Farmer threatens to burn native forest over plunging values, new biodiversity rules
16 Mar, 2021 12:33 AM
4 minutes to read
Aaran Bruce and his father, 89-year-old Jim Bruce, who cleared most of the land, starting in 1944. The trees in the background are regenerating beech forest. Photo / Lois Williams, LDR
Local Democracy Reporter
A farmer in Maruia, on the South Island s West Coast, is threatening to burn 80ha of native bush on his property and turn it into pasture in a bid to raise its value and save his farm.
The land is likely to be classed as a significant natural area (SNA) under new biodiversity rules in regional and district plans.