An Ashburton farmer has paid $10,000 into a council bio-diversity fund after he cut down native bushes without permission.
Matagouri flowers. Photo: Department of Conservation
The farmer removed Matagouri from his farm this year without resource consent from the Ashburton District Council, which has rules in its district plan protecting native plants.
An Ashburton councillor, Alan Totty said the farmer was lucky to avoid legal action and it was a good reminder for farmers to check with the council before clearing native vegetation.
The farmer paid the money into the fund as tangible recognition of his remorse for cutting down the bushes.
