Putting New Zealand native areas into the ETS

Here is what we know from attending a session on this.

For native trees to be eligible for the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and generate carbon credits, they must be able to reach a minimum height of 5 meters at maturity in their location. This height requirement applies to forests established after 1989 on land that was not previously forest. Additionally, the forest must cover at least 1 hectare and have a canopy cover of at least 30%.

• Height Requirement:

  The 5-meter height at maturity is a crucial criterion for determining if a forest can be included in the ETS. This ensures that the trees are large enough to have a significant impact on carbon sequestration. 

• Forest Area and Canopy Cover:

  The forest must be at least 1 hectare in size, and the trees must provide a minimum canopy cover of 30%. This ensures that the forest is large enough and dense enough to effectively capture carbon. 

• Post-1989 Establishment:

  Only forests established after 1989 are eligible for inclusion in the ETS. This rule aims to incentivize new planting and regeneration of forests to contribute to carbon sequestration. 

• Previously Forest Land:

  The land where the forest is established must not have been previously forested. This rule prevents double-counting of carbon credits and encourages the conversion of land previously used for other purposes.

  
  

• Must have an average width of 30 metres
  

• Gaps between edge trees – 15 metres maximum