Farmers and forestry owners are currently working through development of a Memorandum of Understanding. The purpose of the MoU is to iron out some general principles around fencing, management of pests, agrichemical usage and general understandings on other relative property issues.
The MoU is viewed as a positive initiative aimedat improving links between the two land owners. Both industries are faced with similar concerns and it is important we operate in a co-operative and constructive manner.
Fencing and fence repairs are one of the big items that often cause disputes between neighbours. Good fences make for good neighbours, but disputes often arise when fences are damaged or cause disruptions to farming operations.
As laid out in the MoU, under the legislative requirements of the Fencing Act, section 16 and 17, if any fence is damaged or destroyed then repair needs to be carried out as soon as practical.
Depending on the circumstances, owners can share the costs of repair or the owner will be liable for the whole cost of making the fence good.
For example, in a farmer's case stock damage will incur full repair cost while foresters will be up for full charges should one of their trees fall and cause damage.
In a farming sense, it is important repairs are swift as stock losses can occur, or pests like wild pigs or deer can enter the farm and cause unwanted disruption.
Often the problem is identifying who actually owns the fence to be repaired.
Having an agreement drafted between the forest owners and farmers allows for the easier identification of the land-owner makes sense.
Both forestry and farming have a lot to offer New Zealand in the way of economic growth, and it is important that we remain good neighbours, who have time to chat over the fence.
