Project Overview
Waikene Station, located in the rugged landscape of Inland Kaikoura, is a large-scale farming operation that has taken a forward-thinking approach to land use by integrating re-vegetation into its business model. Faced with areas of land that are challenging to farm traditionally, the station has diversified its income streams by planting native species, particularly manuka, totara, and kahikatea. These plantings not only contribute to the environmental restoration of the land but also open new opportunities for generating high-quality manuka honey and earning carbon credits.
Project Scope and Challenges
The re-vegetation project at Waikene Station, supported by the 1 Billion Trees Fund, involves transforming less productive farmland into thriving native ecosystems. Manuka, known for its valuable honey, was the primary species planted, supplemented by totara and kahikatea to create a more diverse and resilient landscape. The challenge was to ensure that these plants could be established successfully in the more rugged areas that are not profitable to farm, thereby maximizing both the environmental and economic returns of the project.
Riverside Horticulture's Approach
Riverside Horticulture partnered with Waikene Station to supply the native plants and manage the planting for this transformation. Understanding the unique environmental conditions of Inland Kaikoura, Riverside provided manuka, totara, and kahikatea seedlings that were well-suited to the site. Riverside’s expertise ensured that the plants would thrive, offering long-term environmental benefits while also enabling the station to diversify its income through honey production and carbon credits. This approach not only helps in achieving ecological goals but also strengthens the station’s financial sustainability by turning unproductive land into a valuable asset.
Outcome
The re-vegetation efforts at Waikene Station have laid the groundwork for a more diversified and sustainable future. As the manuka matures, it is expected to produce high-quality honey, providing a new revenue stream for the station. Additionally, the growing native forest will contribute to carbon sequestration, allowing the station to earn carbon credits. This project demonstrates the potential for innovative land use strategies that balance economic needs with environmental stewardship, with Riverside Horticulture playing a key role in making this vision a reality.