Story perspectives

New Zealand's Climate Bill Limits Farmland-to-Forestry Conversions

9/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand's Climate Change Response Amendment Bill passed, restricting farmland-to-forestry conversions.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) supports the changes but finds them inadequate, especially for whole farm conversions.
BLNZ chair Kate Acland urges a moratorium on conversions to protect productive land.
The government asserts the bill balances farmland protection with Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) confidence.
Key changes include limits on exotic forestry registrations and allowing farmers to plant 25% of productive land in forestry.

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Story summary

New Zealand's Climate Change Response Amendment Bill passed, restricting farmland-to-forestry conversions.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) supports the changes but finds them inadequate, especially for whole farm conversions.
BLNZ chair Kate Acland urges a moratorium on conversions to protect productive land.
The government asserts the bill balances farmland protection with Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) confidence.
Key changes include limits on exotic forestry registrations and allowing farmers to plant 25% of productive land in forestry.