The New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the Government’s main tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

By 2011 planting of the derelict quarry was well- underway so the Park was able to qualify under the government’s Permanent Forest Sink Initiative (PFSI) as the trees were already playing a significant role in absorbing carbon and slowing the rate of climate change.

There are separate rates of absorption from trees depending upon species and age. The Ministry of Primary Industries considers that there are four main types of vegetation with different rates of absorption. To qualify, specialised mapping was necessary to define the areas by species. This mapping was undertaken by Dr. Lex Chalmers and Mr.Andrew Hanford at the University of Waikato.

The Park’s forest is now protected for 50 years through a covenant on its title. At the heart of the park operations is a focus on environmental sustainability.