Research overview

We have selected two high country properties, Glenmore Station and Otematata Station, as representative of a range of high country ecosystems and are using these as study sites for the research. For each property we are undertaking assessments of native biodiversity and economic production values. We are then using a Geographical Information System (GIS) to model the likely consequences of different management scenarios for both biodiversity and production values. For example, we will be able to determine the costs and benefits for both native biodiversity and economic production of a change in grazing regime (e.g., the effects on weed species and wool production).

We are then going to use the two study properties as case studies for developing whole-property management plans and covenants as a basis for ensuring long-term sustainable management of all values on the property. A whole-property management plan will include visions and goals for the property, factors that are likely to constrain the farmers ability to achieve these goals, a subdivision of the property into different management units, an outline of the tools that are available for management, a time-line for implementing sustainable management, and the requirements for monitoring. Covenants enable these management plans to be formalised and ensure that they are implemented in the long-term.

In addition to this, we have also received research funding from the University of Canterbury to purchase six Global Positioning System (GPS) collars to put on merino sheep. These enable the tracking of sheep location several times a day and will run for 2-3 months before they need to be retrieved. They will provide us with accurate information on how merino ewes and wethers utilise their summer grazing country and the sheep position data can be compared to our detailed inventories of vegetation pattern for these areas.

Benefits for the high country

The current debate over tenure review seems to have become bogged down in political ideology that appears to allow little room to consider alternative approaches in tenure review as provided for in the CPLA. Our research will provide the high country farming community, including those negotiating for tenure review, those who wish to retain pastoral leases and those with freehold land, with vital information for assessing the relative costs and benefits of different approaches to farm management and a detailed assessment of what will be involved in developing a whole farm management plan and the role that a covenant can play in formalising such management.

Time frames

The research has been funded for two years and runs from 1 July 2004 through 30 June 2006. The base-line surveys of biodiversity and economic values will be undertaken during 2004-2005 while the GIS modelling and the development of whole farm management plans and covenants will be undertaken in 2005-2006. The GPS monitoring of merino wethers and ewes in their summer grazing ranges will be undertaken over both years.

Outputs

We are producing 6-monthly newsletters that provide a summary of progress with the project which are being sent to the high country farming community and other interested parties. A number of reports will also be produced during the project and are available from this web site.

Who is doing the research

The project manager is Kit Mouat (High Country Accord Project Manager), while the other members of the project reference group are Richard Burdon (Merino Inc.), Ben Todhunter (High Country Section Federated Farmers) and Assoc. Prof. David Norton (University of Canterbury). The research is being led by David Norton with input from colleagues and students from the University of Canterbury and elsewhere.