Where The Redwoods Grow

• Published date: 10 April 2024
• Publication title: West Coast Farming Times, The

A crisp sunny autumnal Saturday morning saw a small group of livestock farmers, tree farmers and tree experts gather in Nelson Creek

It was a diff erent kind of farming in the spotlight. The day was about tree farming and the opportunities to grow alternate species to pinus radiata.

Hosted by Te Uru Rakau, the New Zealand Forest Service and the NZ Farm Forestry Association, the day took in some of the diverse species currently in production on the West Coast.

It was facilitated by Michael Orchard of the West Coast Farm Forestry Association, with discussions led by Ngai Tahu Forestry manager Chris Calder and forest owner Mal Blair a member of the West Coast Farm Forestry Association.

The first stop on the tour was to Ngai Tahu's Kangaroo Creek forestry block, and while pinus radiata dominated the area, pockets of alternate species were to be discovered. Chris Calder said that Pinus radiata with its turnover and known markets was the mainstay of the Ngai Tahu operation, but there was a place for alternate species, particularly where pinus radiata 'wouldn't stand up' in windy conditions.

The morning showcased a range of diff erent species under production. Blocks of cupressus lusitanica (Mexican cypress), cupressus macrocarpa (macrocarpa), pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir), chamaecyparesis lawsoniana (Lawsons cypress) and picaea sitchensis (sitka spruce) were all visited and put under the spotlight.

Leading the discussion, Mr Calder gave an honest review of each trees performance and off ered insight into where diff erent management could have led to better outcomes.

Standing among a block of lusitanica's, he emphasised the need for good care after planting.

"If you plant it you have to prune it to get some value out of it."

The lusitanicas also provided a good place to discuss how best to add value from the parts of the tree unsuitable for milling. Mr Calder said that there was the potential for better use of the 'off cuts' in the future.

"There are things coming into the system now with woodchipping and using that log here locally. When you go into biomass, there's certainly an opportunity."

Belinda Miller from the NZ Forest Service said technology could also assist small forestry owners with minor species. The website Mosaic Aotearoa allowed small forestry owners to register their trees and connect directly with local timber processors.

Some of the 'big' standout species of the morning were the giant Douglas fir and sitka spruce trees. The Douglas firs...