Farmers are concerned that a proposed new biodiversity policy will stop them being able to clear native scrub from their land.

The government is currently calling for submissions on its National Policy Statement on indigenous biodiversity which it says will provide greater guidance to councils on how to protect our unique native species.

Environment Minister Nick Smith says the policy statement recognizes rare and threatened species live not just in national parks but also in wetlands, forests and on private land throughout New Zealand.

However, Federated Farmers Gisborne-Wairoa branch chairman, Hamish Cave, says the bill may stop farmers being able to clear their pasture.

“We know and understand what happens when we don’t clear regenerating manuka and kanuka. It takes over very quickly and we lose valuable pasture land.”  

Submissions can be made until May 2.

A spokesperson for the National Policy Statement says the submissions will then be processed and it is likely a final report will be made to the environment and conservation ministers by the end of this year.