Government funding cuts will see the Mid-Dome wilding pine eradication programme pushed back years, cost millions of dollars more and risk reinfestation, according to a presentation at East Dome Station on Wednesday (24 May) by the Mid-Dome Wilding Trees Trust (MDWT) .

The eradication programme, which has now successfully reached its half way point, will have the coming seasons activities slashed by around $2m because of the funding cuts.

MDWT chair Ali Ballantine said while it was a good day it was also quite a depressing day.

Mid-Dome wilding pine eradication programme has reached the half way stage, but will require $20m over the next 10 years to complete. Photo: MDWT

"It's so deeply disappointing that we finally find out that we're half way there. We've spent the best part of $20m. And we know how much we need to complete the programme.. [but] we just don't have the money."

"We can't fund any aerial spraying next year because we haven't got enough money."

And every year it's going to get 30% more expensive to fund the programme, she said.

"The government had a really successful programme and basically they've chosen to cut it from about $35m a year to $10m."

"I nearly resigned over this because I'm so disgusted," she said.

Ballantine said the bottom line was they need $20m over 10 years to complete the programme.

The funding cuts had not only affected MDWT, but also wilding programmes in Central Otago and throughout the country, she said.

Douglas Fir seedlings spreading from plantation forests. Photo: Environment Southland

"We're in crisis really, its pretty bad news."

Ballantine said there was also real pressure now from the spread of seeds from plantation forests.

"If that's left unchecked, there'll be Mid-Domes everywhere."