Managing Wilding Pines on the Mackenzie Basin: Protecting NZ's Unique Landscape

On Saturday 16th November some of our team joined forces with Wilding Free Mackenzie as part of a volunteer day to cut down wilding pines. Following on from this theme, see below for some info on wilding pine management in the Mackenzie region!

The volunteers on site an Ohau Downs, including our very own Kathryn and Douglas. Photos from: Jess Hishon

The Mackenzie Basin in New Zealand is a region of extraordinary natural beauty, characterized by its vast tussock grasslands, turquoise lakes, and rugged mountains. This iconic landscape is not only a treasure for locals but also a magnet for international visitors. However, this fragile ecosystem faces a persistent threat: wilding pines. These invasive conifer species have taken root across the region, outcompeting native vegetation and dramatically altering the landscape.

Wilding pines refer to several species of fast-spreading conifers, such as Douglas fir, radiata pine, and lodgepole pine, which were introduced to New Zealand for forestry, erosion control, and shelter belts. However, without natural predators or controls, these trees spread aggressively in open environments like the Mackenzie Basin.

If left unchecked, wilding pines can transform the Mackenzie Basin’s open grasslands into dense forests. This shift has several ecological, economic, and cultural repercussions:

1. Biodiversity Loss: Wilding pines outcompete native plants, such as tussocks and matagouri, leading to a loss of habitat for native birds, insects, and reptiles.

2. Water Use: These trees consume large amounts of water, potentially reducing flows into the region’s lakes and rivers, affecting aquatic ecosystems and downstream users.

3. Landscape Alteration: The iconic open vistas of the Mackenzie Basin, celebrated in art and tourism, are obscured by the dense growth of wilding pines.

4. Fire Risk: Dense pine forests pose a higher fire risk compared to native vegetation, threatening communities and ecosystems.

5. Economic Costs: Wilding pines reduce grazing land for farmers, impacting agricultural productivity.

Efforts to control wilding pines in the Mackenzie Basin have intensified in recent years, with government agencies, conservation groups, and local communities working together. The National Wilding Conifer Control Programme, launched in 2016, has been pivotal in coordinating these efforts. Here are the key strategies:

Early Detection and Rapid Response

Preventing the spread of wilding pines is significantly cheaper and more effective than dealing with established forests. Early detection efforts focus on identifying and removing young seedlings before they become a widespread problem.

Mechanical and Chemical Control

For areas with larger infestations, mechanical removal, such as chainsaws and heavy machinery, is used. Herbicides may also be applied to prevent regrowth. While effective, these methods are labor-intensive and costly.

Collaboration and Community Involvement

Local communities, including farmers and iwi (Māori tribes), play a vital role in managing wilding pines. Their intimate knowledge of the land helps identify problem areas and ensures that control measures align with local values and priorities.

Replanting Native Vegetation

Restoring native plants like tussocks, hebes, and shrubs after pine removal is critical to prevent reinvasion and support the return of native wildlife.

Public Awareness and Education

Raising awareness about the threat of wilding pines is essential for long-term success. Public campaigns encourage responsible planting and highlight the importance of protecting New Zealand’s unique landscapes.

Significant progress has been made in controlling wilding pines in the Mackenzie Basin. Large areas have been cleared, and partnerships between government agencies and local stakeholders have strengthened. However, the scale of the problem remains vast, and ongoing funding and commitment are necessary to ensure the gains are not lost.

The fight against wilding pines in the Mackenzie Basin is a race against time. Protecting this iconic landscape requires sustained effort, innovation, and collaboration. Whether you’re a local farmer, a conservationist, or a visitor to this stunning region, you have a role to play in preserving the unique character of the Mackenzie Basin for future generations.

Let’s work together to safeguard one of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural treasures.

For more information get in touch, or check out https://www.mackenziewildingtrust.org/