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Learn About Carbon Farming

Everything you need to know about turning your land into a carbon asset in New Zealand. 40 in-depth guides covering the ETS, registration, compliance, trading, and more.

Start from the beginning → or browse by topic below

Getting Started

What is Carbon Farming? Learn how carbon farming works in New Zealand and how you can turn your land into a climate asset.
History of Carbon Farming in New Zealand From Kyoto to today - how New Zealand became a world leader in forestry carbon markets.
The NZ ETS Explained How New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme works and what it means for landowners.
Understanding NZUs What NZUs are, how they're valued, and what drives their price.
Frequently Asked Questions Quick answers to common carbon farming questions.

Eligibility & Forest Types

Eligibility: Post-1989 Forest Land Is your land eligible for the ETS? Understanding the post-1989 rules and restrictions.
The Permanent Forest Category Understanding permanent forestry - committing to 50 years without clear-felling.
Choosing Your Species Radiata pine, Douglas fir, natives, or mixed planting? Making the right choice.
Native Forestry & Regeneration Carbon farming with New Zealand's indigenous species - from kanuka to kauri.
Small Landowners & Lifestyle Blocks Carbon farming guidance for properties under 100 hectares.

Accounting & Measurement

Averaging vs Stock Change Accounting Understanding the two accounting methods and which suits your forest.
Carbon Look-up Tables Explained How the standard tables work and what they mean for your forest.
Mapping & Carbon Measurement How forest carbon is mapped, measured, and calculated in the ETS.
Field Measurement Approach (FMA) What you need to know if your forest requires actual measurement rather than lookup tables.

Registration & Compliance

The ETS Registration Process Step-by-step guide to registering your forest in the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Compliance & Reporting Obligations What you must do once registered - returns, records, and staying compliant.
Penalties & Enforcement Understanding the consequences of non-compliance with ETS obligations.
Common Mistakes & Pitfalls Learn from others' errors - avoiding the traps in carbon farming.

Earning & Selling

Trading NZUs: How the Market Works Buying, selling, and understanding the New Zealand carbon market.
NZU Market Trends & Price History Where prices have been, what drives them, and where they might go.
Harvest Liabilities & Deforestation What happens to your carbon credits when you harvest or remove forest.
Income Stacking Combining carbon credits with honey, biodiversity, and other revenue streams.

Money & Tax

Tax Treatment of Carbon Income How NZUs are taxed in New Zealand - what you need to know.
Financing Carbon Forestry Funding options for establishing and managing carbon forests.
Insurance & Risk Management Protecting your carbon investment from fire, storms, and other risks.

Business & Legal

Legal Considerations & Contracts Forestry rights, land transactions, and legal structures for carbon farming.
Working with Carbon Consultants When to use a consultant, what they do, and how fees typically work.
Carbon Leasing & Joint Ventures Alternative arrangements for earning from carbon without managing it yourself.
Due Diligence for Land Buyers What to check before buying land with ETS registration or carbon liabilities.

Long-Term Planning

Estate Planning & Succession How carbon farming assets and obligations transfer on death or family succession.
Exiting the ETS How to deregister forest land and what it costs.
The Future of Carbon in NZ Where carbon farming and the ETS might be heading.

Special Topics

2025 Legislative Changes Major changes to forestry in the ETS from the Climate Change Response Amendment Act 2025.
Māori Land & Carbon Farming Special considerations, exemptions, and opportunities for carbon farming on whenua Māori.
Wilding Pines & Carbon The complex relationship between wilding conifers, carbon credits, and environmental management.
Biodiversity & Environmental Co-benefits Beyond carbon - the wider benefits of forest establishment.
Carbon Farming vs Traditional Forestry How carbon farming compares to growing trees for timber.

International Markets

Voluntary Carbon Markets Understanding the voluntary carbon market, corporate offsetting, and international standards.
International Carbon Markets How NZ's carbon market compares globally and potential for international linkages.

Reference

Glossary of Terms Key terms and definitions for carbon farming in New Zealand.

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Before You Continue

The information in our Learn section is provided for general educational purposes only.

It is not professional legal, financial, tax, or forestry advice. Regulations and market conditions change frequently.

Before making any decisions about carbon farming or the NZ ETS, you should:

Verify current requirements with MPI and EPA
Seek advice from qualified professionals
Consider your specific circumstances

By continuing, you acknowledge that you understand this information is general in nature and that Far North Carbon is not liable for decisions made based on this content.

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