Voluntary participation for forestry: Earning NZUs

Who is involved?

The owners of eligible post-1989 forests have the choice to voluntarily enter the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

‘Post-1989 forests’ are forests established on land that:

  • was not forest land as at 31 December 1989, or
  • was forest land on 31 December 1989 but was deforested between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2007.

The Government retains responsibility for the credits and liabilities of post-1989 forests whose owners do not join the ETS.

What activities does the ETS cover?

Owners who choose to enter the ETS will receive New Zealand Units (NZUs) for increases in the carbon stock of their forest as a result of growth, but will be required to surrender NZUs to the Government if carbon stocks fall, as may occur when a forest is harvested or burns down.

How to participate

Please visit Forestry in an Emissions Trading Scheme (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry website) for more information.

Last updated: 16 December 2011