One of several changes MAF is proposing to the ETS is to change the sequestration rates for indigenous forests from the 3t CO2/ha/year (each and every year) to rates that vary each year, and are higher overall.
Based on research by Landcare Research, a new table is proposed which effectively means that over 50 years, almost twice as much carbon sequestration could be claimed than under current Regulations (323t CO2/ha as opposed to only 150t CO2/ha), see link Amending the Climate Change (Forestry Sector) Regulations 2008 - Consultation Document.
This change is believed to more accurately reflect actual sequestration rates (on average over New Zealand) and expected to encourage the initiation of more indigenous carbon-forestry projects.
As with sequestration rates of exotic forests a field measurement-based approach is still planned for forests larger than a specified threshold area. Consultation about the field measurement approach, including the value for the threshold area, is expected later this year.