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Biodiversity Action Plan
Wellington City Council
September 2007
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Contents
1. Summary
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What is a biodiversity action plan?
2. Introduction
2
Global Biodiversity
Indigenous Biodiversity
Leadership in Biodiversity
Wellington’s Biodiversity Challenge
3. Existing policies and mechanisms for Wellington City
4
Council Strategies
Existing Projects
4. A profile of Wellington’s biodiversity
6
Lowland forest
Scrub and shrublands
Coastal forest and coastal scarp
Coastal fringe
Offshore islands
Wetlands
Streams
Urban area
Harbour and coastal waters
Surrounding districts
5. Strengths, issues and opportunities
20
for current biodiversity management
Strengths
Issues
Opportunities
6. Wellington’s vision for biodiversity
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7. Action plan
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Identify
Protect
Restore
Research
8. Glossary
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Photo: New Zealand forest
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What is a biodiversity action plan?
This action plan coordinates Wellington City Council’s biodiversity activities and
identifies local priorities and actions to protect and restore biodiversity. These
biodiversity activities include pest control, revegetation planting, and partnerships
with other organisations and groups. Wellington’s biodiversity action plan ensures
that the national targets set by the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (2000) are
translated into local action.
The vision statement for this action plan is:
Wellington is a city that protects and restores biodiversity
and proudly showcases its natural areas. It is a city
renowned for its kaitiakitanga, its environmental
guardianship.
This document describes what biodiversity is, why it’s important, what
mechanisms we have in place for its protection and what we are doing to manage
our biodiversity assets. It also gives a profile of Wellington’s biodiversity, focusing
on main ecosystems or habitats.
The action plan identifies the programmes designed to achieve the vision of this
plan, and the corresponding responsibilities, funding sources and timeframes.
The outcomes of this plan will include:
which require the most protection
easily accessible for all Wellingtonians
conservation
Wellington’s biodiversity
to protect, restore and manage our biodiversity into the future
The emphasis of this strategy is on Wellington’s indigenous biodiversity.
The term ‘Wellington’s biodiversity’ means the indigenous biodiversity
that occurs naturally in Wellington.
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Introduction
Biological diversity – or biodiversity – is the complete variety of life on earth, and people are an integral part
more than plants and animals. Biodiversity includes:
habitats (e.g. scrubland, forest, sand dunes, wetlands, streams).
All Wellingtonians (including Wellington City Council) have a positive or negative effect on biodiversity, both
global and local. This comes through political choices, jobs, economic activities and daily actions. There is
a huge opportunity for all to become more aware and more responsible; to enhance biodiversity generally
through the cumulative effect of positive actions, small and large.
play a part in its conservation.
Global Biodiversity
The protection of biodiversity is a global issue and is an essential ingredient of sustainable development.
International awareness of biodiversity has been steadily growing since the 1992 United Nations Conference
recognises that biodiversity is about plants and animals as well as people and our need for food, medicines,
fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean and healthy environment. New Zealand is a signatory to this
convention on biodiversity, and the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (2000) was prepared as part of New
Zealand’s commitment to biodiversity protection. The New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy establishes national
goals to “turn the tide” on biodiversity decline and includes action points for Local Authorities. Retaining a
high level of indigenous biodiversity will result in a high level of global biodiversity.
Indigenous Biodiversity
exceptionally high numbers of endemic species (species found nowhere else in the world). This high
endemism is largely the result of our long isolation from other land masses and diverse habitat and
climate, allowing unique flora and fauna to develop. Around 90 percent of New Zealand’s insects and
marine molluscs are found nowhere else on earth. This is also true for 80 percent of our vascular plants
(which includes trees, ferns and flowering plants); 25 percent of bird species; all of our 60 reptiles; our four
remaining frogs and all our species of bat. Compare this to Britain, which is a similar size but has only two
endemic species.
Biodiversity incorporates all biological life, including fungi and micro organisms, the genes
they contain and the ecosystems of which they form a part. These life forms contribute to
essential ecological processes.
Globally, biodiversity is in decline and the rate of biodiversity loss is accelerating.
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Leadership in Biodiversity
The Local Government Act 2002 sets local authorities (regional, city and district councils) a mandate to promote
sustainable development. Biodiversity is a critical measure of sustainability, with clear environmental, social,
economic and cultural benefits and these are summarised below
1
.
Environmental:
Biodiversity describes the variety of life on earth. Indigenous biodiversity refers to the
biological life unique to New Zealand. Locally, Wellington’s indigenous biodiversity is also unique, boasting
community associations and genetic diversity that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Resilient and
stable ecosystems are essential to sustain all of our activities in a functioning environment.
Economic:
Without healthy biological resources and ecosystem processes we would be without basic
services such as the production of raw materials, clean water, waste decomposition, soil conservation and
climate regulation. A 1997 Massey University study estimated that the total annual value of New Zealand’s
over $200 billion.
2
Social:
Cultural:
There is intrinsic value in biodiversity and for many, particularly Maori, it is an essential part of
Under the Resource Management Act (RMA), local authorities have a role in protecting biodiversity, particularly
with respect to the use and development of land. For example, under Section 6 of the RMA (1991) councils must
recognise and provide for the protection of areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of
indigenous fauna
3
.
Wellington’s Biodiversity Challenge
If you wanted to write a book about Wellington’s vegetation, your friends would probably say, ‘A book
about gorse? Why?’ This would harden your resolve. Obviously your friends have not looked twice at
the groves of karaka tucked into gullies or bounced on the springy cushions of pohuehue on the coast…
Perhaps they are so used to the sight of wind-buffeted flax and taupata on rocky cliffs that they no
longer notice it…There is no one particular feature that characterises the Wellington region…it seems to
contain a little bit of all New Zealand.
Wellington’s Living Cloak, Isobel Gabites 1993:7
In her opening page of Wellington’s Living Cloak, Gabites captures the exceptional thing about Wellington; the
diversity in landscape. From the rugged South Coast, to the bays, the harbour, rural hinterland, green belts,
ridgelines and hilltops – all of these define Wellington. And with these landscapes and associated vegetation
types, comes ecosystem diversity, species diversity and genetic diversity.
Wellington City Council manages around 3600 hectares of publicly owned open space land. Wellington City
biodiversity values throughout the city.
2 Patterson M and Cole A 1999. Assessing the Value of New Zealand’s Biodiversity. Occasional Paper Number 1, School of Resource and Environmental Planning, Massey University, February 1999.
Biodiversity conservation is about ensuring the:
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Existing policies and mechanisms for Wellington City
Council Strategies
In 2006 the Council approved seven strategies including a new
Environmental Strategy
The Biodiversity Action Plan sits directly under the City Council’s
Environmental Strategy
action of the Strategy, and addresses the city’s need for a coherent
plan to address biodiversity issues.
This plan is prepared in the context of the following Council
outcomes:
more liveable, where Wellington’s natural
environment is more accessible to all for a wide range of
social and recreational opportunities that do not compromise
environmental values;
sense of place, where Wellington recognises
and protects significant features of its natural heritage;
More actively engaged, where a collaborative participatory
(guardianship) by information sharing and establishing
partnerships;
Better connected
space;
More sustainable, where Wellington’s environmental impact
Safer, including clean water and air to protect public health
and ecosystems;
Healthier, with the protection of land and water based
ecosystems to sustain natural processes;
More competitive, with a high quality environment attracting
more visitors.
This plan also sits in the context of the Council’s Economic
Development Strategy, where a 10 year outcome is to advocate for
tourism products that promote Wellington’s unique sense of place.
The unique natural heritage of Wellington creates strong potential
In addition, this plan is influenced by the Culture and Wellbeing
Strategy, which emphasises enhancing elements of the city’s
sense of place, including native flora and fauna; and becoming
more actively engaged, including access to historical and heritage
information, and investing in the city’s public environment.
It will give effect to the Urban Development Strategy by assisting
in the creation of a more sustainable environment. Reducing
our ecological footprint and protecting and maintaining a green
This plan will support the Social and Recreation Strategy by
encouraging community participation and involvement in
with community groups involved with restoration and enabling
opportunities.
This plan sits alongside Capital Spaces (Open Space Plan), Energy
Plans, Water Conservation Strategies, and Solid and Liquid Waste
Management Plans. Plans such as the Pest Management Plan sit
directly under the Biodiversity Action Plan (see Figure 1).
Capital Spaces (1998) outlines Council’s vision for Wellington’s
open spaces. Open spaces are defined as outdoor places in the city
that have ecological, recreational, landscape or heritage values.
Ecological values are described as plants and animals and the
habitats they live in; in other words, biodiversity values. Reserve
management plans sit under Capital Spaces and these either
directly or indirectly refer to biodiversity management.
ENVIRONMENTAL
STRATEGY
WASTE
MANAGEMENT
WATER
CONSERVATON
CAPITAL SPACES
(Open Spaces)
ENERGY
BIODIVERSITY
ACTION PLAN
PEST MANAGEMENT
PLAN
Figure 1: Strategic Context for Biodiversity Action Plan
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There are 10 guiding principles of Capital Spaces, four of which relate
directly to biodiversity, these are:
and animal pests and to reintroduce later successional species
reintroduction of native species.
the revegetation of riparian areas with appropriate native
species. This will contribute to improving water quality and to
enhancing native aquatic habitats.
Wet and Wild: Bush and Streams Restoration Plan (2001) identified
to the restoration of the city’s regenerating bush, primary forest
remnants and streams. The functioning of this plan finished in 2006.
Restoration is one of the four major facets of the Biodiversity Action
Plan and it will supersede Wet and Wild and continue a new five
year series of operational priorities and targets.
The District Plan provides objectives, policies and rules relating to
significant areas of Wellington’s natural heritage (Conservation Sites),
as well as for land valued for its natural character and provision
landscape, landform and vegetation. Subdivision applications are
assessed against these criteria.
The Council has also recently reviewed the Code of Practice for
Land Development. The Code of Practice is essentially a toolbox
for development, and the review is including guidelines for the
protection and promotion of open space values.
Existing Projects
In addition to the above policies, the Council currently carries out
projects that have direct biodiversity outcomes, these include the
provision of environmental grants, pest management, threatened
sourced plants. Examples of revegetation projects are: community
greening (providing community groups and local residents with
free plants), replanting following the removal of exotic vegetation
ecosystems around the city. Pest management is carried out in
accordance with the Pest Management Plan (2005). Other projects
specific plans and projects governing the management of indigenous
biodiversity within their area. The Council contributes land, funding
conservation advocate and an internationally recognised community
conservation project) and Wellington Zoo (protecting plant and
animal biodiversity by holding and breeding exotic and indigenous
health and research projects regarding indigenous biodiversity).
The Council also supports the proposed Marine Education Centre
(which aims to showcase the unique marine environment, establish
a regional coastal plant reserve as well as education programmes
and research initiatives).
Voluntary action is a huge contributor to biodiversity management.
The Council supports biodiversity volunteers through environmental
grants and through the community greening programme.
In 2007 the Council provided 43 volunteer groups with around 15,000 eco-sourced
natives to plant across the city. This is in addition to thousands of plants the groups
grow in home nurseries. These numbers are increasing every year. In 2002, just 12
groups planted 8,900 plants. The groups prepare the sites for planting and maintain
them until the native plants are established. This community contribution is crucial
to the successful ongoing management of biodiversity in Wellington City and is
increasing every year.
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Wellington’s biodiversity is maintained by habitats that can be broadly grouped
into nine different categories.
Each of these habitats supports a unique community of species and faces a
different range of threats; although habitat loss and pest species are common
threats across all habitats.
A profile of Wellington’s biodiversity
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LOWLAND FOREST
The forest cloak
its bright red flowers, would have been a common sight, along
carpeted with ferns
4
,
5
.
Today, less than 5 percent of this forest remains, mostly in gullies
and remote areas out of the reaches of development, fire and
early logging. Some areas have also been preserved by early
Garden native forest remnants are some of the best examples
of these.
These relicts of ancient forest are now accompanied by
These new forests are growing up through the gorse that colonised
Wellington’s retired farmland and are now a valued part of
Wellington’s open space
6
. They also have an important role in
buffering the ancient forest from the effects of fragmentation.
The remnants of original forest are important seed sources for the
regenerating areas. The regenerating areas are important for the
health and eventual restoration of many forest species, including
tailed bat.
4 Gabites, Isobel (1993). Wellington’s Living Cloak: A Guide to the Natural Plant Communities. Wellington Botanical
Wellington’s Native Vegetation: A Brief Survey of Early Historical Records. Prepared by Boffa
An Inventory of the Surviving Traces of the Primary Forest of Wellington City. Prepared for
Wellington City Council.
Neil Price, Wellington City Council.
Main Issues for lowland forest
Development pressure: Wellington is a growing city so there is
still development pressure on a number of areas. In the past,
development has been synonymous with forest clearance, and
in some places clearance is still a threat to Wellington’s forests.
Fragmentation is another associated issue. Fragmentation occurs
and viability of the forest is diminished. Maintaining ecosystem
biodiversity is an important part of ensuring a healthy city, and
must be managed alongside development. Low impact subdivision
design is one tool available to help preserve natural ecosystems.
Introduced mammals: Possums, rodents, cats, goats, mustelids,
pigs, deer, sheep and cattle have all had a huge impact on
Wellington’s forests over the years; eating palatable native plants,
seeds, native insects, lizards and birds as well as disturbing
their habitats. Extensive control programmes have made a big
difference, particularly for reducing possum numbers. However,
ongoing control and education is required and priority areas
have been identified for control in the Wellington City Council
Pest Management Plan (2005), as well as by Greater Wellington
Weeds:
forest. There are a huge number of problem weeds, many of
which begin their life as attractive garden plants and then jump
the fence, travelling by bird dispersal or through corridors such
as reserves, railways and streams. They then out compete and
smother native plants, eg climbing asparagus, old man’s beard
programmes aim to eradicate problem weeds throughout the city
focus on clearing a suite of weeds from important biodiversity sites
Restoring the Town Belt forest: The inner Town Belt has a number
of areas that are being restored and returned to native forest. Often
these areas arise as a result of the removal of hazardous conifers.
Restoration includes weed clearance, reintroduction of indigenous
plant species through managed regeneration and planting, and
potentially, the reintroduction of appropriate wildlife. There is also
a vision to restore a continuous band of indigenous vegetation
along Wellington’s Outer Green Belt through a combination of
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A profile of Wellington’s biodiversity continued . . .
Action case study: Trelissick Park Group
century, however through natural regeneration, and with the
elements of the original forest are being restored. Mature tawa,
Threatened species
Many animals that would have once occurred in Wellington’s
forests are now extinct in the region, while others, such as
to reintroduce some of these species. Birds such as the little
Wildlife Sanctuary. Recently, tuatara have also been reintroduced
to the Sanctuary, as have giant weta, and some lizards have been
identified as having translocation potential. Invertebrates such as
the giant pill millipede and large land snails may also be released
in the Sanctuary one day.
Genetic biodiversity
individuals of the same species. As population size decreases,
less individuals combine and genetic diversity is reduced. Genetic
variability is important because it helps local populations cope
with local conditions; particularly important in Wellington’s wind
swept conditions. We try to protect and maintain genetic diversity
and revegetation (from forests to wetlands to sand dunes) are
from local wild populations of the plants and then grown in
integrity of the city’s natural ecosystems.
SCRUB AND SHRUBLANDS
ecosystems are a special part of Wellington’s biodiversity. They are
important transitional communities in ecological succession and
are essential habitat for lizards, insects and some birds.
Main Issues for Scrub and Shrublands
Lack of information: A combination of the transitional nature
of scrub and shrubland, and difficulty identifying communities
by aerial photography or satellite imagery, means that we have
little information on current and historic cover. Addressing this
Wellington’s biodiversity.
Animal pests and weeds: As with forest, pests such as possums,
pigs, rodents and stoats are a problem in scrub and shrubland,
where they eat palatable native trees, seedlings and prey on native
are particular problems for shrubland and scrub ecosystems. In
Clearance: Because scrub and shrubland are often transitional
communities, they tend to be more readily cleared than mature
forest often as a result of development. However, this clearance
must be balanced with the retention of ecological processes and
biodiversity.
Fire: Scrub and shrubland are particularly vulnerable to fire
(eg retired farmland and growing in close association with gorse)
particularly flammable species.
Action case study: Darwin’s barberry weed control
Outer Green Belt over the last few decades, particularly around Mt
small tree often grows in association with gorse, and is a problem
around the edges of forest and in disturbed scrub. Because there’s
targeting priority areas for clearing, as determined by the Pest
Management Plan. The first section to be cleared is along the
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Grey scrub
Grey scrub tends to occur in the relatively exposed environments of Wellington’s
appearance), and climbers such as pohuehue (Muehlenbeckia). It is called grey
scrub because it appears grey from a distance. In Wellington’s grey scrub, you
will generally find small leaved coprosmas (Coprosma propinqua, C. crassifolia),
pohuehue, Olearia solandri, Ozothamnus leptophyllus
bush lawyer. Grey scrub is also habitat for the nationally vulnerable plant,
Muehlenbeckia astonii, and regionally threatened matagouri.
Manuka/Kanuka shrubland
lightly grazed hill country. It has become relatively rare in Wellington as gorse
shrublands are important to protect to maintain a natural process of forest
succession. Research has found that forest growing up through gorse has less
some plant groups, such as podocarps, orchids, and small leaved shrubs are less
7
.
COASTAL FOREST AND COASTAL SCARP
Strait (Wellington’s South Coast) as well as the harbour escarpments, were
once covered with a mosaic of coastal forest, dense coastal scrub, flax and
Coastal forest
Today, less than 1 percent of coastal forest remains. Some small remnants can
be found along the Harbour Escarpment, as well as some areas along the South
Coast forest remnant, with its spectacular tree hebe forest interwoven with
scramblers such as native jasmine and native clematis.
Coastal scrub
The scrub of the coastal scarp has fared a little better than the coastal forest
but is still in serious decline
8
. Matagouri is now endangered in the Wellington
area, however pohuehue, mingimingi, tauhinu and taupata are still a relatively
common sight along the coast, as are the flax clad cliffs.
Wellington and Nelson. New Zealand Journal of Ecology 31.
Plant Conservation Strategy: Wellington Conservancy 2004-2010
9
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A profile of Wellington’s biodiversity continued . . .
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Photo right (top to bottom): Suaeda novae-zelandiae
Main Issues for Coastal Forest and Scarp
Quarrying: Although quarrying has ceased along the South Coast
with the acquisition of the Owhiro Bay Quarry by Wellington City
Council, it is still active along the harbour escarpment between
Wellington City and the Hutt Valley. Future quarrying activity will
Development pressure: Whilst the steepness of the coastal scarp
means that it hasn’t seen a large amount of development pressure,
this is still an issue for the future, bringing with it the associated
threats of ecosystem clearance and fragmentation. Again this
can be managed through careful consideration of land use and
principles of low impact subdivision design.
Pests: Goats, pigs and possums are a particular problem in many of
these areas, as are coastal weeds such as boneseed and evergreen
as priority areas for pest control in the Wellington City Council Pest
Management Plan (2005) due to their ecological significance. The
steep nature of many of these sites is an ongoing challenge.
Action case study: Te Kopahou animal pest control.
Between 1990 and 1993 more than 3000 goats were shot in the
that definite progress is being made. Anecdotal evidence, such as
no sightings, indicates that pig numbers are also down.
Threatened species
The coastal scarp is an important habitat for many species which
are now threatened, due mainly to habitat loss. One example is
the speargrass weevil. The speargrass weevil (Stephanorhynchus
insolitus) and Hutton’s speargrass weevil (Lyperobius huttoni) live
on speargrass around the South Coast. However, speargrass has
been decreasing due to grazing, pig rooting and out competition
of Conservation have an active programme translocating the
weevils to offshore islands to try and ensure their survival. Another
example is the geometrid moth (Notoreas ‘wellington’
species is habitat loss, in this case the decrease of its host plant
Pimelea cf urvilleana.
COASTAL FRINGE
coastal turf communities and coastal dunes.
mix of coastal turf communities (or herbfields), coastal shrubland,
Coastal turf
The unifying feature of Wellington’s coastal communities is that
they are adapted to tolerate very salty and windy environments.
The coastal turf communities are characterised by low growing
dense mats of herbs, often with very fleshy leaves that protect
the plant from desiccation (eg NZ iceplant, shore bindweed,
glasswort). Sedges, grasses and rushes growing in these areas are
also specialists at withstanding salt and dehydration. Many also
tolerate very low nutrient levels and shifting sands, good examples
shrubs in some of these areas, including tauhinu, sand pimelea
and sand coprosma.
Coastal dunes
Coastal dunes form where there is shelter from strong waves, a
supply of sand, and onshore winds
9
. The side closest to the sea
(foredune) is very dynamic and sand binding plants have an
(Desmoschoenus spiralis) and spinifex (Spinifex sericeus); however
the introduced marram grass is now most commonly seen. Other
Austrofestuca
littoralis), sand coprosma (Coprosma acerosa), and sand daphne
(Pimelea aff. arenaria). An important site for coastal dunes in
five native foredune species have been recorded in this area,
found. This area is one of the only sites in the North Island where
10
.
Coastal foredune vegetation in Wellington Conservancy.
10 Ibid.
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Coastal wildlife
The coastal fringe is an important place for many bird species; but for a number
of reasons many of these bird species are now threatened. The banded dotterel
is one example; this bird nests in soil, shingle or sand dunes using little, if
any, nest material. This means that its breeding ground is easily disturbed by
vehicles, people and pets. The little blue penguin is another example. The
to November. The landscape has been modified, and their habitat destroyed
as a consequence. While many of them have adapted to nest under houses or
and stoats.
male fur seals rest up here between feeding. Fur seals are the most common
seal around New Zealand and are slowly recovering from commercial sealing
in the 1870s.
Main Issues for Coastal Fringe
Land use pressure: The coast is a popular place to live and visit, and so has
always been under pressure from development and recreation. Land use that
is sympathetic to the coastal environment is an important consideration and
Weeds: Weedy grasses, herbs and trees are a serious problem and threat for the
setting, grow well in this salty environment and smother native coastal herbs.
The introduced marram grass is now common along the coast and has largely
of the native shrubs.
Climate change and coastal erosion: The effects of climate change will increase
because of the permanency of structures (e.g. buildings, roads, seawalls).
those decisions. It has been recognised that the coastal fringe provides a natural
defence against the sea
11
.
11 Ministry for the Environment (2004). Coastal Hazards and Climate Change: A guidance manual for local government in New Zealand.
11
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A profile of Wellington’s biodiversity continued . . .
Action case study: Oku Coast Care
Severn Street. They became involved after noticing a bulldozer on
the dunes clearing a path through the dune vegetation to put in
this project into a dune restoration effort. The Council has since
fenced the area to protect the dune plants. Since 2003 the group
and plant the dune with native foredune plants, returning it to
a more natural state. The group also plant a number of rare and
endangered native dune plants.
OFFSHORE ISLANDS
Tapu Te Ranga is typical of Wellington’s South Coast environment,
and as an island potentially offers a safer place for nesting and
roosting seabirds. Tapu Te Ranga is designated as a Conservation
and scrubland and is home to two rare plants found nowhere else
in Wellington; Crassula moschata and Suaeda novae-zelandiae.
prominently in Wellington’s harbour, but are within the Hutt City
jurisdiction. The biggest of these, Matiu, was occupied by Maori
for generations and its use in more recent times has included
a quarantine station, internment camp and military defence
and is a site of active restoration and home to a number of
All of the harbour islands are important nesting sites for little blue
penguins.
Main Issues for Offshore Islands
Weeds: As with the coastal environment, the indigenous
of these plants are native, neither occur naturally in Wellington),
Cheiranthus
cheiri).
Litter:
Fires: Fire is a huge threat to this ecosystem, and under no
circumstances should people light fires on the island.
Tapu Te Ranga island, Photo: Neil Price, Wellington City Council.
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WETLANDS
area of land covered by water for some period of time
12
normally considered to be a wetland. Wetlands are important places for biodiversity
– they support more bird species than any other ecosystem. Wetlands are also
important places for water purification (trapping sediments and removing excess
nutrients), for preventing flood damage, for healthy fisheries, and for recreation
13
.
All over New Zealand, wetlands have been drained, filled and built on. In
Wellington, most of our wetlands have been lost and those that remain are mostly
14
. These include
Stream.
Coastal wetland – Makara Beach Estuary
Estuaries are incredibly rich biodiversity spots due to the combination of terrestrial
is a community of saltmarsh ribbonwood, as well as salt turf, sedges and rushes.
breeding. It is also the only area in Wellington suitable for inanga spawning
15
.
Main Issues
16
for Wetlands
Draining and filling:
government ceased its subsidies for irrigation, flood control and drainage schemes;
small scale losses, particularly of ephemeral wetlands, continue.
Changes to water levels: Wetlands are affected by the streams and catchments that
feed them. When streams are filled and piped, then this can dry out a wetland, or
if stormwater discharges into a wetland it may scour out a channel and so drain the
wetland. Wetlands are excellent examples of the ecological principle that everything
is interconnected.
Weeds and pest animals: Weeds such as grey willow and exotic grasses can replace
wetland native plants and alter water flow and quality. Aquatic weeds, such as
cats and rats) are a problem as they prey on native birds and their eggs. Herbivorous
also cause trouble, outcompeting native fish and increasing sedimentation.
Pollution:
deal with pollutants is limited. Higher levels of nutrients can cause weed invasion;
while increased sediment can be held in the wetland, causing it to fill up and
become dry.
Loss of buffers and connections: Animals that live in wetlands often need well
vegetated areas to nest in – these buffer areas seldom remain today. Similarly, few
12 Greater Wellington (2003). Wetland Action Plan.
13 Ibid.
14 Greater Wellington (2003). A beginner’s guide to wetland restoration.
15
NIWA, report prepared for Wellington Regional Council.
16 Greater Wellington (2003). Wetland Action Plan.
ces for biodive
etlands are al
and removin
ries, and for
lled and bu
nd those th
each E
sity sp
onwo
ea i
13
Wellington City Council
Wellington City Council. Pied Shag,
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A profile of Wellington’s biodiversity continued . . .
Action case study: Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
wetland restoration
and 1906) within the Sanctuary valley. The Sanctuary now has
a diverse range of freshwater habitats representative of what
would once have occurred within the Wellington area. Their next
step is the removal of exotic fish and the restoration of native fish
communities.
STREAMS
Streams are one of the Wellington region’s threatened ecosystems.
The streams are also affected by what happens in their
catchments, which is the area of land drained by that stream
system. Wellington’s streams can be described simply as rural
streams and urban streams
17
Much of the country associated with these rural streams has a
long history of farming and grazing, and these streams are often
areas of fragmented or regenerating forest.
piped) of Te Aro, Houghton Bay, Miramar and the inner city. The
Porirua Stream system, or catchment, is the largest in Wellington,
streams have been, and continue to be, heavily modified and
influenced by residential development and urban living.
Streams provide habitat and food for hundreds of plants and
animals – from algae to eels. They also provide freshwater for
18
.
Although many of Wellington’s streams are small, and some are
even dry at certain times of the year (ephemeral), their biological
health is important both for the species they support and also for
the harbour and sea they flow into.
Stream margins, or riparian areas, are an important part of stream
water quality and habitat by providing shelter for fish, lowering
water temperature, removing sediment, filtering out some
bird and insect life.
Threatened species
Nearly all of New Zealand’s freshwater fish species migrate
between freshwater and the sea during their lives and this is an
important part of their breeding cycle. This means that if streams
are lost, or if there are barriers to fish passage, then fish will
17 WCC. Wellington Wet and Wild: Bush and Streams Restoration Plan.
18
Wellington Region.
Photo: Neil Price, Wellington City Council.
Page 17
Main Issues for Streams
Infilling, piping and culverting: Filling and piping streams (including
ephemeral streams) leads directly to habitat loss for aquatic species, and causes
barriers to fish passage. In addition, filling and piping is often associated with
development and an increase in impermeable surfaces, leading to greater
protect stream ecosystems.
Water quality: Water quality and biodiversity go hand in hand. Water quality is
affected by sediment and pollutants that get into streams by stormwater runoff,
or directly leaching into streams. It is also affected by rubbish entering the
stream. Stream biodiversity is in turn affected, and biodiversity measures such as
the number of insects are important indicators of pollutants, water quality, and
stream health.
Weeds:
riparian native plants and alter water flow and quality. Aquatic weeds, such
Pest animals: Pest animals (possums, hedgehogs, mustelids, cats and rats) are a
problem as they prey on native birds and their eggs. Herbivorous pests (rabbits,
trouble, outcompeting native fish and increasing sedimentation.
Action case study: Project Kaiwharawhara
uniting community groups, councils and organisations, and incorporating
to protect and enhance the natural landscape, ecosystems, homes and recreation
areas, and for the stream to be a local focus. This vision is being achieved
URBAN AREA
Approximately 4,200 hectares of Wellington are in a built urban environment,
It is possible for an amazing amount of biodiversity to be found in this
environment. There are about as many wild native plants in New Zealand cities
19
.
19
ments can play in their preservation. In: Stewart, G. H.; Ignatieva, M. E. ed. Urban biodiversity and ecology as a basis for holistic planning
Lincoln University International Centre for Nature
Conservation No. 1
15
Page 18
16
A profile of Wellington’s biodiversity continued . . .
Much of Wellington’s land environment
20
that has been identified as
acutely threatened
21
sits within the built urban area. The majority of this
land is privately owned. Planning that protects and restores the indigenous
remnants within this area is critical to the survival of many species,
mitigating the effects typical of urbanisation
22
.
Private gardens can greatly contribute to the overall biodiversity of the
city through suitable plant choice and gardening practices. This not only
provides a habitat for the plants themselves, but also creating an attractive
environment for indigenous birds, lizards and insects.
is within the urban area that most people experience these interactions. An
appreciation of the ecological importance of the wider landscape. In this
context, social objectives can be as important as ecological outcomes
23
.
Main Issues for Urban Area
Nature of the land: Urban environments typically have highly disturbed
Infill housing: There is growing concern over the impact infill housing is
having on the character of residential areas. It also impacts on biodiversity
by creating less green open space and more impervious surfaces. Removing
urban bush fragments reduces the areas which birds can use as stepping
stones between reserves.
Weeds:
escapes’. About 75 percent of land weeds and 50 percent of freshwater
weeds are garden escapes. On average, eight garden plant species each year
become established in the wild in New Zealand.
Pest animals: Cats (both feral and domestic), rodents, possums and
hedgehogs are commonly found in urban areas. Individually, and in
pose a threat, particularly to our indigenous birdlife in urban coastal areas.
Community engagement: There is already a growing awareness and
appreciation of indigenous biodiversity within the urban community.
However this needs to be supported by leaders, for example, ensuring the
provision of readily available local native plants. Our indigenous biodiversity
must continue to become a common experience for all Wellingtonians, and
not something to be found only outside the urban boundaries.
20
21
22
23
In Greening the City. Royal New Zealand
Institute of Horticulture (Inc.).
Action case study: Threatened species in
roadside planting
Urban landscapes such as traffic islands and road
reservations are now being used in Wellington
City as an integral part of plant species recovery
programmes. Threatened indigenous plants
populations’, research resources, seed sources
and as an advocacy and education tool. They are
valuable components of conservation programmes
as well as being attractive parts of the urban
landscape. Some examples of this are the use of
the nationally threatened plants Euphorbia glauca,
Austrofestuca littoralis and Muehlenbeckia astonii in
traffic islands around Wellington City.
Page 19
THE HARBOUR & COASTAL WATERS
Wellington’s coastal waters are home to marine mammals such
as the common dolphin and orca, and Wellington Harbour
a population of rare sponge (Latrunculia brevis). The waters
of Wellington’s South Coast support a rich and varied mix of
plants and animals, due partly to a complex topography and
wide variety of habitats. The high biodiversity is also due to
the collision of three major oceanic currents, the result being
community of plants and animals found here is unique in
New Zealand, with many species occurring at the northern and
southern limits of their range. At least 100 different species of
algae (seaweed) have been recorded on the South Coast, and
sea horses, many fish species, crayfish and paua can all still be
found. Even Wellington’s intertidal zone is filled with a rich
number of seaweeds, shellfish, and other invertebrates.
Nationwide, scientists estimate that as much as 80 percent of
New Zealand’s indigenous biodiversity may be found in the
seven new marine species are identified every fortnight.
The marine environment is also very important for many of our
freshwater fish species. Almost half of them are diadromous
and use both the streams and the sea to complete their life
cycle. Our native eels are thought to breed in deep ocean
trenches somewhere near Tonga. Their larvae return to New
The adults never return as they die after spawning.
Wellington City Council’s management extends only as far as
the mean high water level. However there is no doubt that
what happens on the land influences what happens to the
harbour and coastal ecosystems. Land management practices
have flow on effects down to the sea, especially via streams.
of Wellington’s intertidal sandy beaches and estuaries is
currently healthy
24
.
24 Stevens, L., Robertson, B. & Robertson, B. (2004). Broadscale habitat mapping of Sandy Beaches and River
Estuaries – Wellington Harbour and South Coast. Report prepared for Greater Wellington, by Cawthron
Institute, Nelson.
17
Photo Left (top to bottom) Euphorbia glauca
Page 20
18
A profile of Wellington’s biodiversity continued . . .
Main Issues for Harbour and Coastal Waters
Water pollution: The quality of the harbour waters is affected by landfill
leachate, nutrient pollution, stormwater, sewage disposal and litter. All of
which come from land based activities. High levels of pollution can harm
aquatic life and marine mammals are particularly vulnerable to plastic
rubbish.
Sedimentation: Sediment from land uses (such as catchment development
and road building) and stream channel erosion often settles in coastal
waters. Continual sediment delivery to inshore environments reduces
light penetration, and prevents plants from growing. This affects bottom
dwelling organisms such as worms, crabs and shellfish, the base of the
marine food web.
Shellfish collection: The depletion of shellfish due to recreational
gathering can be an issue if legal limits are not adhered to, particularly
around the South Coast for species such as paua.
Structures: Structures in coastal areas may cause physical changes to the
foreshore or seabed, and may detract from the natural character, ecology
and landscape quality of the coastal marine area. Water and seabed
sediment quality may also be affected.
Action case study: Wellington Harbour sediment sampling
discharges on the Wellington Harbour environment is the accumulation
contaminants can, over time, build up to concentrations that are toxic to
health and sediment quality and accumulation. Sampling and analysis is
being funded by Greater Wellington, Wellington City Council and the Hutt
City Council.
SURROUNDING DISTRICTS
Wellington’s biodiversity does not end at the edge of Wellington City’s
boundaries, and neighbouring areas are very important. For example,
drained by the Porirua stream, can incorporate multiple districts within
their catchment area. Although this action plan focuses on Wellington City’s
unique biodiversity, we must be aware that biodiversity is not confined to
local biodiversity protection.
Wellington coastline showing across harbour to Hutt Valley and Tararua Ranges, Photo: Neil Price, Wellington City Council.
Page 21
19
INTRODUCED SPECIES
New Zealand is characterised by a mix of native and introduced species which
highest number of introduced mammals of any country in the world and the
second highest number of introduced birds. In the case of vascular plants,
we now have more introduced species in the wild than native ones and this
number is increasing all the time.
Many of the pressures on New Zealand’s indigenous biodiversity are from plants
and animals which were introduced with the arrival of humans. These species
were introduced into Wellington from other parts of the country as well as from
Introduced species can threaten our indigenous biodiversity through processes
also provide benefits depending on the situation in which they are found.
Introduced species can provide complementary food for a range of indigenous
species. For example, the presence of bottlebrush from Australia provides a
feeding source for tui. A forest stand, whether indigenous or exotic, provides
an extra dimension of habitat (height) in comparison with grassland. This is
reflected in the indigenous insect and bird populations that find cover in these
habitats.
Our primary production is dependent on introduced biodiversity in agriculture,
horticulture and forestry. The revenue from this introduced biodiversity also
enables us to further protect our indigenous biodiversity.
Introduced species can be used to effectively convey conservation messages
and used as examples for education purposes, such as at Wellington Zoo and
Wellington Botanic Garden. The messages of conservation and sustainability
can be shared regardless of the provenance of the species involved. These
places also run breeding and propagation programmes, safeguarding global
genetic biodiversity in a controlled environment.
Wellingtonians value many introduced species for aesthetic, cultural and
heritage reasons. Introduced species can enable the community to identify
with the city by providing evidence of its past in the existing environment.
For example Wellington Botanic Garden has some of the oldest radiata pine in
another introduction to Wellington from the north of the North Island, is also
of cultural significance and contributes to Wellington’s urban sense of place.
The challenge is to find a balance between the benefits provided by introduced
species and the threats they may present to local biodiversity. This balance is
Page 22
20
Strengths
of selected reserves
Greater Wellington Regional Council
biodiversity conservation
Wilton’s Bush, Botanic Garden and Berhampore Nursery
Challenges
protection
community
biodiversity conservation
forest remnants
we had something it’s gone
Opportunities
significance
eg coordinating revegetation and hazardous tree removal for
biodiversity gain
species
biodiversity gains
conservation
protection and enhancement
Fund (MfE)
environment’.
Strengths, issues and
opportunities for current
biodiversity management
Page 23
21
Wellingtonians identified a vision for Wellington’s landscape and
ecosystems through the development of the Long Term Council
Community outcomes for the environment included:
sustainable management of
the environment, and support increased opportunities for the
protects and showcases its natural landforms and
indigenous ecosystems
available, and no new pests will become established
preserve and improve
open spaces
protect and have access to public green
open spaces and the coast.
This can be translated into an overall vision for
Wellington’s biodiversity:
Wellington is a city that protects and restores
biodiversity and proudly showcases its
natural areas. It is a city renowned for its
kaitiakitanga, its environmental guardianship
There are four themes and 13 objectives that have been developed
to cover the actions needed to achieve this vision and the ongoing
conservation of our indigenous biodiversity.
The Council will identify the state of
Wellington’s biodiversity by:
biodiversity
and environments
and biodiversity.
The Council will protect Wellington’s biodiversity from
further fragmentation and loss by:
of Wellington’s biodiversity
Plan and input into regional plans) for sites with ecological
significance
biodiversity on their own land
involved in conserving biodiversity.
The Council will strive to restore Wellington’s
biodiversity by:
Wellingtonians.
The Council will undertake research to enable the
continuing successful management of Wellington’s
biodiversity by:
and priorities
regional and national monitoring
biodiversity.
Wellington’s vision for biodiversity
Page 24
Action Plan
The actions outlined in this plan cover a range of initiatives to promote the
conservation of biodiversity.
Many of the actions will be funded through budgets developed for the relevant
asset management plans and annual plans.
Other actions will be funded through alternative budget sources. This means
funds will be sought from sources such as sponsorship and grants in liaison with
The actions outlined in this plan will be reviewed annually as part of Council’s
planning and budgeting processes.
Measuring our Performance
targets to help measure our performance are:
with plans developed and implemented for three additional sites in each
successive year
biodiversity by year five. Protection mechanisms may include legal protection,
restoration planting, and pest control
ecological significance by year five
vested reserves by year three
value
community groups by 1000 plants per year
a negative impact on biodiversity
per year.
The Biodiversity Action Plan will undergo a comprehensive review, with
community consultation, after five years. At which time a revised action plan will
be constructed.
22
Page 25
23
Theme 1: IDENTIFY
Objective 1.1: Have confidence in our knowledge of Wellington’s biodiversity
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility
Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
1.1.1 Create a technical
report outlining
the current state
of Wellington’s
biodiversity *
existing information;
other organisations;
ecological field survey
to fill gaps
Open space and
recreation planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
1.1.2a Complete survey
and assessment to
identify important and
under represented
ecosystems and their
services *
survey; create ecosystem
maps; ecological field
survey to fill gaps eg in
Protecting Natural Areas
design guide
Open space and
recreation planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
1.1.2b Complete survey
and assessment to
identify Wellington’s
acutely and chronically
threatened species and
their habitats *
existing information;
other organisations;
ecological survey to fill
gaps; create vegetation
and species location
maps
Open space and
recreation planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
Objective 1.2: Recognise the relationships and interactions between species and environments
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility
Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
1.2.1 Identify
and habitat
requirements
(including
and coastal
connections) for
Ecological research; field
analysis
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Wellington City Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
* This action must be completed before operational actions 3.1.3 and 3.2.2 can commence
Page 26
Objective 1.3: Recognise the relationships and interactions between people and biodiversity
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility
Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
1.3.1 Identify and
prioritise areas
where human
activity impacts on
ecological health
Review of human activities
that impact ecological
health eg pollutants down
stormwater drain, weed
dumping, vegetation
removal; prioritise these
threats
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
1.3.2 Identify areas
of traditional
Maori use and
biodiversity value
Liaison with Treaty partners
Wellington City
Council
C560
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
Theme 1: IDENTIFY continued . . .
24
Page 27
25
Objective 2.1: Conserve Wellington’s biodiversity values
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility
Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
2.1.1 Prioritise
the protection of
Wellington’s biodiversity
(on public and private
land)
Use information from
Objectives 1.1 and
1.2; Level IV Land
Environments of New
ecological significance;
national protection
priorities
associated with land
environments that have
20% or less remaining in
indigenous cover
associated with sand
dunes and wetlands
associated with
ecosystem types
chronically threatened
indigenous species
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
organisations to ensure
that no nationally or
regionally threatened
species are lost to
Wellington and that
their genetic diversity
is retained as far as
possible
protection of threatened
species
threatened species
Wellington Regional
Sanctuary, QEII National
Trust, Wellington
Zoo, NZPCN etc on
species recovery plans,
and ensure direct
management at sites
of threatened species,
Berhampore Nursery and
other private and public
collections; establish
seed sources of full range
of indigenous native
plants
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
C514 C560
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
Theme 2: PROTECT
Page 28
26
2.1.3 Control pest plants and
animals in accordance with
Wellington City Council’s
Pest Management Plan
Approve funding
for the next
seven years to
implement the
Pest Management
Plan adopted
in 2004 and the
Pest Management
Implementation
Plan adopted in
2005.
Wellington City Council
C509
C510
Increase funding
through Parks and
Gardens’ asset
management
plans and to be
considered as part
of the 2008/09
Draft Annual Plan
a
a
a
a
a
2.1.4 Eradicate feral goats
peninsula
Collaborative
project between
Greater Wellington
Regional Council,
City Council, QEII
National Trust,
landowners.
Wildlands
consultants
on plan.
Wellington City Council
Greater Wellington
Regional Council
C510
Existing funds
External funding
(Biodiversity
Condition Fund –
administered by
a
a
a
a
a
2.1.5 Create ecological
management plans for
all areas of ecologically
significant public land,
as identified in objective
community groups and iwi
where applicable
Ensure that all
sites of ecological
significance
have ecological
management plans;
beginning with
priority sites
Space and Recreation
Planning, Wellington
City Council
C524 Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
landowners to create
ecological management
plans for areas of ecological
significance on private
land, as identified in
objective 1
Priority sites and
National Trust and
other organisations
where appropriate
Space and Recreation
Planning, Wellington
City Council
C513 Existing
funds (Staff time)
Additional funds to
work with private
landowners
may be required
through the new
initiative process
a
a
a
2.1.7 When reviewing
or preparing reserve
management plans,
ensure that biodiversity is
recognised and provided
for
Open Space
ecological input on
all plans
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Wellington City Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
Theme 2: PROTECT Continued . . .
Page 29
2.1.8 Prepare a biodiversity
relating to the protection
of indigenous biodiversity
planning approval
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Planning Group,
Wellington City Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
2.1.9 Prepare Council
standard to ensure that
future Council planting will
not threaten indigenous
biodiversity
Use NZPPA and
Greater Wellington
Regional Council
pest plant lists
to determine
appropriate species
selection
Standards, Wellington
City Council,
C524
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
City Council, Lower Hutt City
Council, Greater Wellington
corridors on a regional
scale and to ensure cross
boundary management of
important catchments and
ecosystems
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Wellington City Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
organisations to support
and develop biosecurity
incursion response plans
Wellington Regional
NIWA, Biosecurity
NZ
C509 C510
Existing funds
(staff time)
New money may
be needed if a
major biosecurity
incursion occurred
a
a
a
a
a
27
Page 30
28
Objective 2.2: Actively protect sites that are collectively representative of the full range of Wellington’s biodiversity
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility
Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
2.2.1 Protect the
sites prioritised in
objective 2.1.1
Through legal protection such
as local government or Crown
ownership, reserve status
or covenants; protect dunes
and coastal ecosystems from
vehicular damage through
public awareness, prohibited
areas, signage and enforcement
Wellington City
Council
C509 C510 C513 C514
External funding
may also be
sought via Central
Government grants;
Cost estimates
unavailable until
action points 1.1, 1.2
and 2.1.1 completed
a
a
a
a
2.2.2 Protect all
Wellington City
Council owned
areas of ecological
significance as
vested reserves
Systematically process all
sites, starting with highest
biodiversity values; reserve
declaration and classification
Open Space
and Recreation
Wellington City
Council
C429
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
Objective 2.3: Provide RMA and policy protection (e.g. through District Plan and Regional Plans) for sites with ecological significance
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility
Funding
source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
2.3.1 Increase regulatory
Plan provisions for all sites
of ecological significance
from further clearance and
fragmentation
Review of Conservation
Plan; developing criteria of
significance
Planning Policy,
Wellington City
Council
C533
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
changes adequately protect
biodiversity values through
objectives, policies and rules.
Provide ecological input
conditions on consents
Open Space
and Recreation
Planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
2.3.3 Strengthen provisions
Regional Freshwater Plan for
retaining streams in a natural
ensuring fish passage and
protecting and restoring
riparian margins
Review of rules and tools,
as well as education
programme for surveyors,
developers and engineers;
use the Code of Practice
Planning Policy,
Wellington City
Wellington Regional
Council
C533
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
Theme 2: PROTECT Continued . . .
Page 31
Objective 2.4: Motivate, inspire and educate landowners to protect biodiversity on their own land
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
2.4.1a Identify, create
and implement
incentives to get people
to care for biodiversity
on private land
Sharing covenant fencing
costs between Wellington
City Council, QEII, Greater
Wellington Regional
Council and landowner;
grants; technical
assistance; education
programmes; community
recognition
Open Space
and Recreation
Planning,
Wellington City
Wellington
Regional Council
C513 Grants
Existing funds
(staff time)
Additional funding
may be required
depending on
incentives created
a
a
a
2.4.1b Complete and
implement Wellington
City Council covenant
policy
Review existing policy;
Open Space
and Recreation
Planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
organisations to collate
information on, and
promote funding
sources available
for landowners to
protect and manage
biodiversity on their
own land (including
carbon credits)
Provide publication or
web information on
opportunities such as
Biodiversity Condition
Fund and carbon credits
Open Space
and Recreation
and Gardens,
Wellington City
Council, Greater
Wellington
Regional Council
and other local
authorities
A004 C524
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
2.3.4 Refine systems for use
highlight areas of important
biodiversity on both public
and private land
C533
Existing funds
(Staff time)
a
a
2.3.5 Ensure existing
biodiversity is conserved
and enhanced on proposed
development sites, based
on GIS and inventory
information, and site visits
Consent officers
and interpretation of
informed decisions with
expert input; conditions
on consents; update
streams shapefile on GIS
and include ephemeral
streams
Wellington City
Council
SEPG06
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
29
Page 32
30
Objective 2.5: Motivate, inspire and educate communities to get involved in conserving biodiversity
Actions
How it might be done
Lead
responsibility
Funding source Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4 Yr 5
2.5.1 Continue support
for community
revegetation, restoration
and education
programmes
Continue to improve Community
Greening programme – providing
materials, technical advice;
Enviroschools; encourage community
with other organisations eg Greater
programme
Gardens,
Wellington
City Council:
C513
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
2.5.2 Continue the
Council Environmental
Grants scheme
Ongoing financial commitment
to grants scheme of $80,ooo per
Community
Services,
Wellington
City Council
Grants
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
2.5.3 Identify sites
where new voluntary
groups are needed and
facilitate setting up
groups to fill these gaps
Gap analysis of active community
groups
Gardens,
Wellington
City Council
C513
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
2.5.4 Continue
relationships between
organisations with
a strong biodiversity
focus, eg Wellington
and Gardens
Closer liaison between biodiversity
relevance where possible
Strategy and
Gardens,
Wellington
City Council
C513 C524 C560
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
organisations to develop
and promote guidelines,
ideas and actions
to help households
and communities get
involved
Gardens,
Wellington
City Council,
Greater
Wellington
Regional
Council
A004 C513
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
2.5.6 Collate information
on and promote funding
sources available for
community groups to
carry out biodiversity
Gardens,
Wellington
City Council
A004 C513
Existing funds
(Staff time)
a
2.5.7 Create programmes
behaviours’ identified in
objective 1.3.1 and bring
about behaviour change
programmes; implementing
awareness programmes for rubbish
dumping – particularly green
waste; educational campaign about
environmental weeds (including
nurseries; stormwater sump patterns
Gardens,
Wellington
City Council
Wellington
Regional
Council
C509 C513 C524
Existing funding
will cover up
to 2 social
programmes
per annum
a
a
a
a
a
Theme 2: PROTECT Continued . . .
Page 33
2.5.8 Provide education
to increase community
capacity for biodiversity
conservation and
Continue to provide training
aid, restoration) for community
groups; consider school
education programmes; secure
funding
Wellington City Council
C513
Existing funds
a
a
a
a
a
2.5.9 Investigate
possible options to get
more green waste from
the city and region
going to the compost
facility
Citioperations,
Wellington City Council
SEQP03
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
2.5.10 Pursue
opportunities for
business involvement
and partnerships
Sponsorship, planting
programmes, encouraging
sustainable business practices;
support and encourage corporate
volunteer programmes
City Council
C513
(staff time)
External
funding will
be sought via
sponsorships
a
a
a
a
a
2.5.11 Establish and
opportunities for local
community groups to
exchange information
Biannual forums, restoration
day, training opportunities,
events
Wellington City Council
C513
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
2.5.12 Create and
promote programmes
designed to attract
visitors, tourists,
migrants to assist in
the restoration of
Wellington’s biodiversity
Volunteer Wellington, Wellington
City Council migrant programme
Wellington City Council
C513
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
2.5.13 Create initiatives
between biodiversity
and recreation
opportunities
Sport and Recreation forum
Recreation Wellington,
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Wellington City Council
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
2.5.14 Complete
education strategy
review
Wellington City Council
C524
Existing funds
New money
may be
applied for
depending on
outcomes of
review
a
2.5.15 Ensure local iwi
have the opportunity
to be involved in
conservation initiatives
Regular meetings, invitations and
communication
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Wellington City Council
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
31
Page 34
32
Theme 3: RESTORE
Objective 3.1: Restore Wellington’s indigenous ecosystems to a healthy state
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility
Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
3.1.1 Restore
Wellington’s
biodiversity and
representativeness
Implement restoration
programmes developed
under objective 2.1 and
2.2:
Restoration programme;
enhancement planting;
flora and fauna transfer
and translocations
Wellington City
Council
C513 C514
Additional
funding may
be required
depending
on restoration
programmes and
planning work
completed
a
a
a
a
3.1.2a Continue stream
restoration programmes
in accordance with
community and
catchment priorities.
Implementing the Stream
Protection Programme,
riparian planting and
protection (including
indigenous vegetation
buffers), retention and
restoration of fish passage,
stream are in accordance
with Greater Wellington
Regional Council best
practice guidelines.
Wellington City
Wellington Regional
Council
C513 Cx437
Existing funds
a
a
a
a
a
projects including
flood hazard mapping
and water quality
improvements. Broaden
the scope of Council
principles of sustainable
and integrated
management of natural
and physical resources.
Reduce reliance on piped
systems, integrating built
water with the natural
water cycle and associated
ecosystem services.
Promote integrated
approaches through
appropriate land use and
development, protection
of natural catchment
systems, overland flow
paths, minimising
and managing ground
disturbance, maximising
collection and use of
stormwater, riparian
planting.
Infrastructure,
Wellington City
Wellington Regional
Council
C090 WWC498
Existing funds
a
a
a
a
a
Page 35
3.1.3 Implement green
developed in objective
1.2.1, including
using road reserve
and railway land as
ecological corridors
Restoration programme;
private landowners;
encourage and support
native plantings (and
weed control) in urban
required
Wellington City
C513 C514
Additional funding
may be required
depending
on restoration
programmes and
completed
a
a
a
3.1.4 Continue to use
material and promote it
to the wider community
Education and provision of
plants through
Berhampore Nursery
guidelines); restoration
private nurseries;
Wellington City
Council
C514
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
where biodiversity
traditionally valued by
Maori can be restored,
and harvested if
appropriate
Continue the provision of
Wilton’s Bush
Wellington City
Council
C513
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
implement integrated
restoration plans
for areas cleared of
exotic vegetation e.g.
hazardous trees
Initiate a replacement
programme to gradually
replace the over mature
conifers with native
vegetation over 20 – 30
years
Wellington City
Council
C514 C524
A008
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
3.1.7 Evaluate the
reserve planting scheme
to ensure the supply of
sourced species
Internal review
Wellington City
Council
C513
Existing funds
a
a
33
Page 36
34
Objective 3.2: Ensure that biodiversity is a common experience for all Wellingtonians
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
action initiatives
gardening eg creating
habitat for lizards, birds
and insects; secure external
funding; prioritise areas in
which to begin programme
1.2.1, 1.3.1 and 2.1.1
Wellington City
Wellington
Regional Council,
C513
(staff time)
External funding
will be sought
via grants and
sponsorship
a
a
a
3.2.2 Encourage
community participation
objective 1.2.1
Identify and promote the
through Council channels
such as the Branch Out
Wellington’ page
Wellington City
Council
C513
Existing funds
(staff time)
Additional
funds to work
with private
landowners
may be required
through the new
initiative process
a
a
a
3.2.3 Publicise Council’s
and other organisations
activities, events and
achievements relating to
Wellington’s biodiversity
Media articles, publications
eg Branch Out, Our
Wellington page; website
Wellington City
Council
C524
Existing funds
a
a
a
a
a
3.2.4 Enhance existing
Council displays of
indigenous vegetation
to increase community
awareness and
appreciation of local
plants
Wilton’s Bush, garden beds
and traffic island displays;
identify suitable indigenous
species for specimen
planting where appropriate
Wellington City
Council
C513 C560
Existing funds
a
a
a
a
a
Page 37
Objective 4.1: Ensure that consistent city-wide approach to biodiversity aims and priorities
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
4.1.1 Establish clear
targets and standards for
biodiversity conservation
and restoration goals;
develop a set of biodiversity
performance indicators
(and monitor and report on
them regularly)
Open Space
and Recreation
Performance
and Research,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
4.1.2 Adopt and
implement a system of
sharing biodiversity data
between organisations
Wellington Regional
Council, Landcare
Research, NZPCN, Victoria
Sanctuary, QEII National
Trust, NIWA)
Open Space
and Recreation
Planning,
Wellington City
Wellington
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
4.1.3 Incorporate
biodiversity principles
and priorities into
infrastructure and land
management
Incorporate biodiversity
principles into Council
plans and policies such
as the Code of Practice,
Guidelines
Open Space
and Recreation
Planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
4.1.4 Promote enhanced
biodiversity awareness in
all City Council practices
training programmes
across Council to encourage
biodiversity education;
business units to have
input into relevant council
policy ie Procurement Policy
Open Space
and Recreation
Planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
4.1.5 Explore
opportunities for
community involvement
in research, including
monitoring
Local bird counts,
water quality, bioblitz,
enviroschools, involve local
iwi in the monitoring of
cultural harvest sites and
research of sites and species
of interest to them
Wellington City
Council
C513
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
Theme 4: RESEARCH
35
Page 38
36
Theme 4: RESEARCH - continued . . .
affected parties have
access to information
about Wellington’s
biodiversity values, and
what they can do to
Shared database; internet;
regular meetings eg
environmental forum
Open Space
and Recreation
Planning,
Wellington City
Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
Objective 4.2: City-wide monitoring system that is consistent with regional and national monitoring
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
4.2.1 Monitor biodiversity
indicators in accordance
with MfE guidelines
and with consideration
of climate change.
organisations to ensure
common indicators for
biodiversity monitoring
are used so data can be
easily aggregated
Set up consistent
and annual programme
(incorporating existing
collaborative approach with
Open Space
and Recreation
and Gardens,
Wellington City
Council
A004
C509
C510
C524
Existing funds
a
a
a
a
a
4.2.2 Monitor effects
of stormwater runoff
on different receiving
environments
Put consistent monitoring
levels of sediment build up
and effects on biodiversity
Infrastructure,
Wellington City
Wellington
Regional Council
C090
External funding
from Greater
Wellington
partnership
a
a
a
a
a
4.2.3 Set up systems
to ensure monitoring
information is used to
improve management
climate change into
consideration
Ongoing review of Council
restoration programmes
Open Space
and Recreation
Planning,
Wellington City
Counci
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
Page 39
Objective 4.3: Build our capacity to protect and restore Wellington’s biodiversity
Actions
How it might be done
Lead responsibility
Funding source
Yr 1
Yr 2
Yr 3
Yr 4
Yr 5
4.3.1 Continue to
improve our internal
expertise and capacity in
biodiversity conservation
Bush in threatened plant
management, role of
Berhampore Nursery
in restoration, current
weed issues)
literature; using Council
individual performance
plans; regular interest
forums with Council staff
Wellington City Council
Existing funds
a
a
a
a
a
4.3.2 Continually review
and identify local
research needs
Regular meetings between
organisations and interest
with research literature and
research institutions
Open Space and
Recreation Planning
Wellington City Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
4.3.3 Facilitate discussions
establish a biodiversity
information sharing
Foster relationships with
Te Papa, universities,
Wellington Zoo, MfE
and other research
organisations; regular
meetings
Open Space and
Recreation Planning,
Wellington City Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
other areas locally,
regionally, nationally
and worldwide to
achieve best practise in
biodiversity protection
eg International Local
Action for Biodiversity
project
Open Space and
Recreation Planning
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
4.3.5 Increase
effects of impervious
surfaces on the receiving
environment
Through national
groups such as the Road
Controlling Authorities
forum and the NZ Water
and Wastes Association
and Gardens
WWA041A
RTC453
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
4.3.6 Investigate the
impact of climate
change to ensure current
vegetation selection is
appropriate
and other local research
institutions
Open Space and
Wellington City Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
4.3.7 Ensure Wellington
City Council has relevant
and current information
on the requirements of
threatened species and
their habitats
local research institutions;
information gained through
Open Space and
Wellington City Council
A004
Existing funds
(staff time)
a
a
a
a
a
37
Page 40
38
Glossary
Benthic: living on or under the substrate at the bottom of
the ocean.
Biological Diversity (biodiversity): the variability among living
organisms from all sources including terrestrial, marine and other
aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are
part; this includes diversity within species, between species and of
Biosecurity: the protection of people and natural resources,
including biodiversity, from unwanted organisms capable of
causing harm.
Community: the collection of organisms found at a specific place
and time.
Convention on Biological Diversity: an international agreement
objectives of the Convention are: the conservation of biological
diversity; the sustainable use of its components; and the fair and
equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of
genetic resources.
Diadromous: diadromous fish regularly migrate between
freshwater and seawater.
Ecology: the study of the distribution and abundance of species
and the relationship and interactions between the species and
their environment.
Ecological significance: defined for an area by one or more of the
following ecological features; representativeness of Wellington’s
indigenous biodiversity, high diversity of ecological and physical
features, degree of natural character, relative size and shape,
relative rarity and special features, buffering, connectivity and
viability. These ecological features contribute to Wellington’s
indigenous biodiversity and include consideration of current and
potential biodiversity values.
Ecological succession: a fundamental concept in ecology, refers to
or structure of an ecological community. Succession may be
initiated either by formation of new, unoccupied habitat (eg a
severe landslide) or by some form of disturbance (eg fire, severe
windthrow, logging) of an existing community.
Eco-sourced species: plants that have genetic provenance in
the location.
Ecosystem:
interacting as a functional unit.
Endemic: an indigenous species which is restricted to a particular
geographical region ie it is found nowhere else in the world.
Exotic species: see Introduced species
Ex-situ conservation: the conservation of species outside their
natural habitat.
Feral species: a domesticated species that has become wild.
Habitat: the place or type of an area in which a living thing
naturally occurs.
Inanga: the adult lifestage of the most abundant whitebait species
Galaxias maculates.
Indigenous species: a plant or animal species that occurs
naturally in New Zealand.
In-situ conservation: the conservation of species (and the
ecosystems and habitats that support them) within their natural
surroundings.
Introduced species: a plant or animal species which has been
brought to the locality by humans.
Kaitiakitanga: implies guardianship, stewardship, protection,
responsibility and an obligation to protect the natural
environment.
Key Native Ecosystems:
a natural feature that is exceptionally important in terms of its
Land environment: an area whose boundaries encompass similar
environmental characteristics caused environmental variables such
as climate, landform and soil.
Native species: see Indigenous species
Originally rare ecosystems: an ecosystem type that was present,
and rare, when Maori arrived – and still exists today.
Representativeness: the extent to which areas are capable of
processes.
Sustainable: conducting activities or using the components of
term decline of biodiversity.
Threatened species: a species that is vulnerable, endangered or
presumed extinct. Acutely and chronically threatened indigenous
species are species that meet the specific criteria to be listed in one
of these categories in the “New Zealand Threat Classification System
Translocation: a deliberate and mediated movement of wild
individuals or populations from one area to another.