Why are we running this survey?
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has previously run several surveys of nurseries that grow tree seedlings and other plants in New Zealand. These surveys had different purposes yet shared a core set of common questions around ownership, capacity, and production. In the past year, we have been working to improve the quality of our nursery information and to make it quicker and easier for nurseries to respond. As part of this work, MPI is working with Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research (MWLR) to consolidate the existing three surveys into a single survey issued once a year. We are also reducing the number of questions we ask. These changes will help reduce the response burden for your business.
The information that you provide plays a crucial role in guiding policy decisions for native afforestation and feeds into important national statistics such as the National Exotic Forest Description (NEFD). This survey will also help us to monitor the One Billion Trees Programme, shape research directions, and provide insights into planting and replanting trends in New Zealand.
Who has access to my data/information?
We understand the sensitivity of your data, and both MWLR and MPI are committed to keeping your information secure and confidential. Information will be maintained with highly controlled access and will only be used for statistical purposes. You have the right to request a copy of your data, and we will process your responses in accordance with MPI’s policy on privacy and security. You also have the right to withdraw your data by writing to surveys@landcareresearch.co.nz before 15 March 2025.
All your personal and commercially sensitive information will be stored securely and kept strictly confidential, as per the Privacy Act 2020. Published data will be aggregated into regional and national categories to protect commercially sensitive information.
The survey questionnaire has been independently reviewed by the social ethics committee at MWLR.
Does this survey apply to my nursery business?
This survey is for a wide range of plant nurseries, including those propagating and producing native and exotic trees and shrubs, the forestry sector, native plant revegetation, wholesalers, and those raising plants for their own use. If you only retail plants to the general public (such as a garden centre not involved in plant propagation or growing on plants) then you may not need to fill in the entire survey. We still encourage you to begin the survey, especially if in doubt, as it is designed to evaluate how you operate and will conclude earlier if most of the questions do not apply to your business.
Do I have to complete my survey through the online link?
We would like to make it as easy as possible for you to provide the information in the survey. Please get in touch with us at surveys@landcareresearch.co.nz so that we can help you with an alternative solution to submit the survey response, such as through a telephone call.
I have already filled in a survey from a different organisation. Do I still need to fill this one in as well?
Yes, we would appreciate your time and efforts in filling this new survey. This is a new survey from MPI, and it has been over a year since we collected any new information from nurseries. It is essential that we have up-to-date information which provides us with an important window into planting, afforestation, and the regeneration of New Zealand forests, and it helps us highlight the challenges facing nurseries to better-support the sector.
Whilst other organisations or associations may collect their own information from you about production and/or planting, we cannot use this. This is due to the need to ensure that data remains as accurate as possible and so that you understand exactly what information we hold.
I have sold/shut down my nursery business. Do I still need to fill in this survey?
Please complete the questionnaire sent to you with information up until the time you ceased production. Write in the comments section (at the end of the survey) that you have either sold/shut down your business.
We need to know if you have sold/shut down your business to monitor forestry activity in New Zealand. We would appreciate if you could provide us with the new contact details if you have sold your business so that we can contact the new owners.
I need a time extension. What do I have to do?
If you cannot complete the questionnaire within the time-frame specified, please email us at surveys@landcareresearch.co.nz and we can discuss your situation and work out a solution.
What if I don’t want to do this survey?
The Forest Act 1949 includes provisions that allows MPI to collect data relating to “trees, timber, and forest produce, or other goods grown…” (see section 15B for the full provisions).
The data MPI collects provides an important window into planting, afforestation, and the regeneration of New Zealand forests and helps us highlight the challenges facing nurseries to better support the sector.
If you do not want to respond to this survey, we encourage you to let us know your reasons. We can work with you to address any questions or concerns, or to help you complete the survey, as much as practicable.