1. Introduction

New Zealand’s soils are diverse, reflecting the varied and dynamic landscape. Located on the boundary between the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, in the southern mid-latitudes, and surrounded by oceans, New Zealand consequently has: active tectonism, high mountains, and generally fast rates of erosion; active volcanism; a varying but generally temperate, mainly moist climate; and unique flora and fauna. The soils of New Zealand were first cultivated about 750 years ago by Māori with more intensive agricultural development commencing around 1840 following the arrival of Europeans. About two-thirds of New Zealand soils have now been developed for food production or other human use including plantation forestry, with much of the remainder in native vegetation, often in protected areas. Soils have an essential role in the New Zealand economy, underpinning food, wool, and forestry production as well as providing a substrate for urban development, filtering of water, and recycling of nutrients and wastes. Without agricultural inputs New Zealand’s soils are generally of moderate or low fertility. The use of fertilisers has greatly increased soil productive capacity. The New Zealand Soil Classification identifies 15 Soil orders: Allophanic, Anthropic, Brown, Gley, Granular, Melanic, Organic, Oxidic, Pallic, Podzol, Pumice, Raw, Recent, Semiarid, and Ultic Soils.