Current filter:
We are focusing on preserving and growing the long-term viability of food production in the Hawke’s Bay, and the communities that support them.
Land for Life is being delivered by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) with support from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to help farmers reduce erosion on their farms and adopt more regenerative, resilient and profitable farming systems.
Some of the participating farmers who were part of the project trial have shared their stories below.
The project will deliver 20 farm business plans and partner with two catchment groups to deliver Land for Life catchment strategies. The Land for Life contract between MPI and HBRC runs to November 2026.
HBRC will continue developing farm planning as one its key components of its next generation land management model.
Evan and Linda Potter have farmed their Elsthorpe property for 25 years retiring highly erodible and marginally-profitable land back to native bush, as well as planting pines, willow and poplars.
Mark Warren talks about his journey from taking on the old run-down family farm in steep hill country in southern Hawke’s Bay to building it up to successful farm operation through planting the right trees in the right places.
Wairoa farmer Dave Read has planted thousands of poplars and willows on his land for erosion control and to provide alternative food for stock in times of drought.
Trees have been grown on Maraetara in Bay View by five generations of Philip Holt’s family. Philip talks about how planting the trees in marginal and erosion-prone land has benefited not just the farm business, but created a place of special significance for the family over the generations.
Read more about farmers who are putting Land For Life in to practice.
Dave Read - Integrated landscape Sustainable future
+64 6 835 9200
159 Dalton Street. Napier 4110
Private Bag 6006, Napier 4142
Disclaimers, Copyright & Privacy
Disclaimers and Copyright
While every endeavour has been taken by the Hawke's Bay Regional Council to ensure that the information on this website is
accurate and up to date, Hawke's Bay Regional Council shall not be liable for any loss suffered through the use, directly or indirectly, of information on this website. Information contained has been assembled in good faith.
Some of the information available in this site is from the New Zealand Public domain and supplied by relevant
government agencies. Hawke's Bay Regional Council cannot accept any liability for its accuracy or content.
Portions of the information and material on this site, including data, pages, documents, online
graphics and images are protected by copyright, unless specifically notified to the contrary. Externally sourced
information or material is copyright to the respective provider.
© Hawke's Bay Regional Council - www.hbrc.govt.nz / +64 6 835 9200 / info@hbrc.govt.nz