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.