May 17, 2018
Boost for manuka planting
New forestry agency Te Uru Rakau has entered a partnership with Manuka Farming New Zealand to plant 1.8 million manuka trees across New Zealand this year.
Forestry Minister Shane Jones says meeting the Government’s target of planting one billion trees over the next 10 years will require innovation and genuine partnerships with the private sector, local councils, iwi and non government organisations.
Te Uru Rakau will provide up to $1.8 million to the company to source seedlings, work with landowners to assess land suitability, and provide an overall planting plan.
Seedlings will then be provided free of charge to landowners for planting from July to September.
Landowners will need to cover the costs of getting the seedlings from the nursery, pest and weed control, fencing if required, planting costs and post-plant monitoring.
Mr Jones says demand for manuka products like honey and oil are increasing here and overseas, and the trees also help prevent erosion.
Manuka Farming New Zealand is the commercial arm of Manuka Research Partnership Ltd, which brings together primary sector and apiary interests including Comvita, Landcorp and Te Tumu Paeroa, which administer 100,000 hectares of Maori land.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com