At Restore Native, we’re proud to work alongside landowners and organizations like the Waikato Regional Council to restore erosion-prone farmland to thriving native bush. One of the most impactful initiatives supporting this effort is the Hill Country Erosion Fund, a program funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and administered locally.
Why Focus on Hill Country?
New Zealand’s hill country is a vital part of our landscape, but it’s also highly vulnerable to erosion. Overgrazing on steep slopes often leads to soil loss, degraded waterways, and long-term environmental harm. The Hill Country Erosion Fund helps landowners tackle these challenges by providing financial support to retire erosion-prone areas and plant native trees.
How the Program Works
The Hill Country Erosion Fund covers the costs of planting native species in steep, erosion-prone areas. Here’s how it works:
Planting Density: Funding is based on planting 1,600 stems per hectare at 2.5-meter spacings.
Plant Selection: Typically, 40-cell Mānuka and Kānuka seedlings are used—hardy, fast-growing natives that thrive in these environments.
Funding Support: Eligible landowners can receive 60–70% of the planting costs covered by the council, making it an incredibly cost-effective way to restore land. With costs around $7,000 per hectare, the financial assistance significantly reduces the burden on farmers.
How We Can Help
At Restore Native, we specialize in guiding landowners through this process, from planning to planting:
Site Assessment: We’ll help evaluate your land to identify suitable areas for retirement and planting.
Project Planning: Together, we’ll create a tailored planting plan to suit your site and goals.
Council Support: We’ll connect you with Waikato Regional Council representatives to assess your eligibility for funding.
Planting: Our team provides high-quality native plants and expertise to ensure successful establishment.
The Environmental and Economic Benefits
Retiring erosion-prone land and planting natives not only helps protect the environment but also creates beautiful landscapes and reduces long-term maintenance challenges. By partnering with programs like the Hill Country Erosion Fund, you can make a positive impact while accessing valuable financial support.
If you have steep or erosion-prone land on your farm and want to explore your options, get in touch with us and we’ll work through the best plan for your site.
