Restoring Nature
2021 AWARD FINALIST
Sponsored by Department of Conservation
For as long as the Ross family own Lake Hāwea Station the restoration of nature will drive them. Their vision is to enhance farm productivity, environmental values and the social offering, without compromising one for the others.
The property has only been trading for two years. But it’s demonstrating that restoration of nature can work in tandem with profitable farming. More than 10,000 native trees have been planted each year. This is set to continue every year for 10 years.
The station intends to become the first carbon positive farm in New Zealand. It has engaged in extensive riparian planting. It has built a fence 35m back from the lake and seven kilometres long. It prevents cattle and sheep from polluting the lake. Regulations only required 10m, but the aim is to exceed best practice recommendations.
The station is fencing off all its waterways. It is introducing regenerative farming practices. It is modelling how climate positive farming is profitable, so that others may follow.