In recognition of the QE II Trust's work, the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2000 funding package boosted the Trust's budget by $3.1 million between 2000 and 2005 as part of its private land programme.

Seventy per cent of New Zealand land – about 19 million hectares – is privately owned, with just over 16 million hectares of farmland. QEII provides a mechanism to protect outstanding natural features on this land before they are lost forever. The Trust enables the protection of lowland forests, wetlands and coastal ecosystems that are under represented in the crown estate and now offer only exists as fragments on private land.

The work of the Trust creates a legacy strengthening and protecting New Zealand's heritage into the future.

What is an open space covenant?
An open space covenant is a legal agreement between QE II and a landowner to protect a special open space feature in perpetuity. The covenant is registered against the title of the property and binds subsequent owners. QE II offers support and management of covenants, with specialist advice and monitoring. Field officers visit a covenant site at least every two years.

Achievements
Since 1977, more than 85,000 hectares has been protected by covenants taken out by over 2600 farmers and landowners. These covenants protect a variety of open space, including forest remnants, wetlands, lakes, peat lakes, coastline, tussock grasslands, areas or rural landscape, archaeological sites, and geological formations.

For examples of the success of the National Trust's work see Farmer protects native bush, or visit the QE II website.