News

2025 Conference papers now online

Date: 18th November 2025

Thanks to all those who came to the 2025 conference in Twizel. Delegates, sponsors, local suppliers all made it a memorable experience over 3 days enhanced by some great field trips and demonstrations. Follow…

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Lost in the wildings – is this the future of our back country?

Date: 18th November 2025

Recently the South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust hosted Minister Potaka (Conservation Minister) and Stuart Smith (MP for Kaikoura) and took them for a trip up into the Branch Leatham catchment. They bravely took up…

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If we lose this battle the South Island will change forever

Date: 23rd July 2025

Listen to a great interview on Rex with Johnny Oswald, chair of the South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust a long-time wilding pine campaigner and advocate. Molesworth station: Jo Ritchie The interview focuses on the…

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2025 WILDING PINE CONFERENCE UPDATE

Date: 10th July 2025

14-16 October 2025 – Twizel Events Centre A warm welcome is extended to all our wilding whanau to extend the 2025 conference which is shaping up to be a cracker. We have been very…

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Contorta to native – a super initiative in Central Otago

Date: 22nd May 2025

The Central Otago Wilding Group has recently received a funding boost totaling $150K from the Otago Regional Council for the project of transitioning contorta shelterbelts to native plants shelter in the Styx valley (upper…

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How quickly do pine trees break down

Date: 18th May 2025

I have been asked a couple of times in the last few months about the above. People are interested as they consider whether to poison trees standing or fell them. Most of the time…

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Could dwarf mistletoe help solve the giant wilding conifer problem?

Date: 18th May 2025

dwarf mistletoes (Genus Arceuthobium Bieb.) on a lodgepole (P. contorta) pine Waves of wilding conifers are currently moving across the New Zealand landscape and there seem to be few long-term options available to control…

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Pinus contorta and Scotch pine head for the top of the Inland Kaikoura Ranges

Date: 16th May 2025

A recent survey by the South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust evidences the relentless spread of wilding pines and conifers and the heights they will grow at. During April 2025 control work new contorta sites…

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Forest regeneration training course opportunity

Date: 12th May 2025

An interesting opportunity to build knowledge on restoring our natural environments is on the horizon. Dr Adam Forbes who has done considerable work in this field has designed a course around assisted natural regeneration…

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Have your say on the next implementation plan for New Zealand’s Biodiversity Strategy. Submissions close at 5 pm on 30 June 2025.

Date: 5th May 2025

The Department of Conservation is developing the next implementation plan for New Zealand’s Biodiversity Strategy (Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020). The plan will guide action for nature…

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