Third Candidate Confirmed for Feds President Election
There has been another twist to the Federated Farmers annual election fiasco.
On Sunday, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard announced that the upcoming Budget 2026 will see the government invest $79 million in wilding pine control over the next three years, taking its total commitment to $109 million.
He says wilding pines threaten productive farmland, water supplies in sensitive catchments, and native biodiversity while significantly increasing the impact of wildfires.
"This is a smart investment in rural productivity and will back those working hard on-the-ground to contain wildings," Hoggard says.
Wilding Pines Continue to Spread Across New Zealand
Over two million hectares of New Zealand are impacted by wilding infestations, with untreated areas expanding by approximately 5% each year.
The National Wilding Conifer Control Programme has received more than $175m in government funding over the past decade, alongside more than $38m contributed by partners and communities.
Hoggard says the increase in funding is about boosting that momentum and backing the long-term resilience of rural communities.
The programme is led by Biosecurity New Zealand and delivered in partnership with councils, landowners, iwi, industry, community groups, and other government agencies.
Funding Targets Major Seed Source Areas
“We’re supporting regional councils, iwi, farmers, researchers, and volunteers who are making a real difference across nine priority regions, including Canterbury, Otago, and Marlborough,” says Hoggard.
Federated Farmers pest spokesperson Richard Dawkins says the investment is a huge win for all New Zealanders.
"Wilding pines are an ecological disaster threatening farms, exports, biodiversity, tourism, and water resources across New Zealand," Dawkins says.
"Most Kiwis don’t see the problem day to day, but these invasive trees are spreading across some of our most iconic landscapes at an alarming rate."
He says he welcomes the focus on major seed source areas in Wānaka and Marlborough, along with priority regions including Queenstown, Wakatipu, Mackenzie, Molesworth, and the North Island’s Central Plateau.
"For the first time, we’re seeing a serious effort to tackle some of the country’s worst seed source areas, including Branch Leatham in Marlborough, which has long fuelled the wider South Marlborough infestation," he says.
"That area was originally aerially seeded with conifer pines by the Crown for soil conservation purposes, with a commitment to address any unintended consequences.
"While some funding has been allocated over the years, it’s been piecemeal and nowhere near enough to get on top of the problem properly.
"This new investment is a significant step forward, and everyone involved deserves real credit."
Tourism Levy and Long-Term Management Plans
About $30m of the funding over three years will be provided through the International Visitor Levy.
“Tourism is a key part of our plan to grow the economy and create jobs, lift wages, and help kiwis get ahead. This funding will help protect our unique natural environment from the spread of wilding pines," says Hoggard.
In addition to the significant funding boost, the Ministry for Primary Industries will begin developing a National Pest Management Plan for on-going control of wilding conifers.
“This will further strengthen national coordination of wildings management, ensuring efficient and effective control work and establishing nationally consistent rules to prevent their further spread,” he says.
Long-Term Commitment Still Needed
Meanwhile, Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says it is now key that the new funding is combined with action from landowners and land managers.
"The Government has really stepped up and done its part to control wilding pines.
"We already have many farmers doing a lot of work out there, but now we need other landowners, councils, and the private sector to do the same so we can maximise the impact of this funding.
"If we can throw a big wave of control work at these pests, we’ve got a real chance to start turning the tide."
Dawkins says Federated Farmers identified the issue as an urgent priority more than a year ago, and he’s encouraged to see that advocacy helping drive meaningful action.
"That said, we still believe around $50 million a year is needed for the next decade to halt the spread of these invasive trees across productive farmland and DOC land.
"While this funding is a massive step forward, wilding pines are an intergenerational challenge and there’s no quick fix.
"The focus now needs to be on securing stable, long-term, bipartisan support, so communities can have confidence this work will continue well beyond the next few years.
"We also need to look at how large areas of land are managed day to day, including greater use of active management tools such as managed grazing where appropriate, to reduce future spread and risk."
Langford says many others have also played an important role in highlighting the threat posed by wilding pines.
"We’d also like to acknowledge the communities, landowners, volunteer groups, and councils who have worked tirelessly to keep this issue front and centre for many years."
