There has been a big swing to natives over the past 15 years, for many reasons:-
- Sentiment—national pride
- Growing appreciation of their essential quality
- NZ’s unique biodiversity
- Natives suit NZ !
- So many different qualities & adaptability to a range of conditions
- Great range of colours many greens & browns & reds
- Types of tree—spreading, conical, palms
- Divarication—wild geometric shapes
- Juvenile forms—what triggers the change?
- Birds
- Majesty of feature trees
- Age possible—oldest living things
- Flowers/berries/nuts/seeds/cones
- Restoration of native fauna brings trees into sharp focus—off shore islands
The Emissions Trading Legislation
- Carbon sequestration from natives (reclassified)
- Native Forestry reinvigoration
- Longevity of natives
- Revenue flows produced from both carbon credits and timber
- Timber value – from culling
Three other reasons
- Desire to become serious about pest control has rejuvenated natives especially those appetising to possums.
- Desire to reduce eradicate & manage exotic plant pests like willows wilding firs, pines, privet, pampas etc.
- Desire to portray our landscape as essentially and uniquely kiwi not Australian or English.
