21/07/2026
Contract to grow Nelson's forest cover and protect catchments.
Nelson City Council has awarded a long-term contract to Stand Forestry Limited (formerly PF Olsen Limited) to deliver large-scale forest establishment, w**d and targeted animal pest control across Council reserves.
The work will focus on steep and erosion-prone land. Restoring permanent forest cover will help stabilise slopes, reduce the risk of landslides and keep sediment out of streams, while creating more habitat for native wildlife. Healthy forests soften the impact of rain, slow stormwater runoff and help water soak into the ground, reducing storm flow peaks and supporting stream flows during dry periods.
The contract commenced on 1 July 2026 and will run for six years, with two possible two-year extensions subject to satisfactory performance. In the first year, work is expected to cover more than 200 hectares and include the planting of around 128,000 trees, alongside work helping native forest return naturally by controlling w**ds and pest animals.
“This is a long-term investment in Nelson’s land, waterways and biodiversity,” Mayor Nick Smith said. “Restoring forest on vulnerable hill country will help reduce landslides and erosion, protect streams and make our catchments more resilient to both heavy rain and dry summers.”
Tenders Committee Deputy Chairperson Councillor Kahu P**i P**i said he was delighted to plant a young tōtara on land included in this new contract near the Maitai Dam.
“Planting these trees in the shadow of 40-year-old established forest behind us makes it easier to imagine how this area will look once they mature. Tōtara are hardy trees that handle dry conditions and poor soils once established. Their forests provide food and shelter for native wildlife such as the kererū that eat the red fruit of the tōtara and spread the seeds. It’s a win-win for land management and biodiversity.”
The programme delivers on Council’s Right Tree Right Place recommendations and its Long Term Plan commitment to transition suitable areas of Council-owned commercial forestry from clear-fell rotations to permanent, mixed-species forest cover. This will support biodiversity, protect catchments, provide for recreation and strengthen Nelson’s long-term resilience.
Read the full media release here: https://lnkd.in/esmfDC7h
