The conversion of forestry land into pasture is spreading in New Zealand’s North Island.
The trend, which until now was restricted to the island’s volcanic plateau, has spread to the east coast, where large-scale forest plantings were undertaken during the past two decades.
One forest owner in Gisborne district has sprayed a 132ha slice of land with herbicide in preparation for conversion to pasture. Other owners are predicted to follow suit.
Gisborne District Council said the trend was a reflection of how farming has become more profitable than forestry.
