The effect on productivity of the subdivision of an area of Class 1 agricultural land : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma of Agricultural Science in the University of Canterbury [Lincoln College]

Abstract

Since the 1950's there has been much debate as to whether New Zealand, which earns a very significant proportion of her overseas funds by exporting primary produce, can afford to have top quality agricultural land subdivided into farmlets. Clearly there is a case for severely restricting or even banning further subdivisions if those who wish to live on them can only do so at the expense of every other New Zealander. And is rural subdivision causes a permanent drop in the output of primary produce, so reducing the quantity available for export, every New Zealander will share the lowering in living standards brought about by an increased national balance of payments deficit.

The purpose of the study is to investigate whether or not a permanent drop in primary production actually occurred when an existing farm of 275.2 hectares was subdivided into 44 separate blocks. The farmlets range in size from 4.05 hectares up to 17.8 hectares, the average area being 6.25 hectares.