THE DIRT ON SOIL

The heading on May 5’s

Politics column, “The answer lies in the soils”, was spot on, although the analysis of the long-overdue proposed national policy statement (NPS) on versatile and highclass soils proposed by David Parker is too flippant. Rather than being a “blast”, such classifications and the NPS are essential for the long-term sustainability of food production in New Zealand.

Contrary to popular opinion, New Zealand has very limited areas of high-class or versatile soils – only about 5% of the country. Substantial proportions lie in the Waikato and South Auckland (Pukekohe) districts, coincident with the climatic advantages provided by these locations for growing food efficiently.

Horticulture in New Zealand extends over about 70,000ha in total, yet the Resource Management Act has allowed losses of about 40,000ha a year, much of it versatile/high-class soils suitable for horticulture, to urban expansion and lifestyle blocks.

Hence Parker’s initiative is the most important step forward in decades in policy relating to our most versatile soils. These soils in many places reflect thousands or tens of thousands of years of development and so should be regarded as being as precious as the kiwi and kauri − if not more so because they are non-renewable. Parker clearly understands this.

David Lowe

Waikato University (Hamilton)