The Land Team have created a newsletter to keep you up to date with the latest land management work and news. Click/tap the button below to read the latest newsletter. If you're interested in signing up for future Land Team Update newsletters, get in touch with your local LMA.
Land Team Update #1
Over half our region’s land is classified as hill country and, in an economy defined by agriculture, it is vital to manage this land sustainably. Our Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) takes a 'mountains to the sea' approach to protecting our valuable hill country soils where they are at risk of moderate to severe erosion. By keeping this soil on our hills and out of our waterways we can enhance water quality and increase productivity. SLUI uses a variety of tools, with a key part of the programme being based around the development of Whole Farm Plans (WFPs) with individual farmers. These plans are voluntary and once developed are followed up with a works and incentive programme aimed at reducing erosion. From 1 March 2026 until 30 June 2027, grant rates and caps for most* SLUI works have increased by an additional 20%. Note this is not retroactive, and only applies to works approved on or after 1 March 2026 to 30 June 2027. *Excludes space planted poplar/willow works (including planting and maintenance). If you are interested in learning more about funding available, please read more on the handout below. Note the funding changes are not reflected in the document below. For the most accurate estimate of works, please contact your LMA.
Funding Handout Sheet
Our team’s programme is targeted at reducing erosion control and reducing sediment in our region’s waterways by allowing revegetation on erosion-prone land. Get in touch to talk to us about fencing of wetlands, bush, riparian areas in hill country or afforestation or planting of poplar poles. We can advise you on our different criteria and funding levels. We can also advise you on land management issues. Get in touch with your local LMA, provided on the map, or email slui@horizons.govt.nz
Land Management Teams Map
There are many benefits of planting willow and poplar poles. Erodible hillsides can be stabilised and sustained as farmland, because the extensive root systems of these trees bind and hold the soil in place. Poles can protect farm assets like fences and tracks, which are prone to slip damage. They work as shelter belts, reduce damage to watercourses, provide shade and shelter for stock, and timber. Poplars and willows produce useful stock feed, which can be an extra feed reserve during droughts. For example, about 1.4 kg of fresh poplar leaves maintain a ewe for a day.
The best months to plant poplar and willow poles are in the winter months - June, July and August. You need to plan which paddocks to plant, and how many poles they’ll take. Horizons Regional Council can help you by:
Poplar Pole Order Enquiry
Horizons, through our SLUI programme, is looking for ways to support forestry on farms with the right tree in the right place for the right purpose.
Trees for our Region (Book)
Forestry Information Sheet
We recognise the need to work alongside others involved in the farming industry to develop sustainable land use. We support the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, Poplar and Willow Research Trust , forestry industry research, Beef & Lamb programmes and various Sustainable Farming Fund programmes. Please click on the links above for more information about these organisations.