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Abstract
Many researchers have noted that not only natural ecosystems but also landscapes actively
modified by humans (engineered or designed ecosystems) can significantly impact the level of ecosystem
goods and service available thereby impacting on human and social welfare. In New Zealand, agriculture
land is the largest area of engineered ecosystems on the national landscape. Study of the economic value
of ecosystem services delivered by agricultural lands thus provides important insights into the
management of engineered or designed ecosystems. This paper estimates values of ecosystem services,
such as climate regulation, waste treatment, soil retention and scenic views, from land used for New
Zealand’s arable farming, using the contingent valuation method (CVM) and choice modeling.