Ecological Areas

The following provides an overview of what this chapter is about and key outcomes sought. To view the chapter in its entirety please download the chapter from the attached pdf.

Introduction

The Kaipara District contains extensive areas of indigenous forest, shrubland and remnant wetlands which have important ecological values. These areas are home to a unique range of plants and animals, which are often of landscape or scenic significance.

The forests and shrublands are notable for their diversity of native species. The forests contain a mixture of podocarp and hardwood species including kauri, miro, puriri, rata, rewarewa, rimu, taraire, tawa, totara and towai. Most of these ecological areas have previously been modified or cleared and are, at least in part, of a regenerating nature. However, there are several unmodified kauri forests, the most notable being the Waipoua Forest, which is the largest in New Zealand (and borders the Kaipara and Far North Districts). The forests and shrublands are home to variety of animals including, rare and endangered species such as the kokako, north island brown kiwi, kauri snail and Hochstetter's frog.

How to Use This Chapter of the District Plan

This Chapter contains Issues, Objectives and Policies relating specifically to recognising and protecting Ecological Values. While this Chapter does contain methods, it does not contain ‘rules’. The Outcomes sought for Ecological Areas (how the objectives and policies are implemented) are be achieved through land use and subdivision rules and performance standards in the Zone Chapters.

As long as a proposed activity meets the performance standards of the relevant Zone Chapter, landowners have flexibility on what they do on their property and do not need to consider this Chapter. However, if a proposed development, new land use or subdivision does require consent under the relevant Zone Chapter (Part B), you may need to give consideration to this Chapter, particularly on how your development contributes to achieving the objectives and policies for Ecological Values.

Before you use this Chapter of the Plan, check:

	That the proposed activity meets the performance standards for the relevant zone (if it does you don’t need to refer to this Chapter);
	If you do require a resource consent, review the assessment criteria to confirm if they include consideration of impacts on ecological values (if they don’t and your activity is a ‘restricted discretionary activity, you don’t need to refer to this Chapter);
	If you do need to consider this Chapter, consider how your proposal contributes to achieving the objectives and policies of this Chapter.

Also, it is important to remember you may want to use this Chapter if you are proposing to seek one of the following types of subdivision as it will assist you in determining whether areas on your land have ecological value for an ‘environmental benefit’:-

'Preservation of natural or cultural heritage’;
'Environmental benefit’; or
'Integrated development’

Outcomes

'Maintenance and enhancement of the biodiversity of indigenous plant and animal species within the Kaipara District and the natural habitats and ecosystems that support them.
'Significant indigenous vegetation, significant habitats of indigenous fauna and ecological corridors do not suffer further degradation and where possible are enhanced and expanded
'Activities on or adjoining lakes and other sensitive receiving environments are managed to enhance the natural character values of these areas
'A greater community awareness is developed of the type, location, significance and vulnerability of indigenous vegetation and habitats and the available methods of protection.
'An increase in those areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna, which are formally protected.