A two-day workshop in Gisborne covered the range of poplar and willow cultivars available, their key traits, and guidance on where each is best suited across different land types and conditions. Photo / Supplied
A two-day workshop in Gisborne covered the range of poplar and willow cultivars available, their key traits, and guidance on where each is best suited across different land types and conditions. Photo / Supplied
Gisborne District Council staff, rural professionals, and industry representatives got together for a workshop to learn about poplar and willow planting for erosion control.
The NZ Poplar and Willow Research Trust said in a statement that the two-day “Train the Trainer” workshop in Gisborne was funded by TeUru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, responsible for the forestry sector under the Ministry for Primary Industries.
Delivered by the trust, it aimed to strengthen the region’s ability to tackle erosion and build more resilient landscapes by equipping attendees with the skills and confidence to share knowledge with landowners and communities across Tairāwhiti.
The field day attendees visited Dumgoyne Station at Tiniroto to view trees planted to control erosion 10 years ago. Photo / Supplied
“The first day centred on the science and practical application of poplar and willow planting,” the trust said.
“Sessions covered the role these species play in erosion control, their unique root systems, and how they contribute to wider land and river management outcomes.
Day two involved a field trip to Tiniroto and the wider hill country.
The participants visited Awapapa and Dumgoyne Stations, both managed by Alex Campbell, and saw first-hand the impact of long-term planting programmes.
“Awapapa Station, in particular, has invested heavily in poplar planting over several decades and provided a compelling example of how trees can reduce erosion risk on steep terrain,” the trust said.
“Recent analysis following Cyclone Gabrielle indicates that established tree cover can reduce landslips by as much as 70% when accounting for slope and farm size.”
The two-day workshop in Gisborne was funded by Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service, responsible for the forestry sector. Photo / NZ Poplar and Willow Research Trust
Following the Awapapa visit, the group travelled to Aurora Station, where Bryan McCavana of the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council led a hands-on pruning exercise to give participants practical experience in managing tree form to maximise longevity and effectiveness.
The group also visited the Gisborne District Council’s pole nursery at Waerenga-O-Kuri, where participants got insight into nursery management.
“The visit covered the range of poplar and willow cultivars grown on site, their key traits, and guidance on where each is best suited across different land types and conditions,” the NZ Poplar and Willow Research Trust said.
“These field-based insights reinforced the importance of selecting the right tree for the right place, alongside targeted planting on erosion-prone land.”
It said the workshop highlighted the value of collaboration between councils, researchers, and the farming community.
“By building a network of trained practitioners, they can share their [knowledge] with others around the adoption of proven erosion control methods across the region.
“With Tairāwhiti continuing to face the impacts of severe weather events, initiatives like this are seen as critical to supporting landowners and protecting productive land.”
