The future of our hill country, both physical and economic, depends on innovative land use. Pinus radiata has already extensively displaced pastoral farming. Ageing farmers on land convenient to town centres sometimes opt to subdivide areas for sale as lifestyle blocks. Town people realise a dream when they build a house and move to the country. They are, of course, eager to do it well and take nothing for granted.
Result is considerable innovation, often an increase in production, and diversity of enterprise.
As a group these people see land ownership as a privilege and are determined to achieve creative and profitable land use. In this context shelter, shade and esthetic considerations are very important. Willows and poplars provide this at reasonable cost. These trees have been used in New Zealand since the first waves of European settlers. Everybody gasps at the autumn spectacular of the lombardy poplars bordering Lake Hayes.