Photo: Stephen JaquieryA controversial large-scale forestry conversion in the heart of West Otago hill country, which caused ripples in the community, is to be sold. Yesterday, Ernslaw One South Island regional manager Cameron Alderton confirmed Pomahaka Forest — previously a sheep, beef and deer farm known as Warthill — was expected to be offered for sale later this month as a fully planted forest. The Otago Regional Council later requested additional information from Ernslaw One and got an independent assessment of the wilding risk calculator score. "While ownership arrangements may change over time, the foundations that have been put in place to support responsible forest management will continue to guide how the forest is managed into the future." It valued the relationships it had with neighbouring landowners and appreciated the engagement that had occurred over the life of the forest.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 10, 2026 15:37 UTC