Hawke’s Bay farmers fear erosion will worsen if nursery subsidies are cut

Planting willow and poplar poles helps stabilise sloping land.

A successful erosion scheme subsidised by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council since the early 1980s is in the spotlight as the council looks to reduce rates pressure.

The council is reviewing its Erosion Control Scheme (ECS), including its nurseries.

Poles, as they are known, are made from poplar and willow branches, which are planted in pots at the council’s two nurseries, one in Allen Rd, which includes blocks at Sissons Rd and Johns Rd, and the other at Takapau Rd, Waipukurau.

These are then sold to farmers and landowners at a 50% discounted rate to help control erosion.

The poles put down roots that intertwine beneath the ground, helping to stabilise it.

The regional council (HBRC) borrows its share of the cost and spreads it over the general rate.

Hawke’s Bay Federated Farmers president Jim Galloway said the poles were a great way to stabilise farmland and, if the subsidy went, it would reduce erosion control work.

Farmers had a budget, just like anyone else.

“If the poles cost more, there will be fewer planted. They are a major part of erosion control in the region.”

HBRC said the review was part of wider work to reduce future rates pressure.

“In 2025, we commissioned an independent efficiency and effectiveness review, looking at new ways to deliver soil conservation services.

“We are working to identify an efficient and sustainable way to manage erosion and keep costs manageable for our community.

“The team will be reviewing components of soil conservation, including the willow and poplar pole nursery.”

Galloway said it was a relatively easy and effective way to control erosion.

“You just stick the pole in the ground, protect it from animals, and it will grow.”

He understood the council needed to look at what it was doing to achieve its goals and budget.

“I know they have to save money, but it must be in the most effective ways because we, as ratepayers, are paying for it.

“Erosion control is important and affects our rivers and coastline. Cyclone Gabrielle taught us that.

“Federated Farmers will be taking a close look at the proposal when it is released.”

HBRC said that, as part of this year’s Annual Plan process, it would consider what a new, next-generation land management model could look like and whether it could continue to deliver the same benefits.

“This includes exploring a more targeted approach to soil conservation, working closely with rural communities and catchment groups, and reducing the amount of grant funding currently required to run the programme.

“We will continue to work closely with landowners and farmers and will keep the community informed as we make progress.”

The council was still working through the details, including the cost of the poles.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.