Unlocking potential value in your land
An Environmental Benefit Lot (EBL) is an entitlement to subdivide, awarded by council in return for providing an environmental benefit to the district.
In practical terms, this means subdivision outcomes can be supported by permanently protecting and enhancing land with ecological value — such as native bush, wetlands, riparian margins, or restoration planting areas.
EBLs are commonly explored for commercial and strategic reasons, including subdivision planning, succession, or making better use of land that is difficult or inefficient to farm.
Environmental enhancement is the qualifying pathway through which those outcomes are achieved.
How Restore Native supports EBL projects
Restore Native specialises in the on-the-ground environmental delivery that underpins Environmental Benefit Lots.
We have extensive, hands-on experience delivering EBL-related environmental work across working farms and rural land — including on our own properties. That experience means we understand both the practical realities of farming and what’s required to deliver durable environmental outcomes.
We work closely with the wider project team — including ecologists, planners, surveyors, and councils — to ensure environmental work is aligned, practical, and delivered to the required standard.
We provide expert support with:
Practical site planning and layout support
Locally sourced native plant supply
Restoration planting
Weed and pest control
Establishment and ongoing maintenance
Our focus is on practical delivery and long-term outcomes.
Understanding EBLs in practice
What types of land are commonly involved?
EBL-related environmental areas typically include:
remnant native bush
wetland areas
riparian margins
purpose-designed restoration planting areas
These areas may already have ecological value, or they may be strengthened through active enhancement over time.
Why do landowners consider EBLs
EBLs are often considered to:
unlock additional subdivision entitlements
create lifestyle lots or transferable development rights
support farm succession or long-term land strategy
add value to land that is steep, wet, or inefficient to farm
The environmental outcome is the mechanism through which these subdivision opportunities are earned.
Applying for an EBL
Environmental Benefit Lots are approved through a multi-disciplinary process involving planners, ecologists, surveyors, and council.
At a high level, this usually includes:
early planning and site assessment
ecological assessment and reporting
council review and confirmation of entitlements
delivery of the required environmental work
Environmental delivery sits alongside this process and plays a key role in supporting approved EBL outcomes
Our e-book explains this pathway in more detail and shows where environmental delivery fits. Access it here.
What environmental work is typically required?
Modern EBLs require — and reward — genuine ecological enhancement.
Environmental outcomes are commonly supported through:
stock exclusion fencing
restoration planting to strengthen ecological value
weed control and maintenance
pest management to support establishment
The scale and detail of work depend on the site and approval conditions.
Why delivery quality matters
The subdivision entitlement associated with an EBL is underpinned by the environmental outcome.
Well-executed delivery helps ensure:
protected areas establish successfully
ecological value strengthens over time
long-term obligations are met in a practical way
the integrity of the entitlement is protected
Want to know more?
Our downloadable e-book provides a clear, plain-English overview of Environmental Benefit Lots and the environmental work commonly associated with them.
Download our free EBL e-book
Get in touch with Adam to discuss your plants for planting and how we can help
Chat with Adam
Have a question or want to know more?
Get in touch with us, we’d be happy to help.
E: adam@restorenative.co.nz
P: 021 724 181
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