7 Mar 2022

ETS: reward native not pine forest

From Nine To Noon, 9:30 am on 7 March 2022
Pine forest Wairau River South Island. Forest. Forestry. Pine trees. Pinus radiata

Photo: 123RF

The Ministry of Primary Industries is considering changing the forestry settings here in New Zealand, discouraging the planting of pinus radiata and long-lived exotic species for long-term carbon planting under the ETS.  Seeking feedback to this, MPI has published a discussion document Managing exotic afforestation incentives. Submissions are open now and close on 22 April. Environmental organisations - such as Forest and Bird - are in support -  saying native forest and wetland restoration provide a much better long-term carbon solution for carbon storage.  But Forest Owners Association chief executive, also managing director of forestry management company Port Blakely Phil Taylor tells Kathryn Ryan says it's not that straightforward and not necessarily the right move.