A massive funding shortfall for wilding conifer control has resulted in the Otago Regional Council agreeing to look for additional regional investment.

A business case for an additional $66million over the next 10 years was discussed at the Environmental Implementation Committee yesterday - which would allow another five management units across Otago to be added to the Otago Wilding Conifer Strategy.

Otago’s iconic landscapes were vulnerable to the invasion of wilding conifers with an estimated 8.4 per cent - or 295,830 ha – of Otago currently affected by wilding conifer infestation.

One of the actions within the Otago Wilding Conifer Strategy was to prepare a business case to inform preparation of the next Long-Term Plan (LTP). 

But feedback from councillors in initial discussions about the LTP was to not include wilding conifer control work, so the business case was not prioritised.

The Ministry For Primary Industry (MPI) has previously advised that the total annual budget nationally would only be $10 million - a significant reduction in funding compared to the three years prior where $22.5million was provided.

Otago had one of the biggest infestations of wilding pines in New Zealand FILE SHOT

Manager environmental implementation Libby Caldwell said in her report to the committee, there was an opportunity to explore new funding options in conjunction with Environment Southland and Environment Canterbury.

The $66million business case was $44million more than what was currently committed to the project by the Government.

Committee chair Alexa Forbes said $44million was a “massive shortfall,” and Cr Gretchen Robertson said while it was useful to get some additional funding recently ($500,000 through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy), it was not enough.

“We need to be working really closely with our partners on this and who can influence the Government, and we must get on with it…. we can’t lose the fight.”

Funding cuts in the past two years has meant the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Group has had to defer some of its 34 maintenance projects.

Project manager Pete Oswald told the regional council last year lack of funding was putting the whole project at risk.

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