New Zealand Journal of Forestry (2019) 64(1): 11–16
©New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Feature article
Policy design lessons from the Erosion Control Funding Programme - afforestation through an adaptive governance lens

Sandra J. Velarde ^*,1, Lisa Sharma-Wallace ², Tui Warmenhoven ³, Pia Pohatu ⁴, Peter Edwards ⁵ and Tim Barnard <sup>6

1</sup> Associate Research Leader, Environmental Economics & Governance, Scion sandra.velarde@scionresearch.com
² Independent researcher
³ Researchers and Trustees, He Oranga mo nga Uri Tuku Iho Trust
⁴ Researchers and Trustees, He Oranga mo nga Uri Tuku Iho Trust
⁵ Senior Researcher, social and political science, Manaaki Whenua
⁶ Team Manager, Forest Systems, Scion
^*Corresponding author.

Abstract: We focus on lessons for policy design learnt from the Erosion Control Funding Programme. This programme started in 1992, and its evolution and results provide invaluable knowledge on barriers to afforestation and potential avenues to address these barriers. We track the progression of the programme from its inception until 2017, and highlight that at the core of its slower-than-expected uptake are issues of indigenous co-development of forest systems and lagging learning cycles. We recommend that institutions implementing afforestation programmes should more quickly incorporate lessons learnt in their operations, and follow adaptive governance principles from the outset in their design to increase policy uptake and engagement with local communities.
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