Submission on exploring a biodiversity credit system for Aotearoa New Zealand

The NZKGI Biodiversity Credit System Submission expresses strong support for developing a national biodiversity credit system to help growers protect and enhance indigenous biodiversity on their land. The submission highlights the significant biodiversity potential across kiwifruit‑growing regions, the environmental co‑benefits of native planting and wetland restoration, and the financial and technical barriers that currently limit grower action. NZKGI argues that a well‑designed system – activity‑based, credible, flexible, and aligned with Te Mana o te Wai – could unlock widespread restoration by funding ecological assessments, pest control, planting, habitat creation, and long‑term maintenance. Overall, the submission positions biodiversity credits as a practical, impactful way to support growers, strengthen climate resilience, and drive meaningful ecological gains across private land.