Despite the challenges of a harsh physical environment, Ngāi Tahu Farming is well on the way to achieving its goal of planting 1.5 million native plants across its Te Whenua Hou properties. Working in partnership the with Lincoln University Department of Ecology, Ngāi Tahu Farming is implementing a biodiversity plan drawn up by the university in 2013. That plan provides planting schemes for all twenty farms (after forestry clearance and final development) and includes as many as 17 areas set aside for nature. In addition, native species are being incorporated into shelter belts, in-paddock planting as well as plantings around farm buildings and houses on each farm. According to Ngāi Tahu Farming Project Manager Ben Giesen, the partnership is working so well that Ngāi Tahu is looking to extend the Lincoln University biodiversity plan and planting scheme, which is an important part of the “Natural Environment” pou within Ngai Tahu … Continue reading Farm planting on target