Introduction to Environmental Planning ENVP106-13A Environmental Planning Programme FASS Word Count: 1932

How Green is the Waikato?

The Decline in Indigenous Biodiversity in the Waikato

Introduction Indigenous biodiversity is of high value within the Waikato Region, and within New Zealand. It is not only of significance nationally, but also internationally. Maori especially treasure native vegetation and fauna. The indigenous biodiversity in the Waikato is in decline and is at risk. There are a number of causes of decline in indigenous biodiversity including human settlement, changing land use and pests. The main adverse effects on the indigenous biodiversity in the Waikato are anthropogenic. The Waikato Regional Council has implemented policies within its Regional Policy Statement, to aid in the management and enrichment of the regions indigenous biodiversity. Territorial authorities follow these policies and incorporate them within their district plans. The Waikato Region The Waikato Region extends from the Bombay Hills south of Auckland, to Mt Ruapehu south of Taupo, encompassing the Kaimai Ranges, and the Coromandel peninsula (Waikato Regional Council 2013a). The Waikato is the fourth largest region in New Zealand, and houses one city and ten district councils (Waikato Regional Council 2013a). The Waikato Region consists of four major landscapes: The Taupo Volcanic Zone, the Waikato and Hauraki Lowlands, the Western Hill Country and the Eastern Coromandel Ranges (Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006 20). Stock grazing and plantation and conservation forestry are the main uses of land in the Waikato, with wetlands in the lowlands and Hauraki Plains having been drained for pastoral use (Waikato Regional Council 2010a 16). Surrounding land supports rural and urban settlements. The Waikato supports a range of tourist activities, with the renowned Waitomo Caves in the west, bush-clad ranges in the south and the eastern coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula (Waikato Regional Council 2010a 16). The Waikato contains 70% of New Zealands geothermal areas and the largest karst landscape in the country, as well as holding half of New Zealands internationally significant wetlands (Waikato Regional Council 2010a 68). Decline in Indigenous Biodiversity Biodiversity is defined as the variability among living organisms and the ecological complexes of which they are a part, including diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems (Resource Management Act 1991 s. 2). This relates to both animal and plant species. New Zealand has a unique biodiversity; a result of the isolated evolution caused by its island status, and hosts many indigenous species with a high level of endemism (Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006 19). New Zealands biodiversity has significance internationally because of its exclusivity, supporting a number of species with unique attributes, such as the worlds only flightless parrot (kakapo). It is

important to conserve this diversity of species and ecosystems within New Zealand. New Zealands biodiversity also supports much of our economy which, based on the use of ecosystem services, is often reliant upon the unique biodiversity of the ecosystem (Department of Conservation and Ministry for the Environment 2000 2, 3). The farming industry, one of New Zealands primary industries, relies heavily on biological resources, and although most farming in New Zealand is dependent on introduced animals, the surrounding ecosystem supporting this practice provides necessary ecosystem services which are reliant upon all species living in that ecosystem. In addition to this, New Zealands biodiversity has value intrinsically, scientifically and culturally. Maori view all plant and animal species as valuable, however indigenous species are of particular significance, and are often a main element in traditional food and medicine. The New Zealand culture is closely related to many of its native species, including the kiwi and silver fern which are two of the countrys most well recognised symbols. The Waikato contains a diversity of plant and animal life greater than many other parts of New Zealand, yet suffers one of the highest rates of biodiversity loss nationally (Waikato Regional Council 2010a 69). Since the settlement of humans, the once extensive native vegetation cover has been reduced to just 26% (Waikato Regional Council 2013b), resulting in loss of some plant and animal species and threat of extinction for others. Wetlands in the Waikato region have been reduced from 5% to 1%, putting many threatened species of plant and animals at further risk (Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006 23). Coastal dunes have been modified and removed to make way for subdivisions, industry and sand mining (Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006 27). This has led to the endangerment of coastal species which inhabit these dunes and disrupted migration patterns of others. As many as 223 indigenous species are at threat of extinction within the Waikato Region, with 68 in the highest threat category, and 22 having already become extinct (Waikato Regional Council 2010a 69). There are species of plants and animals which exist only in the Waikato, such as the Archers Frog, and the giant cane rush and swamp helmet orchid (Waikato Regional Council 2010a 69, Waikato Regional Council 2013b). These species are at risk of extinction and any disturbance to their ecosystem threatens them further. Main causes of decline in indigenous biodiversity There are many contributing factors which have led to the decline in biodiversity in New Zealand, most of which are anthropogenic. The division or destruction of ecosystems through unsuitable use of land, air or water; introduction of threatening exotic plants or animals; and the unsustainable use of species, can reduce biodiversity significantly (Waikato Regional Policy Statement 2013 3.11.3).

The settlement of humans resulted in significant changes in the Waikato region. Maori arrival led to loss of vegetation through burning and clearing forests, however the settlement of Europeans resulted in further severe changes including widespread drainage of wetlands, and deforestation for farming and planting of exotic pasture (Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006 26). Native vegetation in the Waikato still covers 25% of the region; however most of this is fragmented into patches, most of which are smaller than 25 hectares. Fragmentation of indigenous ecosystems has had a significant impact on native species, with those who are unable to migrate from patch to patch becoming endangered when their habitat becomes unsuitable (Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006 29). The introduction of exotic species to New Zealand increased New Zealands biodiversity, however, led to a decline in indigenous biodiversity with many of the introduced species proving a threat to native species. Introduced animals may affect the populations of native species through predation or killing them indirectly through consumption of their food and destruction of their habitat (Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006 29). Native vegetation is threatened by a number of introduced animals who feed on it, such as possums whose presence can alter the structure of natural forests (Waikato Regional Council 2010a 69), and the introduction of weeds which smother native plants and prevent regeneration (Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006 29). Scrub one of the first steps of regeneration of a forest and the removal of this scrub can disturb and prevent this regrowth. Scrub can also contain threatened species which are destroyed in its removal. A modern day threat to indigenous vegetation is that of agriculture. Stock browsing can severely degrade forests when grazing is too frequent, or intense, and can lead to destruction of scrub and collapse of the forest (Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006 41). Changing land use has had one of the biggest impacts on indigenous biodiversity in New Zealand through the removal of vegetation, drainage of wetlands and alterations to topography. Although logging of indigenous forest on Crown land has ceased and logging on private land must be sustainable (Green and Clarkson 2006 8), past logging of these forests has led to the removal of extensive amounts of native vegetation. With only 26% of native vegetation cover remaining, and much of this fragmented, the Waikato has lost a significant resource which has endangered many indigenous species. Planning and management of indigenous biodiversity The Waikato Regional Council has a series of policies within the Waikato Regional Policy Statement which relate to the management and enhancement of indigenous biodiversity. Policy One is to avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on biodiversity through environmental education; liaison with territorial authorities; investigation of alternatives for sustainable

management of indigenous vegetation; development and management of the Regional Pest Management Strategy; and encouraging resource users to sign and act in accordance with voluntary accords for the protection of indigenous biodiversity (Waikato Regional Policy Statement 2000 3.11.4). Environmental education involves creating community awareness of the values of indigenous biodiversity and the reasons for its protection and management; planting of indigenous species; restoration and rehabilitation of damaged or modified areas of indigenous vegetation; and voluntary methods for the protection of biodiversity (Waikato Regional Policy Statement 2000 3.11.4). Protection and creation of wildlife corridors and the avoidance of fragmentation are undertaken via liaison with territorial authorities. Policy Two ensures a consistent approach towards the identification of important indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna throughout the region (Waikato Regional Policy Statement 2000 3.11.4). Policy Three involves protecting and managing indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna. It ensures that when using and developing natural and physical resources, these natural areas of significance are protected from adverse effects (Waikato Regional Policy Statement 2000 3.11.4). District councils in the Waikato work under the Regional Policy Statement to manage and enhance indigenous biodiversity. The Waikato District Council has implemented the Waikato District Conservation Strategy which works in accordance with the Regional Policy Statement, the Resource Management Act, and the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy, at a local level (Waikato District Council 2013). Under the Waikato Regional Policy Statement, each territorial authority prepares a strategy for the management and enrichment of indigenous biodiversity which falls within its district plan. There is general public support for the protection of indigenous biodiversity. Planting trees, fencing streams and wetlands, and carrying out pest control are just some of the measures taken by individual farmers and private property owners in an attempt to aid in protecting indigenous biodiversity. Conclusion Indigenous biodiversity is valuable intrinsically, economically, scientifically and culturally. It is a part of the New Zealand culture which is often taken for granted and has in result suffered a decline. The Waikato is home to many native and endemic species, many of which are at risk of extinction through loss of ecosystem, predation and unsustainable management. The risk is especially great to native vegetation which now covers only 26% of the region, and what remains is mostly fragmented. This has a great impact on those species that rely on these bush and forest fragments.

The Waikato Regional Council has put in place policies and management strategies to avoid, remedy and mitigate the decline in biodiversity; and is working with territorial authorities and the community to enforce them. The aim to further environmental education is especially valuable as it allows the general public to become involved and aware of the issues surrounding indigenous biodiversity of the region, and to realise the importance of protecting it.

Bibliography Department of Conservation., and Ministry for the Environment 2000: The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy: Our Chance to Turn the Tide. Green, W. and Clarkson, B. 2006: Review of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy Themes. Department of Conservation. Operative Waikato Regional Policy Statement October 2000 Resource Management Act 1991 Waikato Biodiversity Forum 2006: Restoring Waikatos Indigenous Biodiversity: Ecological Priorities and Opportunities. Hamilton: Waikato Regional Council. Waikato District Council 2013. District Plan. Retrieved 21 May 2013 from http://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/Documents/Plans/District-plan/Waikato-DistrictPlan/District-Plan.aspx Waikato Regional Council 2010a: From the Mountains to the Sea: Supplement to the proposed Waikato Regional Policy Statement 2010. Hamilton: Waikato Regional Council Waikato Regional Council 2010b: Proposed Waikato Regional Policy Statement (November 2010). Hamilton: Waikato Regional Council. Waikato Regional Council 2013a. Community. Retrieved 21 May 2013 from http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Community/ Waikato Regional Council 2013b. Environment. Retrieved 21 May 2013 from http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/Environment/