Plantation forestry is the third largest primary sector in New
Zealand with significant economic and social benefits; however it
has the potential to cause significant adverse effects on the
environment.
Currently, forestry related activities are controlled by rules
in district and regional plans. This is set to change as of 1 May
2018. Forestry activities will need to comply with new national
standards. A national approach is being taken due to differences in
standards across the country causing uncertainty and a disparity in
costs.
The new rules cover eight plantation forestry activities all of
which can be carried out as permitted activities if specific
standards are complied with. If the standards are not complied with
resource consent will be required. There will also be new tools
introduced to help people to determine whether resource consent is
needed. The new tools include an Erosion Susceptibility
classification, Wilding Tree Risk calculator and a Fish
