Our native forests are worth fighting for
During his decadeslong fight for native trees, public interest has grown from a ‘modest-sized group’ to the soldout O Tātou Ngahere Conference at Te Papa, writes.
Farmers have taken it upon themselves to regenerate native forest remnants on farmland, instead of converting it to pasture or exotic forestry.
Aotearoa’s native forests have been evolving separately from the rest of the world for 100 million years. I know this is hard to contextualise. But, if we were to compact these 100 million years into the timeframe of a single year, then humans have been in Aotearoa for a mere four minutes.
In that time, we’ve managed to remove much of what is unique to our lands, including a large part of our diverse and totally unique native forest and the associated wildlife.
Before people first arrived in Aotearoa, it’s estimated that 80 per cent of our land was covered by native forest growth. That number now sits at less than 30 per cent.
Native trees have always had a special place in my heart. After 60 years as a forester, I’ve come to know I have to do as much as I can to ensure my grandchildren and their grandchildren can walk beneath canopies of mighty kauri, tōtara, ponga, and rimu. Just as I’ve been able to.
But over these years I’ve seen our native forest cover dwindle and its quality diminish.
More than two decades ago I joined some like-minded people who felt the need to save and grow the native forests. Initially, it was a modest-sized group.
They were like me, pretty ordinary folk. Scientists, farmers, and foresters who felt the same, and together we founded Tāne’s Tree Trust, with the goal of ensuring our descendants could experience the uniqueness our terrestrial environment has to offer.
In 2000 and 2010 we held native forest-focused conferences. These were fantastic but in truth, we struggled to gain traction with most mainstream New Zealanders. People still weren’t convinced of their importance.
We didn’t give in, continuing to investigate, plant, and share the knowledge of how these magnificent trees protect and nurture our environment and the very culture of Aotearoa.
Unless we catalysed some action, we and our descendants were less likely to see old-growth native forests in the future.
We know it’s imperative we share the knowledge and experience we have at Tāne’s Tree Trust to regenerate and manage native forest. We believe it’s possibly our country’s most valuable resource.
People have proved this with the personification of Te Urewera Forest by law to reflect the intrinsic spiritual tie between mana whenua and ngāhere.
And it’s proved again, as farmers take it upon themselves to regenerate native forest remnants on farmland, instead of converting it to pasture or exotic forestry.
And we’re now seeing it again as we look at how forestry can protect us from global warming.
Peter Berg is chairman of Tane’s Tree Trust and , among other roles, has been president of the NZ Forest Owners Association and a member of Scion (NZ Forest Research Institute)
Thirty-two vet golfers braved the Taupo Golf Club Tauhara Course on Wednesday, November 23 despite a doubtful weather forecast.
Top par round went to Graham Woodcock All Square followed by Richard Hoadley, -1 for Pat White and Tim Haigh who was awarded the Husk Halligan Tremains Towel, -2 for Selwyn McLennan, Les Wraight, Roger Menzies, Denis Tito, Kevin Hughs, John Gilbert, John Roberts, Steven Anderson. Ted Swanney, Tony Seavill and Dave Mansell.
Best Gross Kevin Hughs 78. Best Junior Gross — Richard Hoadley with an 89 and NTP 3rd shot on Hole No.13. NTP 3rd shot on Hole 18 — Alan Lloyd. Twos: Hole 6 — John Roberts, Gordon Harvey and Bob Burns. Hole 16 — Selwyn McLennan and Hole 17 — Dennis Tito and Richard Hoadley.
The shootout for the final has added Les Wraight in the Seniors and Richard Hoadley in the Juniors.
The 2022 prizegiving followed with trophies, seven hams and 26 chickens for runners up and 26 bottles of wine. Competition Matches
Len Murphy Salva — Brian Macken.
Barney Peacock Trophy — Kevin Hughs.
Barry Nichol Cup singles match play — Les Wraight. Runner up is Tony Rutledge.
Barry Nichol Plate — Dave Mansell. Roy Mexted Trophy pairs combined nett matchplay — Gordon Harvey and Malcolm Munro photo attached ), Runnersup Bob Burns and Dick Fraser. Final 2022 games: Wednesday, November 30 — Shoot Out final +a stableford on Tauhara. Wednesday, December 7, — Central Motor Group Christmas Hamper. C.N.I.Interclub — Friday, December 9 at Mangakino. Wednesday, December 14 Stableford on Tauhara. Wednesday, December 21 — Net Medal on Centennial. Seasons greetings to all.