What farmers need to restore native forest on their land? [NZ]Friday 21 Aug 2026 Recent research shows that most farmers and other rural landowners in New Zealand need to see financial returns to enable native forest restoration on their land.Commissioned by The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand (TNC NZ) and carried out by The Bioeconomy Science Institute Maiangi Taiao, the research analysed landowner preferences, based on a survey and in-depth interviews with farmers and landowners across New Zealand.  TNC NZ Country Lead Dr. Erik van Eyndhoven says that the research is part of TNC’s work aimed at significantly expanding native restoration through making it more attractive for landowners. “Many landowners are keen to see more natives on their properties, but many things make this difficult to make happen. We’re keen to explore what the factors are that can support landowners to participate in a significant way.” The research report also found that some farmers valued non-monetary support, such as expert advice, more than financial incentives, Dr. van Eyndhoven says. “In the interviews, we found most satisfied farmers describe relationships with dedicated land management officers who provide support over multiple years, rather than one-off grants. Farmers want practical field support rather than theory.” However, the research found that across all three revegetation types—native reforestation, wetland restoration and planting on riverbanks—most landowners need to receive a financial return to participate in revegetation programmes. Dr. van Eyndhoven says this reflects what TNC hears directly from landowners: their time, energy and financial resources are already thinly stretched. “But we see enthusiasm in rural communities to do what they can regardless. In the Moutere catchment in Tasman District, for example, more than 200 rural landowners have taken up replanting opportunities provided by Te Tauihu Environment Trust, where they received some assistance with plants and materials but carried out the planting and maintenance themselves.” Over 40% of survey respondents had already participated in restoration projects to some degree. Many of the farmers interviewed were seeking a balance between economic drivers and enhancing the environment. Long-term aspirations frequently centered on legacy, leaving the land “in better condition than we found it” and creating something future generations could be proud of. More >> Source: The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand  |
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