protections for the high country’s environment and ensuring pastoral farming remains the primary land use.”
The public will be able to provide feedback on the Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill through the Select Committee process in due course.
