Story perspectives

New Zealand’s 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, regulating farmland-to-forestry conversions.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) supports some changes but criticizes the lack of a moratorium on whole farm conversions beyond land classes 1-5.
BLNZ warns that 650,000 hectares could shift to forestry by 2050, affecting livestock production.
The government asserts the bill balances farmland protection with confidence in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
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, regulating farmland-to-forestry conversions.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (BLNZ) supports some changes but criticizes the lack of a moratorium on whole farm conversions beyond land classes 1-5.
BLNZ warns that 650,000 hectares could shift to forestry by 2050, affecting livestock production.
The government asserts the bill balances farmland protection with confidence in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Key changes include limits on exotic forestry registrations and allowing farmers to plant 25% of productive land in forestry.