Forestry and agriculture on the New Zealand East Coast: socio-economic characteristics associated with land use change

Abstract

The topics of land use, and issues associated with land use change, have been a major theme of research in the AERU since its inception in 1962. In earlier years the research focused on pastoral land uses, reflecting the dominance that pastoralism had in New Zealand's primary production history. In recent decades, forestry has become more important both in terms of land use and contribution to the economy. However, the ascendancy of forestry has not been without contention. In the recent past there has been vigorous debate about planning regulations as they relate to forest development. Now, much debate is heard about the effect of forest sector development on the rural community. This research report is one of two related reports that address the second of the issues above. One report focuses on national and regional data on employment generated by farming and forestry and the other focuses on the North Island East Coast and focuses on employment and other socio-economic variables. This report has the East Coast perspective. Both reports are intended to contribute to policy debates about forestry and its role in regional development. Rural people, planners, councillors and sector representatives will find this report provides a basis for an improved understanding of the consequences of land use change from farming to forestry.