Conversion from forestry to farming in the South Waikato
Abstract
The South Waikato district has an approximate population of 23,000 residents and spans over 182,000 hectares of predominantly abundant pasture and forested land. Of
this figure 22% of people work in the Agriculture and Forestry sector.
A strong community spirit has created a top district to work and reside, with
considerable potential for economic growth and development. In recent times the
South Waikato has been described as economically depressed with a falling
population. The central North Island is the most developed forestry region in New
Zealand with approximately 555,000 hectares of planted production forest. The area
of Carter Holt Harvey's forest in the South Waikato is 85,650ha or 47% of the total
area of the district. Of this figure 75,709 ha is productive with the remainder native
reserve and roads. Strategic initiatives that impact the district involve converting
forestry operations into dairy farming.... [Show full abstract]