Photo: RNZ / Alexa Cook
After high profile campaigning from the farming sector against forestry conversion, there are now worries that some forest blocks are negatively affecting neighbouring farms. Poorly managed plantations are said to be providing homes for destructive pests and are at risk of fire. Federated Farmers says forest based animals come onto farms and destroy crops and pasture while pigs eat new born lambs.
The Forest Owners Association says huge efforts are being made and a great deal of money is being spent on eradicating deer and goats, and policies are in place to be prepared for any fire outbreak. But one Hawkes Bay farmer, James Hunter, who is trying to increase wetlands on his farm, says he fears all his work will be wiped out if a neighbouring farm is totally planted in pine and becomes a home to pests.
James Hunter joins Kathryn to talk about the challenges posed by forestry neighbours.
