3 March 2011
A MAF survey estimates 47,000 hectares of plantations were planted in the winter of 2010. This compares with 37,000 hectares in 2009. The results of the survey, which is based on figures supplied by tree nurseries, are provisional. Based on a separate survey of large-scale forest owners and other official sources, it is provisionally estimated that there were 6000 ha of new planting in 2010. This compares with 4000 ha in 2009, a figure which has been revised down from 7000 ha on the basis of the 2010 NEFD survey.After deducting the area of new plantings from the total area planted, it is provisionally estimated that 41,000 hectares were replanted in 2010, compared to 33,000 hectares in 2009.
The 2010 nursery survey asked nursery managers whether they expect sales in 2011 to be similar to, lower or higher than, 2010. Of the 19 nurseries that responded, 6 indicated they expect sales to be at similar levels and 13 indicated they expect sales to be higher in 2011, says John Novis of MAF Policy, Christchurch.
Tree stock sales reported in 2010 totalled 53.2 million seedlings compared to 43.2 million seedlings sold in 2009. Of these, 46.4 million were radiata (37.7 million, 2009).
The nursery survey is conducted each spring by MAF. This information is then used in a model to generate estimates of planting by species or species groups, and a total area planted.
Source: MAF Provisional Estimates of Tree Stock Sales and Forest Planting, 2010