If you have 100 hectares or more of post-1989 forest land registered in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), you must use the Field Measurement Approach (FMA) to calculate your forest's carbon stocks. We've created a step-by-step process so you can see what's involved.
Post-1989 forestry participants with 100 hectares or more of forest land registered in the ETS are subject to the FMA. Participants must complete and submit a set of forest measurements for the current mandatory emissions return period by 31 December 2022. Participants should ensure they have an up-to-date plot set before they start measuring.
The field measurement approach (FMA) uses information you collect about your forest to create participant-specific tables. You can then use these tables to calculate the carbon stock of your forest.
You must use the FMA if you have 100 hectares or more of post-1989 forest land registered in the ETS at any time during a mandatory emissions return period. If you have less than 100 hectares of forest land registered in the ETS you cannot use the FMA. Instead, you need to use the look-up tables in the Climate Change (Forestry Sector) Regulations 2008 (the Regulations) to assess your carbon stocks.
If you aren’t sure whether you should be using the FMA, contact our FMA inbox at FMArequests@mpi.govt.nz
Calculating changes in carbon stock
The look-up tables in the Regulations give average values for forests across New Zealand. These tables cannot account for the range of growing conditions seen in individual forests. Differences in growing conditions lead to variation in forest growth, which affects how much carbon a forest stores.
The FMA produces participant-specific tables which can provide a more accurate estimate of carbon stock for participants with a large amount of forest land.
If you need to use the FMA, you’ll need to contact Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service and we will give you a set of sample plot locations for your forest. For example, if you have 100 hectares of exotic forest land you will need to set up at least 30 plots.
In each plot you will need to collect information like the number of trees, tree diameter, and height. The ‘FMA Standard’ and the ‘FMA Information Standard’ tell you exactly how to do this.
We use the information you collect in the sample plots to create a set of participant-specific tables for your forest land. You then use these tables to calculate the carbon stock of your forest, the same as you would with the look-up tables in the Regulations.
Download the ‘Guide to the FMA’ [PDF, 2.9 MB]
Download the ‘FMA Standard’ [PDF, 454 KB]
Download the ‘FMA Information Standard’ [PDF, 569 KB]
Download the ‘FMA information checklist’ [PDF, 279 KB]
Download the ‘FMA online user guide’ [PDF, 1.4 MB]
If your land is subject to the FMA there are specific requirements you must meet when you add or remove land from your ETS registration. For example, after any land transaction that changes the forest land size you will need to contact us to find out whether you need new sample plot locations.
For more information, see section 5 of the FMA guide.
FMA guide [PDF, 2.9 MB]
If you are unable to establish a sample plot or collect your information, you may be able to get a waiver or an extension.
Find out more about applying for waivers and extensions
Climate Change Response Act 2002 – NZ Legislation
Climate Change (Forestry Sector) Regulations 2008 – NZ Legislation
To contact Te Uru Rākau – New Zealand Forest Service about the FMA:
MPI uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using our website, you accept our use of cookies.