Council’s forestry approach Debate Table

Group	Option 1	Option 2
Community Wellbeing	Cost of Living (1 comments) --- The primary argument supporting Option 1 is centered on the financial benefits of continuing commercial forestry, which provides a steady income source. This income is seen as essential for reducing the financial burden on ratepayers by offsetting costs that would otherwise need to be covered by increased rates. Maintaining the current forestry approach is viewed as a way to ensure economic stability and community wellbeing without imposing additional financial strain on residents.	Cost of Living (1 comments) --- The comment highlights concerns that current commercial forestry practices are not economically efficient, as they involve exporting wood, which in turn raises the cost of domestic products. The individual suggests that reducing commercial forestry operations and focusing on enhancing native forests and trails could revitalize the tourism industry, potentially making it the primary industry in the area. This shift is seen as a way to improve both the cost of living by stabilizing local product prices and community wellbeing by boosting tourism and preserving natural landscapes.
Community Wellbeing		Culture and Heritage (4 comments) --- The comments supporting Option 2 emphasize the importance of enhancing cultural and historical significance, such as renaming and replanting areas with native species like matai, which resonate with local heritage. There is a strong advocacy for integrating community-driven conservation efforts and recreational enhancements, including the development of walking tracks and facilities that support cultural practices like Rongoa Maori and whakairo projects. Additionally, the preservation and expansion of recreational and adventure tourism activities, such as paragliding sites, are highlighted as crucial for maintaining and enhancing community wellbeing and cultural landmarks in Nelson.
Community Wellbeing		Education (1 comments) --- The comment supports Option 2 by highlighting the potential for the forests to serve educational and recreational purposes, such as the development of specialist areas for the growth of medicinal plants and the harvest of plants for cultural projects. It suggests that the inclusion of walking tracks, facilities, and tramping huts could enhance community wellbeing by providing spaces for youth development programs and educational opportunities. Additionally, leasing spaces to school camp operators is seen as a way to offer direct educational and recreational benefits to the community.
Community Wellbeing		Equality & Inclusion (1 comments) --- The commenter strongly supports Option 2, emphasizing the importance of involving a diverse range of community perspectives, including those with biodiversity expertise, to enhance the project's effectiveness and inclusivity. They highlight the potential for profound positive benefits on the management of the city’s eastern hinterland and the restoration of indigenous biodiversity values, which would provide increased recreational opportunities and long-term financial benefits to the community. The involvement of community members, especially volunteers, in the transition from exotic to native species is seen as crucial for the success of the project, fostering community pride and participation in enhancing local biodiversity and recreational spaces.
Community Wellbeing		Health (45 comments) --- The majority of comments supporting Option 2 emphasize the health benefits of transitioning from commercial forestry to a continuous canopy of mixed species, highlighting improved water and air quality, reduced allergens like pine pollen, and enhanced recreational spaces that promote physical activity and mental well-being. Many residents express concerns about the negative impacts of current forestry practices on waterways and soil stability, which they believe can be mitigated by adopting more sustainable, biodiverse forest management practices. Additionally, the community sees the potential for increased biodiversity and carbon sequestration as vital for long-term environmental health, which in turn supports community health and resilience against climate-related challenges.
Community Wellbeing	Lifestyle & Enjoyment (2 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 1 emphasize the importance of maintaining current commercial forestry operations due to their contribution to regional employment and economic stability. They argue that enhancing recreational opportunities such as hunting and cycling within these forest areas could improve public relations and increase the social value derived from these lands. Additionally, they highlight the need for a broader consideration of the forest's role in community enrichment through diverse outdoor activities, suggesting that the current forestry approach already supports a variety of recreational uses that benefit the community.	Lifestyle & Enjoyment (111 comments) --- Residents strongly support Option 2, emphasizing that transitioning from commercial to mixed-species forestry will enhance recreational opportunities and the aesthetic appeal of the landscape, making Nelson more attractive for both locals and tourists. They highlight the potential for improved biodiversity, reduced environmental degradation, and the creation of more enjoyable and accessible natural spaces for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and paragliding. Many comments also point out the long-term benefits of increased environmental resilience and community well-being through more sustainable land use and the reduction of hazards like fire risk and erosion.
Community Wellbeing	Safety and Security (1 comments) --- The argument supporting Option 1 emphasizes the importance of retaining control over forest areas to prevent misuse and ensure proper access, which is seen as essential for community safety and security. This approach is believed to provide some financial return on forestry, which contributes to the overall wellbeing of the community. Maintaining the current commercial forestry approach is viewed as a way to manage access and prevent potential security issues effectively.	Safety and Security (86 comments) --- The majority of residents supporting Option 2 emphasize the significant environmental and safety benefits of transitioning to a continuous canopy of mixed species. They highlight that such a change would mitigate risks associated with erosion, flooding, and fire hazards, particularly in light of increasing extreme weather events due to climate change. Additionally, the continuous canopy approach is seen as crucial for stabilizing soil, reducing sedimentation in waterways, and enhancing the overall aesthetic and recreational value of the area, thereby contributing to the community's wellbeing and safety.
Community Wellbeing		Togetherness (4 comments) --- Residents strongly support Option 2, emphasizing the community's readiness to actively participate in and contribute to the transition towards sustainable forest management. They highlight the potential for enhanced community involvement in planting and maintaining native species, which aligns with local environmental and recreational goals. Additionally, there is a shared belief that partnering with community groups in managing the forest areas could yield significant social and financial benefits, fostering a greater sense of community ownership and togetherness.
Economic Benefits		Business Opportunities (3 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 believe transitioning to native forests could boost local beekeeping by increasing the availability of high-value honey sources such as manuka and kanuka. They also suggest that repurposing the land for recreational uses, potentially with paid access to facilities like mountain bike and motorbike tracks, could provide new economic opportunities and enhance community amenities. Additionally, there is support for allowing commercial ventures to lease areas within the regenerated native bush, creating further business opportunities and diversifying local economic activities.
Economic Benefits	Costs (8 comments) --- The residents supporting Option 1 emphasize the economic benefits of maintaining the current commercial forestry approach, highlighting its role in generating income that helps balance the council's budget without increasing rates. They express concerns that transitioning to a mixed-species forest (Option 2) would introduce significant costs without a clear plan to replace the income currently derived from commercial forestry. Additionally, some suggest a staggered approach to transitioning, which could potentially balance the financial risks by continuing some commercial operations while gradually increasing native forestry, thereby mitigating immediate financial impacts.	Costs (24 comments) --- The majority of residents supporting Option 2 believe that despite the higher initial costs, the long-term environmental and social benefits, such as improved water quality, soil stability, and enhanced recreational areas, justify the investment. Many argue that the costs of not transitioning, including flood repairs and sediment management, could outweigh the expenses associated with maintaining current forestry practices. Additionally, some residents suggest that potential income from carbon credits and savings on insurance premiums due to reduced fire risks could offset the transition costs, making the move financially viable over time.
Economic Benefits	Employment Opportunities (1 comments) --- The comment highlights that the current commercial forestry approach is valuable for providing employment opportunities within the region, emphasizing its economic importance. It suggests that maintaining this approach could also enhance public recreational activities like hunting or cycling, potentially improving public relations and support for forestry. The concern is raised that transitioning to a mixed canopy cover could incur higher costs without commensurate social value, suggesting a preference for the financial and functional stability of the existing model.	Employment Opportunities (5 comments) --- The transition to mixed-species forests under Option 2 is seen as a source of employment for businesses involved in establishing and maintaining these new tree varieties. Some residents believe that the current commercial forestry primarily benefits overseas companies and offers limited local jobs, whereas the proposed changes could enhance local employment through activities like weed control and forest care. Additionally, the enhanced trail network, supported by the new forestry approach, is viewed as crucial for local businesses such as mountain bike shops, which rely on the trails for attracting clients and supporting jobs.
Economic Benefits		Population Growth (1 comments) --- The comment highlights that transitioning to a continuous and predominantly native forest would significantly enhance Nelson's recreational and aesthetic appeal, contributing positively to the city's living environment. This enhancement is seen as a potential driver for attracting more residents and tourists, thereby boosting local economic growth. The respondent also suggests that the value added to the city's environment and lifestyle could outweigh any economic profits or losses derived from traditional commercial forestry activities.
Economic Benefits		Productivity (1 comments) --- The comment supports Option 2 by arguing that the private sector is more efficient at managing commercial forests than councils, which implies that council resources could be better utilized elsewhere. Transitioning to non-commercial forest management is seen as a way to enhance the liveability and marketability of the city, potentially attracting more residents or tourists. This shift could lead to broader economic benefits by improving the city's appeal without the council needing to manage commercial forestry operations directly.
Economic Benefits	Revenue (9 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 1 emphasize the importance of maintaining the current commercial forestry operations due to the financial benefits it provides to the Council. They express concerns about losing a reliable income stream that supports various municipal projects and offsets the need for increased rates. Additionally, some suggest exploring the profitability of these operations by potentially outsourcing management to specialized forestry companies to ensure continued economic benefits.	Revenue (6 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 recognize the potential for generating income through various means as the council transitions away from commercial pine forestry. They suggest that income could be derived from maintaining some commercial forestry in high amenity areas, obtaining carbon credits, and exploring sustainable finance mechanisms and alternative income streams. Additionally, there is a belief that mixed-species commercial forestry on suitable slopes could provide ongoing revenue while enhancing environmental and recreational benefits.
Economic Benefits		Tourism (14 comments) --- Residents believe that transitioning to mixed native forests will significantly enhance Nelson's appeal as a destination for outdoor recreation and eco-tourism, attracting both local and international visitors. They argue that improved recreational facilities, such as trails for mountain biking and walking, will not only boost tourism but also provide economic benefits through increased spending in the region. Additionally, the natural beauty and biodiversity of these forests are seen as key factors in promoting Nelson as a prime location for eco-tourism and related activities, potentially making tourism a primary industry in the area.
Environmental Benefits		Ecosystems & Biodiversity (77 comments) --- Residents strongly support Option 2 due to its potential to enhance biodiversity, stabilize ecosystems, and improve environmental health by transitioning from commercial pine forestry to a continuous canopy of mixed species. They highlight the detrimental effects of current forestry practices, such as erosion, sedimentation, and reduced biodiversity, and emphasize the long-term ecological and recreational benefits of native and mixed-species forests. Many comments also suggest that this approach would better protect waterways, support native wildlife, and provide a more sustainable and visually appealing landscape for future generations.
Environmental Benefits	Sustainability (6 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 1 argue that existing commercial forestry management practices are effective and environmentally considerate, as demonstrated by successful operations in nearby areas like the Richmond hills. They believe that commercial forests, particularly those with long rotations or potentially never harvested, are superior in carbon sequestration compared to native forests due to their faster growth and larger biomass. Additionally, there is a perception that the financial benefits from commercial forestry are significant and that these funds are responsibly reinvested in regional projects, contributing to overall sustainability.	Sustainability (69 comments) --- Residents overwhelmingly support Option 2 due to its significant long-term environmental and sustainability benefits. They believe that transitioning from commercial forestry to a continuous canopy of mixed species will enhance biodiversity, reduce erosion and sedimentation, and improve carbon sequestration, which are crucial for combating climate change and protecting local ecosystems. Many comments highlight the importance of this approach for future generations, emphasizing that the ecological and recreational improvements justify the potential increased costs and economic impacts.
Operational Considerations		Legal and Regulatory Compliance (1 comments) --- The commenter supports Option 2, highlighting its potential to mitigate the risks of flooding and soil loss associated with clear-felled areas, particularly in the context of increasing rainfall events due to climate change. They commend the council's leadership in transitioning to continuous canopy practices, which can absorb significantly more rainfall and reduce sediment runoff into water bodies. Additionally, the commenter urges the council to advocate for updates to the National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF), arguing that current regulations are outdated and do not align with the latest scientific evidence and international best practices.
Operational Considerations	Stakeholder Engagement (1 comments) --- The resident supporting Option 1 argues that the current commercial forestry approach has been financially successful and beneficial, providing a positive return. They express concern that the council's proposed shift to a non-commercial forestry model would introduce higher costs, resulting in a negative financial impact for the community. Additionally, the comment suggests that the council's proposal may be influenced by personal opinions of the councillors rather than reflecting the broader interests of the ratepayers.	Stakeholder Engagement (3 comments) --- The comments emphasize the importance of accelerating the transition to a mixed-species canopy and actively involving community groups to secure their long-term volunteer support, which is seen as a valuable resource for the project's success. There is strong support for the council to lead by example in transitioning to environmentally sustainable practices, potentially influencing other forestry enterprises to adopt similar practices. Additionally, there is a call for a comprehensive evaluation of the economic and environmental benefits of the proposed changes, suggesting that the long-term gains could outweigh the initial costs and losses from exiting commercial forestry.
Operational Considerations		Technical Feasibility (2 comments) --- Residents supporting Option 2 emphasize the importance of collaborating with professional consultants like Mosaic Aotearoa to develop a viable and effective alternative forestry model. They acknowledge the challenge of weed control during the initial stages of transitioning to native forests, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to address this issue. These insights suggest a recognition of the technical complexities involved in shifting to a continuous canopy of mixed species and the operational measures required to overcome these challenges.