Crown Pastoral Land Tenure Review

Lease name : OMAHAU HILL

Lease number : PT 092

Conservation Resources Report

As part of the process of Tenure Review, advice on significant inherent values within the pastoral lease is provided by Department of Conservation officials in the form of a Conservation Resources Report. This report is the result of outdoor survey and inspection. It is a key piece of information for the development of a preliminary consultation document.

The report attached is released under the Official Information Act 1982.

January 13

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DOC CONSERVATION RESOURCES REPORT ON TENURE REVIEW OF

OMAHAU HILL PASTORAL LEASE

PAP 12-04-215

UNDER PART 2 OF THE CROWN PASTORAL LAND ACT 1998

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PART 1 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 PART 2 ...... 2 INHERENT VALUES: DESCRIPTION OF CONSERVATION RESOURCES AND ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE...... 2 2.1 Landscape...... 2 2.1.1 Significance of Landscape Values ...... 6 2.2 Geology, Landforms and Soils...... 7 2.2.1 Geology...... 7 2.2.2 Landforms ...... 7 2.2.3 Soils ...... 7 2.2.4 Significance of Geology, Landforms and Soils ...... 7 2.3 Climate...... 7 2.4 Land Environments Of New Zealand (LENZ)...... 8 2.4.1 Significance of Land Environments...... 8 2.5 Vegetation ...... 9 2.5.1 Significance of Vegetation ...... 13 2.5.2 Problem Plants...... 14 2.6 Fauna...... 14 2.6.1 Birds...... 14 2.6.2 Significance of the Bird Fauna ...... 16 2.6.3 Lizards...... 16 2.6.4 Significance of Lizard Fauna...... 17 2.6.5 Aquatic Fauna (fish and invertebrates)...... 18 2.6.7 Invertebrate Fauna ...... 21 2.6.8 Significance of the Invertebrate Fauna...... 23 2.6.9 Problem Animals ...... 23 2.7 Ecosystem services and Ecological Sustainability...... 23 2.7.1 Ecosystem Services...... 23 2.7.2 Land Use Capability and Sustainability ...... 25 2.7.3 Significance of Ecosystem Services and Sustainablity...... 25 2.7 Historic...... 25 2.7.1 Significance of Historic Resources ...... 25 2.8 PUBLIC RECREATION ...... 26 2.8.1 Physical Characteristics...... 26 2.8.2 Legal Access...... 26 2.8.3 Activities ...... 26 2.8.4 Significance of Recreation...... 27 PART 3 ...... 28 OTHER RELEVANT MATTERS & PLANS ...... 28 3.1 Consultation ...... 28 3.2 District Plans ...... 28 3.3 Conservation Management Strategies ...... 29 3.4 New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy...... 29 3.5 Protecting Our Places...... 30 PART 4 ...... 31 ATTACHMENTS...... 31 4.1 Additional Information ...... 31

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4.1.1 References Cited...... 31 4.2 Maps...... 32 4.3 Appendices...... 33 4.4 Photographs...... 33 4.4.1 Landscape Photos...... 33

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PART 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease (hereafter called “the property”) is leased by M. J. and E. J. Lindsay. The property covers approximately 2293 hectares on the southeast part of the Ben Ohau Range in the Mackenzie Basin, west of Twizel. Most parts of the property are moderately steep mountain slopes, rising to 1433 m altitude near the western property boundary. Smaller but still substantial parts of the property cover gentler toe slopes, fans and terraces, between 520 and 700 m altitude along the eastern boundary, and between 700 and 800 m on the Darts Bush Stream fan at the northern boundary. Northern parts of the property are drained by tributaries of Darts Bush Stream, southwest parts by Gretas Stream, and southeast parts by small tributaries of Fraser Stream and Ohau River. All streams are part of the Twizel River and Ohau River/Lake Ohau catchments, which drain to Lake Benmore (Waitaki River).

Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease lies at the boundaries of two ecological districts. Higher- altitude western parts of the property on the Ben Ohau Range lie in Ben Ohau Ecological District (ED); lower-altitude eastern parts lie in Pukaki ED. Both ecological districts are in Mackenzie Ecological Region (McEwen, 1987). Mackenzie Ecological Region was surveyed as part of the Protected Natural Areas Programme (PNAP) in the early 1980s (Espie et al, 1984). Ben Ohau Ecological District has also been surveyed. Two areas were recommended for protection by those surveys: Pyramid RAP 7 (Pukaki ED) and Greta Stream RAP 7 (Ben Ohau ED).

The property adjoins Ruataniwha Conservation Park at its northwest and southwest boundaries, and Ruataniwha Conservation Area along the central part of its western boundary. The main access to the property is from Twizel via Glen Lyon Road.

The tenure review inspection of the property was undertaken during December 2011 by a number of specialists. These specialists’ reports form the basis of this Conservation Resources Report.

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PART 2

INHERENT VALUES: DESCRIPTION OF CONSERVATION RESOURCES AND ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

2.1 Landscape

Landscape Context Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease is located in the Mackenzie Basin: the largest and probably the grandest intermontane basin in New Zealand and widely recognised for its outstanding landscape values.

The property is located forward of the Main Divide on the southern end of the Ben Ohau Range between Ben Ohau (1522 m) and The Pyramid (856 m). The Ben Ohau Range separates Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau. Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease is on a lower portion of the range and oriented northeast. The Ben Ohau Range behind has higher peaks, with extensive scree slopes and rock on the summit ridge. Peaks include Backbone Peak (2263 m) and Mackenzie Peak (2200 m). The highest point on Omahau Hill is 1433 m.

Lake Ohau wraps around the southern end of the Ben Ohau Range. Ohau and Pukaki canals and Ohau B Power Station lie to the east. The property is flanked by The Ruataniwha Conservation Park and Ruataniwha Conservation Area. Flanagan Pass on the Ben Ohau Range is located near the northwest corner of the property. Southeast beyond Twizel is the Benmore Range and the northern end of Lake Benmore.

The property includes terraces, flats and low moraine landforms at the foot of the range on the eastern (Twizel) side. The southeast flank of the range forms the immediate mountain backdrop to Twizel. The property also includes the upper Gretas Stream basin which drains southwest to Lake Ohau, and a northwestern basin draining north to Darts Bush Stream, then to the Twizel River and Lake Benmore.

Reports on landscape values in the Mackenzie/Waitaki Basin by Boffa Miskell and Lucas Associates (1993) identified a range of attributes of the basin as a whole, including:

'the variety, the huge scale and clear expression of landforms as well the basin's visual character particularly its openness, vastness, and strong horizontal emphasis. Other distinctive characteristics were general absence of trees, overwhelming dominance of landform, high apparent naturalness, tussockland character and overall unity, simplicity and coherence of the landscape'.

The Mackenzie Basin has strongly defined enclosing ranges and very long wide views. The overwhelming dominance of landform, including mountains, hills, terraces, fans, huge outwash and alluvial surfaces, lakes and rivers contribute to high landscape values throughout.

The geology of the area is predominately glaciated greywacke and argillite with fluvio- glacial outwash and basin fill deposits. Vegetation, while often highly modified, still retains

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significant indigenous shrubland, grassland and extensive wetlands, although these communities are increasingly threatened.

On the terraces east of the property, towards Twizel, forestry plantations and lifestyle block development has encroached in recent years. This is changing the character of the landscape from the previously open undeveloped outwash flats, moraines and terraces to a more domesticated and developed landscape. Wilding tree spread is occurring around the eastern edges of the property and to a lesser extent on the property.

Landscape Description For the purposes of this landscape assessment, the property is divided into two landscape units, reflecting areas of similar landscape character. For each landscape unit, landscape character is evaluated using the following criteria: • Naturalness: the condition of the natural vegetation, patterns and processes and the degree of modification present. • Legibility: expressiveness: how obviously the landscape demonstrates its formative processes. • Aesthetic Factors: Distinctiveness is the quality that makes a particular landscape visually striking; frequently this occurs when contrasting natural elements combine to form a distinctive and memorable visual pattern. Coherence is based on characteristics including intactness, unity, continuity, and compatibility (intrusions, alterations, disruptions tend to detract from coherence). • Historic Factors: historically valued attributes in the context of a high country landscape. • Visibility: the visibility of the landscape from public vantage points.

Landscape Unit 1: Toe Slopes, Terraces and Flats

This landscape unit comprises the east and southeast toe slopes, terraces and flats of the property. It is a variable landform of terraces, low lumpy moraines and flats. Vegetation is equally variable and comprises a mix of developed and undeveloped pasture, manuka scrub, bands of manuka shrubland, wetlands and areas of matagouri, sweet brier and short tussock.

At the northern end, the boundaries to the north and east are enclosed by forestry blocks which visually define the boundary. Recent pasture development has occurred at the northern end of the property, creating an area of developed flats between the low hills at the eastern boundary. This is interspersed with islands of undeveloped manuka/sweet brier scrub on higher knobs and residual wetlands and watercourses.

Further south, developed pasture gives way to a mosaic of short manuka/sweet brier/rough pasture on rising ground, then to dense regenerating manuka on a broad fan at the mid section of the property, from the base of the range almost to the eastern boundary. Further southwest, the vegetation again changes to more open matagouri/sweet brier/short manuka and scattered short tussock.

Lumpy moraine is present at the far southwest end of the property. This landform supports dense manuka shrubland, though conifers are encroaching close to the boundary. At the far southwest corner is a narrow area of stony outwash flats, dominated by hawkweed and low producing pasture grass. Small-scale gravel extraction has been occurring at the base of a fan (below the large scarp of gully erosion).

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Visual and Scenic Values The toe slopes, terraces and flats are varied and diverse, with a mosaic of manuka shrubland, scrub, sweet brier and developed pasture. The regenerating manuka shrubland, though considerably reduced in recent years, remains quite extensive and contributes significantly to the character and visual values on this side of the range. The pattern of manuka regeneration, especially on fans and moraine landforms, is a distinctive feature. It is important as the foreground view of the southern end of the Ben Ohau Range.

In addition, the undeveloped character of toe slopes, terraces, fans and moraines within the property provides visual relief and a buffer from the spread of lifestyle blocks, forestry (and wilding tree spread) on adjoining private land.

Table 1: Evaluation Summary

Criteria Value Comment Naturalness medium Variable. Manuka regeneration on fans and moraines contributes to natural values. Legibility medium Fan, moraine and terrace formation clearly legible in the landscape. Aesthetic medium Manuka provides a unifying element and is a distinctive Factors feature of the area. More modified areas are less distinctive and typical of toe slopes elsewhere. Historic Factors low Unknown. Visibility high Forms the foreground to the southern end of the Ben Ohau Range and a backdrop to Twizel.

Landscape Vulnerability This unit is vulnerable to further loss of native cover and changes to landscape character from land use change, including pasture development, forestry, lifestyle blocks and wilding tree spread. These changes would affect on the inherent character of the landscape and affect the scenic appreciation of the Ben Ohau Range.

Landscape Unit 2; Ben Ohau Range

This landscape unit comprises the steeper higher-altitude slopes and basins of the property on the Ben Ohau Range. It is divided into three sub-units

Southeast slopes and summit ridge: These moderately steep to steep slopes support tall tussockland, short tussockland and shrubland. Snow tussock is reasonably uniform and continuous, though is depleted on lower slopes and sunny faces. Prostrate dracophyllum is present within the tussockland and on small patches of scree.

Gully shrubland and other significant areas of shrubland are a recurring pattern on lower and mid slopes. Sweet brier is conspicuous, especially on toe slopes and fans. Gully erosion is a feature at the southwest end of the range, in particular a large visually prominent eroded scarp. Talus slopes with manuka shrubland are a feature of the southeast toe slopes. These are similar and complementary to those on the adjoining Ruataniwha Conservation Park to the southwest.

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The northern slopes of the property below around 900 m are the most modified with fairly scrappy and depleted short tussock, low induced matagouri and pasture. Pockets of pine and Douglas fir are present.

The summit ridge rises from 1127 m to a high point at 1433 m. Vegetation on the ridge is rock, scree and low vegetation including short tussock and alpine herbfield. Vegetation has been affected by grazing and stock camps on high knobs. The high point has black rugged rocky outcrops and rubble with extensive scree slopes on the Darts Bush Stream side. The summit area is visually continuous with Ruataniwha Conservation Area to the west.

Gretas Stream Upper Basin: This high basin has a southwest aspect and drains directly to Lake Ohau. The whole basin has high natural values, with the upper slopes characterised by broad scree slopes and distinctive reddish-brown dracophyllum shrubland. Periglacial features are present in the upper basin. Below the dracophyllum belt is a continuous area of tall and short tussock across the basin and contiguous with that in the adjoining Ruataniwha Conservation Area.

Darts Bush Basin: This area includes the north and northwest range faces and the alluvial fan of Darts Bush Stream. The upper slopes support largely intact tussockland and shrubland similar to that on other aspects of the range. Mid to lower slopes are more modified with scattered tall and short tussock and low producing pasture with extensive patchy shrubland. The northwest faces at the northern end of the property are the most modified and may have been over- sown and top-dressed.

The valley floor, which is part of the larger Darts Bush Stream fluvio-glacial outwash, supports a diverse matrix of tall shrubland, bracken, wetlands, reasonably extensive short tussock, sweet brier and pasture. Riparian shrubland along Darts Bush Stream includes mountain beech, mountain ribbonwood, Coprosma and toe toe. This part of the property has a reasonably remote backcountry feel, derived from its location tucked behind the main range and its physically separate character. It has a strong indigenous character derived from the vegetative matrix, with fences and vehicle tracks the only man-made features.

Visual and Scenic Values This unit is large and diverse with varied aspects and significant visual values. The southeast range face forms the backdrop to Twizel, Lake Ruataniwha and the Mackenzie Basin, including State Highway 8. The range is clearly visible from public places and visually significant.

The summit ridge is visually contiguous with the greater Ohau Range summit area and, whilst vegetation patterns have been modified, it remains impressive in scenic terms. Notable are the scree slopes, rocky areas and the impressive and spectacular views to the remainder of the range and surrounding area. Visual and scenic values of the summit ridge area are considered high. The rocky outcrops and boulder fields on the summit ridge, with the distinctive black-coloured rock, are visually impressive.

Upper Gretas Stream basin is also visually highly impressive. The largely intact vegetation patterns of this high basin, consisting of tall and short tussock and extensive areas of dracophyllum, scree slopes and periglacial features, together with spectacular views down the basin to Lake Ohau are memorable and impressive.

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Darts Bush Stream basin has reduced visual values in comparison to Gretas Stream and the summit ridge due to the more modified vegetative cover. However it does have significant visual values in that it forms part of the Ben Ohau Range landscape which collectively has high visual and scenic values. The diverse vegetation matrix on the valley floor contributes to these visual values.

Table 2: Evaluation Summary

Criteria Value Comment Naturalness medium Variable. Gretas Stream and upper slopes have high natural to high character. Lower slopes and valley floors are more modified but contain diverse shrublands, wetlands and tussocklands with considerable natural character. Legibility high Glaciation, weathering and alluvial processes are highly legible. Aesthetic Factors medium Gretas Stream and the summit ridge are visually striking and to high distinctive and contiguous with the Ruataniwha Conservation Area. The range faces and valley floor are less distinctive but form a reasonably coherent landscape. Historic Factors medium Associations with early settlement and pastoralism. Visibility high Southwest range face is visually prominent and forms the western backdrop to Twizel and Lake Ruataniwha.

Landscape Vulnerability The eastern slopes of the range facing Twizel are vulnerable to loss of landscape character, including the clear expression of natural landform and the predominantly tussockland and shrubland cover. These components are vulnerable to changing land use especially from farm development, wilding tree spread and forestry. The summit ridge, upper slopes of the range and Gretas Stream basin are all fragile alpine areas that are highly vulnerable to any form of modification.

Darts Bush Stream basin is less vulnerable, as vegetation on lower sunny slopes and the valley floor is more modified. However, the extent and diversity of remaining indigenous vegetation is vulnerable to further farm development, forestry and wilding tree spread, both of which have occurred on adjoining land.

2.1.1 Significance of Landscape Values

The unmodified character of the upper slopes and basins, the intact landforms and mosaic of indigenous vegetation on lower-altitude terraces and moraines, and the visual prominence of the southeast slopes and their contribution to the wider Mackenzie Basin landscape are significant values.

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2.2 Geology, Landforms and Soils

2.2.1 Geology

The basement rocks of Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease, exposed on higher slopes, are Rakaia terrane rocks comprising non-schistose to schistose quartzofeldspathic sandstone (greywacke) inter-bedded with siltstone-mudstone (argillite) of Triassic age. These rocks are overlain in the Gretas Stream basin and on Darts Bush Stream fan with recently- deposited gravel, sand and silt. Lower altitude terraces at the eastern edge of the property comprise poorly sorted outwash material, including moraine, deposited during the last Glacial Maximum (Cox and Barrell, 2007).

2.2.2 Landforms

Three distinct landforms are present on Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease: the rocky higher- altitude ridges and basins; the broad steep slopes on the southeast face of the range; and the gentler low-altitude fans, moraines and terraces. The higher altitude landforms are part of the much more extensive Ben Ohau Range, forming the perimeter of the Mackenzie Basin. Lower-altitude landforms are typical of the recently deposited surfaces on the floor of the Mackenzie Basin. The property includes a range of representative Mackenzie Basin landforms.

2.2.3 Soils

Higher altitude parts of the property on the mountain range have poorly-developed Kaikoura steepland soils. Mid-altitude slopes have Omarama and Tekoa steepland soils, with Puketeraki hill soils in Gretas Stream basin. The gently-sloping fans and terraces on the property have Acheron, Pukaki, Cass, Tasman and Craigieburn soils. The outwash fan of Darts Bush Stream has Dobson shallow soils.

2.2.4 Significance of Geology, Landforms and Soils

The geology, landforms and soils of Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease are representative of the Mackenzie Basin. They are contiguous with similar landforms on adjacent properties which together give the basin its distinctive character. Significant landforms on the property are the rocky higher-altitude ridges and basins; the broad steep slopes on the southeast face of the range; and the gentler low-altitude fans, moraines and terraces.

2.3 Climate

Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease has a semi-arid mountain climate with cold winters and warm dry summers. Predominant winds are from the northwest, with occasional gales. Snow can affect all parts of the property and lie at higher altitudes for several weeks in winter. Average annual precipitation is between 600 and 800 mm (Tomlinson, 1976). The climate

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of the area is strongly influenced by the sheltering effects of the Southern Alps, resulting in drier conditions than occur in most of New Zealand’s other mountain environments.

2.4 Land Environments Of New Zealand (LENZ)

LENZ is a classification of New Zealand landscapes using a comprehensive set of climate, landform and soil variables chosen for their role in driving geographic variation in biological patterns (Leathwick et al, 2003). The units of LENZ (land environments) are areas of land having similar environmental conditions regardless of where they occur in New Zealand. Therefore LENZ provides a framework that allows prediction of a range of biological and environmental attributes including the character of natural ecosystems, the vulnerability of environments to human activity and the potential spread or productivity of new organisms (Leathwick et al, 2003). LENZ data are presented at four levels of detail, with Level I containing 20 environments, Level II containing 100 environments, Level III containing 200 environments and Level IV containing 500 environments.

In an analysis of the LENZ Level IV data, remaining indigenous vegetation cover and the extent of legal protection, Walker et al, (2005) proposed a threat classification for New Zealand’s land environments based on two components of vulnerability (likelihood of loss): legal protection and risk of loss. This threat classification (Table 3) has become the recognised benchmark for the promotion of threatened LENZ conservation.

Table 3: LENZ threat categories and definitions (Walker et al, 2005)

Category Criterion acutely threatened <10% indigenous cover remaining chronically threatened 10-20% indigenous cover remaining at risk 20-30% indigenous cover remaining critically under-protected >30% indigenous cover remaining <10% legally protected under-protected >30% indigenous cover remaining 10-20% legally protected no threat category >30% indigenous cover remaining >20% legally protected

On Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease a small low-altitude area on the fan of Darts Bush Stream near the northern property boundary lies within a “chronically threatened” land environment (K3.1b). All other low-altitude parts of the property (below approximately 600m) lie within “at risk” land environments (mostly E4.1b and K3.1a). Mid-altitude slopes lie within a “critically under-protected” land environment (Q2.1b). Upper slopes (above approximately 1000m) lie within “under-protected” land environments (mostly Q1.1c) and “less reduced and better protected” land environments (mostly Q1.1a, Q1.1d, E1.4c and P1.2d).

2.4.1 Significance of Land Environments

Substantial parts of the Darts Bush Stream outwash are within a chronically threatened land environment and support indigenous plant communities.

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2.5 Vegetation

Ecological Context

The original (pre-human) vegetation of the Ben Ohau Range below the natural tree line (approximately 1200 m) is predicted to have been mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides), silver beech (Nothofagus menziesii), Hall’s totara (Podocarpus cunninghamii), mountain toatoa (Phyllocladus alpinus) and broadleaf (Griselinia littoralis) forest. Shrubland and tussockland is predicted to have occupied the frost prone basin floor surfaces. Narrow-leaved snow-tussock (Chionochloa rigida) and associated sub-alpine shrublands occupied environments above natural tree line (Leathwick et al, 2003).

Most of the property supports indigenous or semi-indigenous plant communities. Much of the vegetation above 900m remains largely representative of the original native plant communities. Below this altitude the vegetation is in varying states of modification, from relatively natural narrow-leaved snow-tussockland and shrubland to increasingly modified vegetation towards the northern boundary above the saddle near The Pyramid. Only a small part of the property at the eastern corner, where cultivation has occurred, has little or no native cover.

The dominant plant community is narrow-leaved snow-tussockland which covers most mountain slopes to low altitudes, especially on the southeast aspects where it regularly occurs to the valley floor. Extensive manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) shrublands, fescue tussock (Festuca novae-zelandiae) grasslands and wetlands are a feature of the property. A small area of mountain beech forest is present in Darts Bush Stream.

Two recommended areas for protection (RAPs) were identified on the property as part of the Mackenzie Ecological Region protected natural areas programme (PNAP) survey (Espie et al, 1984). In the Pukaki Ecological District RAP 7 (The Pyramid) was indentified for its extensive manuka scrub/narrow-leaved snow-tussock association on colluvium. Although still present, the values of this RAP have been reduced from their original extend as a result of recent land development. In the Ben Ohau ED, RAP 7 (coincidentally numbered the same) (Upper Gretas Stream) was identified as a good example of narrow-leaved snow tussock/Dracophyllum pronum/mountain fescue tussock (Festuca mathewsii) across the upper southern slopes of the Ben Ohau Range.

The property was surveyed in December 2011 by traversing the major landforms and environmental gradients by foot and vehicle, recording plant communities and species present. This survey complements an earlier botanical assessment undertaken by Kate Wardle in the summer of 1995/96. It also supplements a reconnaissance botanical assessment that was undertaken by DOC in May 2008.

Vegetation and Flora

The property is divided into four botanical survey units for this description of the vegetation. • Unit 1: Ben Ohau Range • Unit 2: Alluvial Fans

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• Unit 3: Fluvioglacial Outwash Terraces • Unit 4: Darts Bush Stream Outwash

Unit 1: Ben Ohau Range Narrow-leaved snow-tussockland is the dominant plant community on the Ben Ohau Range. It forms extensive cover typically above about 900 m across all aspects except on the lower sunny faces where it becomes sparse and is being replaced by diverse fescue tussock communities. Depletion of narrow-leaved snow-tussock is also occurring along spurs and in stock camps. On southeast aspects, narrow-leaved snow-tussock cover often occurs to the valley floor, although cover tends to be sporadic and within a mosaic of extensive native shrubland and diverse fescue tussockland. Cover is generally higher and more intact on southeast aspects; typically above 35%.

Narrow-leaved snow-tussocklands support a high diversity of native species. Common native species include Raoulia subsericea, Celmisia gracilenta, Ranunculus multiscapus, blue tussock (Poa colensoi), snowberry (Gaultheria depressa and G. novae-zelandiae), Brachyglottis bellidioides, B. haastii, harebell (Wahlenbergia albomarginata), Kelleria dieffenbachii, Brachyscome longiscapa, Pentachondra pumila, Rytidosperma pumilum, Gentianella corymbifera, Leptinella pectinata subsp. villosa, Scleranthus uniflorus, mat coprosma (Coprosma petriei), golden speargrass (Aciphylla aurea) and Luzula rufa. Scattered clumps of mountain flax (Phormium cookianum) are also common on northern mid slopes.

Shrubs are widespread but patchy, and include matagouri (Discaria toumatou), Coprosma propinqua, porcupine shrub (Melicytus alpinus), mountain heath (Acrothamnus colensoi), lily of the valley shrub (Gaultheria crassa), turpentine shrub (Dracophyllum uniflorum, D. pronum), both of which become more common with increasing altitude. Notable species present include coral broom (Carmichaelia crassicaule) and dwarf broom (Carmichaelia vexillata), both at risk (declining) and the native daisy Kirkianella novae-zelandiae (nationally vulnerable). The introduced browntop (Agrostis capillaris), sweet vernal (Anthoxanthum odoratum), sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella), mouse-ear hawkweed (Pilosella officinarum), king devil hawkweed (Pilosella piloselloides subsp. praealta) and catsear (Hypochaeris radicata), are common inter-tussock exotic species, though they become less common above 1300 m.

At higher altitudes extensive patches of alpine fescue tussock occur with a diverse range of inter-tussock native herbs as described above. Other common native species present at higher altitudes are Anisotome imbricata var. prostrata, Dracophyllum pronum, Celmisia sessiliflora, Luzula pumila, Gingidia decipiens, blue tussock, Phyllachne colensoi, Colobanthus acicularis, Carex colensoi, C. wakatipu and bidibid (Acaena glabra). These species are also typically associated with areas of depletion at stock camps and/or fellfield and screes that occur sporadically along the ridge but are generally limited in extent.

Extensive shrubland occurs along the lower slopes of Ben Ohau Range and in the many gullies. Shrublands appear to be slowly spreading out from gullies, forming widespread albeit scattered cover across the lower slopes of the range. These shrublands tend to be dominated by mountain wineberry (Aristotelia fruticosa), Coprosma propinqua, porcupine shrub, matagouri and scented tree daisy (Olearia odorata), with notably large patches of Gaultheria novae-zelandiae often prevalent on southern aspects. Shrublands on sunny aspects contain a greater proportion of desert broom (Carmichaelia petriei), matagouri and occasionally Coprosma intertexta. Climbers are common throughout shrublands, especially

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bush lawyer (Rubus schmidelioides), native jasmine (Parsonsia capsularis), Muehlenbeckia complexa and Clematis marata.

A remnant kowhai (Sophora microphylla) tree is present among open shrubland above The Pyramid saddle. Kowhai is rare in the ecological region. Mountain ribbonwood (Hoheria lyallii) occurs in shady gullies and toe slopes. Very large specimens of mountain ribbonwood are present in the northwest corner of the property along Darts Bush Stream. Other species present, in addition to those listed above, are Hall’s totara, Coprosma rugosa, Maori onion (Bulbinella gibbsii), Dracophyllum longifolium, tutu (Coriaria plumosa), prickly shield fern (Polystichum vestitum), bracken (Pteridium esculentum), thousand- leaved fern (Hypolepis millefolium) and necklace fern (Asplenium flabellifolium).

The introduced, sweet brier (Rosa rubiginosa) is also common throughout the lower slopes and appears to have increased markedly in recent years. Its spread may be attributable to cattle, as numerous seedlings were seen geminating in cow dung. Occasional pockets of wilding conifers are also present, mainly on the eastern faces of the Ben Ohau Range, many of which had recently been controlled. Overall the property is relatively clear of wilding conifers.

The most modified slopes occur toward the northern end of the property either side of the saddle to around 900 m, above which vegetation grades to relatively intact narrow-leaved snow-tussockland. This area contains a mosaic of patchy native shrubs, manuka scrub, sparse narrow-leaved snow-tussock, fescue tussock and various native species associated with these environments, including Coprosma intertexta, kowhai, coral broom and dwarf broom (both ‘at risk’). It also supports a relatively high proportion of exotic species such as sweet brier, browntop, sweet vernal, clover (Trifolium spp.), viper’s bugloss (Echium vulgare) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata).

Unit 2: Alluvial Fans A series of large alluvial fans occur around the base of the southeast face of the Ben Ohau Range. These surfaces contain a relatively complex mosaic of native plant communities depending on varied micro topography and drainage patterns. They also comprise the majority of RAP 7 (The Pyramid). On convex surfaces, manuka scrub is the dominant plant community forming relatively extensive cover up to three metres tall. Manuka cover varies from dense thickets, often sparse and stunted, to a mosaic with narrow-leaved snow-tussock, red tussock (Chionochloa rubra), matagouri, cottonwood (Ozothamnus leptophylla), Coprosma dumosa and dwarf heath. Also present are Deyeuxia avenoides, Blechnum penna-marina, fescue tussock and various native herbs, such as Brachyglottis bellidioides, blue tussock, Carex breviculmis, Raoulia subsericea, golden speargrass, bidibid (Acaena caesiiglauca), Muehlenbeckia axillaris and Viola cunninghamii. White sun orchid (Thelymitra longifolia) is notably common here. Exotic species present typically include browntop, mouse-ear hawkweed, catsear and sweet vernal. Bare ground is often a feature of these sites.

Wetlands occur on concave surfaces in the numerous channels, including kettleholes among moraines. These tend to be dominated by turf vegetation and an interesting assemblage of wetland herbs, such as comb sedge (Oreobolus pectinatus), sundew (Drosera arcturi), Euchiton mackayii, E. paludosum, Epilobium angustum, Isolepis habra, Ranunculus glabrifolius, R. reflexus, R. cheesemanii, R. gracilipes, bladderwort (Utricularia monanthos and U. dichotoma), Glossostigma diandrum, Gonocarpus micranthus, Hydrocotyle novae- zeelandiae, white caltha (Psychrophila obtusa), Eleocharis pusilla, Lobelia angulata,

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Montia ionantha, Plantago triandra and the mosses Sphagnum cristatum and wire moss (Polytrichum juniperinum). The threatened (nationally critical) Chaerophyllum colensoi var delicatula is locally common in some bogs.

Numerous swamps also occur around the base of the fans, including a relatively large area of remnant red tussock, bog rush (Schoenus pauciflorus) and Carex secta. Numerous native species occur in these various wetlands, including (in addition to those mentioned above) spike sedge (Eleocharis acuta and E. gracilis), Carex gaudichaudiana, C. coriacea, C. sinclairii, C. diandra, C. echinata, Juncus edgariae, J. antarcticus, J. pusillus, J. articulatus, toetoe (Austroderia richardii), Gaultheria parvula, Pentachondra pumila and, in one wetland, a patch of raupo (Typha orientalis). Common exotic wetland species were present throughout, such as marsh fox tail (Alopecurus sp.), jointed rush (Juncus articulatus), soft rush (Juncus effusus), oval sedge (Carex ovalis), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus) and water forget-me-not (Myosotis laxa subsp. caespitosa).

Unit 3: Fluvioglacial Outwash Terraces In the southwest corner of the property there is a fluvioglacial outwash terrace adjacent to the flanks of the Ben Ohau Range. Although this surface is quite depleted, it retains a remnant flora that is representative of the native plant species that occupy these extreme drought and frost prone surfaces. It is typified by very stony ground with sparse fescue tussock and blue tussock grassland which contains an interesting assemblage of dryland species, such as Poa maniototo, Pimelea pulvinaris, P. oreophila, mat coprosma, scabweed (Raoulia australis), R. parkii, Leucopogon nanum, L. fraseri, Pyranthera exigua, Elymus falcis, Coprosma petriei, Luzula ulophila, Rytidosperma thomsonii and Hebe pimeleoides subsp. pimeleoides. Bare ground and the introduced browntop and mouse-ear hawkweed are also common on this surface. Remnant shrublands are also present on old rock deposits and in the numerous old flood channels, and include porcupine shrub, dwarf broom, Carmichaelia nana and matagouri. At the northern end of this surface is an old terminal moraine that contains extensive manuka scrub similar to that found in RAP 7 (The Pyramid).

Unit 4: Darts Bush Stream Outwash This alluvial fan forms the upper outwash terrace of Darts Bush Stream where it emerges from the Ben Ohau Range. It contains fescue tussock grassland, mixed shrubland and extensive wetland complexes associated with numerous springs and streams. The fescue tussock grassland occurs on the convex alluvial surfaces and supports a diverse range of native species, such as blue tussock, Brachyglottis bellidioides, dwarf heath, Celmisia gracilenta, C. angustifolia, Raoulia grandiflora, Rytidosperma pumilum, Deyeuxia avenoides, onion orchid (Prasophyllum colensoi), Hymenochilus tristis, grassland orchid (Microtis unifolia) and white sun orchid. ‘Sub-alpine’ shrubs are also widespread and include Dracophyllum pronum, Dracophyllum longifolium and mountain heath. Introduced browntop and mouse-ear hawkweed are common. Dense shrubland, dominated by Coprosma propinqua, mountain wineberry, Carmichaelia australis and Olearia bullata, occurs along stream margins. Wetlands are numerous and diverse and include an extensive complex of bogs dominated by comb sedge, and springs and old channels dominated by sedgeland typified by bog rush and Carex sinclairii. These wetlands include numerous other native wetland species similar to those listed earlier in similar habitats.

A small remnant of mountain beech forest occurs on the terrace riser above Darts Bush Stream, adding to the botanical value and interest of this valley floor system.

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Notable Flora Notable plant species recorded on the property are listed in Table 4 below.

Table 4: Notable Plant Species, Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease.

Threat Threat Species Location on lease Division Category Chaerophyllum Low altitude wetlands. nationally colensoi var. critical threatened delicatula nationally Kirkianella novae- Narrow-leaved snow- vulnerable zelandiae tussockland. Carmichaelia Narrow-leaved snow- vexillata tussockland and outwash terraces. Carmichaelia Narrow-leaved snow- crassicaule tussockland. at risk declining Hymenochilis Darts Bush Stream outwash. tristis Pimelea pulvinaris Outwash terraces.

data Rytidosperma Outwash terraces. deficient thomsonii Coprosma Toe slope and foothill gully relict intertexta shrublands. Nothofagus Darts Bush Stream terrace riser. solandri var. cliffortioides local rarities Sophora Foothills toe slopes. microphylla

2.5.1 Significance of Vegetation

Most of the property contains significant inherent values relating to representative native plant communities, intact ecological sequences across unusual landforms, rare species and ecosystems, and indigenous biodiversity on threatened and under-protected land environments.

The extensive narrow-leaved snow-tussocklands remain relatively intact, are in good condition, and support strong populations of two “at-risk” native broom species and the threatened native daisy (Kirkianella novae-zelandiae) (de Lange et al, 2009). Scree and fellfield at higher altitude parts of the property are also highly original and reflect the high natural diversity and subtle patterns typical of these ecosystems.

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Toe slope, gully and riparian shrublands and remnant mountain beech forests are also highly representative of the original plant communities, now much reduced in extent. The extensive manuka shrublands in RAP 7 are particularly notable given their rarity within the ED. Shrublands across lower slopes of the Ben Ohau Range appear to be expanding, indicating ecological resilience and potential for continued regeneration over time. The presence of kowhai is also significant for its rarity in the ED, and as an indicator of the former presence of this tree species.

The property contains a remarkable diversity of valley floor and moraine wetlands that are of high significance. These include swamps, raised bogs, seeps and kettleholes. These typically occur as an interconnected mosaic that reflects subtle topographical changes and varying landforms. For the most part wetlands are in good condition and occur in sequence with surrounding dryland native plant communities. These wetlands support numerous rare and threatened plants, and include kettleholes, which are classified as naturally rare ecosystems (Williams et al, 2007).

A remarkable and important feature of the property is the relatively intact sequence that occurs across the basin floor outwash and moraine landforms, spanning the Pukaki and Ben Ohau ecological districts. This sequence of unusual glacial moraine and outwash landforms supports a complex array of wetlands, shrublands (including RAP 7) and grasslands, which is not replicated elsewhere in the ecological region. The Darts Bush Stream outwash fan is a naturally rare ecosystem and is part of an intact ecological sequence with tussockland and shrubland on the surrounding slopes of the Ben Ohau Range. The valley floor shrublands, wetlands and tussocklands occur within chronically threatened and at risk land environments.

A list of plant species is attached in Appendix 1

2.5.2 Problem Plants

The most important plant pests on the property are wilding pines. Control has occurred, so only minor patches of wilding pines are present but, if left uncontrolled, pines have the potential to become a much greater problem. Sweet brier appears to have increased in extent in recent years on parts of the property. Control of this species may also be necessary to protect ecological values.

2.6 Fauna

2.6.1 Birds

Notable (threatened and at risk) bird species recorded from adjoining Ben Ohau Station and the “back block” of Bendrose Pastoral Lease (now Ruataniwha Conservation Area) include black stilt (nationally critical), bittern (nationally endangered), eastern falcon (nationally vulnerable), grey duck (nationally critical), marsh crake (relict) New Zealand pipit (declining), pied stilt (declining), South Island rifleman (declining) and white heron (nationally critical) (CRR, 2002; CRR, 2005).

Bird species observed on Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease are described below for two geographic areas of the property.

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Unit 1: Darts Bush Stream and upper Gretas Stream catchments Native bird species recorded from this area were black shag (naturally uncommon) (one bird), black-fronted tern (nationally endangered) (five sightings: three of a pair of birds and two of lone birds), eastern falcon (nationally vulnerable) (one bird), grey warbler, New Zealand pipit (declining) (four sightings of lone birds), paradise shelduck, pied stilt (declining) (one bird), silvereye, South Island fantail, South Island rifleman (declining) (one sighting of two birds in a small beech forest remnant on the edge of Darts Bush Stream) and spur-winged plover.

Introduced bird species observed were blackbird, chaffinch, goldfinch, skylark, redpoll, song thrush and yellowhammer.

Unit 2: Southeast Hill Slopes and Flats Native bird species recorded from this area were black shag (naturally uncommon) (two sightings of lone birds), black-fronted tern (nationally endangered) (seven sightings; three of a pair of birds and four of single birds), grey warbler, paradise shelduck, silvereye, southern black-backed gull, spur-winged plover and swamp harrier. For much of the time spent in this area, black-fronted terns were continually seen feeding over the flats and base of the hill slopes, either in pairs or alone. One tern was seen capturing and flying off with a skink in its beak. It was difficult to discriminate between individual birds in the presence of near- constant foraging activity: hence, the number of sightings will be a conservative estimate of actual numbers present.

Introduced bird species observed were Australian magpie, blackbird, chaffinch, dunnock, greenfinch, goldfinch, redpoll, skylark, song thrush and yellowhammer.

Bird Species Recorded Twenty-three bird species were recorded from Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease, consisting of 13 native (Table 5) and ten introduced species.

Table 5: Native bird species recorded from Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease, December 2011

Species Threat status Distribution on property Threatened and At Risk species black-fronted tern nationally endangered Throughout eastern falcon nationally vulnerable Upper slopes black shag naturally uncommon Darts Bush Stream and southeast faces New Zealand pipit declining Tussocklands throughout pied stilt declining Wetland on Darts Bush Stream flats South Island rifleman declining Darts Bush Stream beech forest Non-threatened species grey warbler Shrublands throughout paradise shelduck Wetlands, streambeds and pasture silvereye Shrublands throughout southern black-backed Throughout gull

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South Island fantail Darts Bush Stream shrublands spur-winged plover Lower elevations wetlands and pasture swamp harrier Throughout

2.6.2 Significance of the Bird Fauna

Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease provides feeding habitats for two threatened bird species: black-fronted tern (nationally endangered) and eastern falcon (nationally vulnerable). The entire property is within foraging range of a black-fronted tern colony breeding on an island in the upper Ohau River. This colony consisted of more than 200 nests in the 2011/12 breeding season (Chris Woolmore; pers. comm.). The property also provides feeding and potential breeding habitats for four at-risk bird species: black shag (naturally uncommon), New Zealand pipit, pied stilt and South Island rifleman (all declining). In addition, the property provides feeding and breeding habitats for at least seven non-threatened native bird species (Table 5).

It is likely that many of the threatened bird species recorded on adjoining land will also use the property for feeding and or breeding habitat. These include: black stilt (nationally critical), bittern (nationally endangered), grey duck (nationally critical), marsh crake (relict) and white heron (nationally critical).

2.6.3 Lizards

Ten species of lizard are found within DOC’s Twizel Area (Herpetofauna Database), constituting 10% of New Zealand’s lizard fauna (currently 100 recognized and proposed species; Hitchmough et al, 2010). Four species of lizard are known from Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease: spotted skink “Mackenzie Basin” (nationally vulnerable), McCann’s skink, common skink and Southern Alps gecko. The spotted skink record was of one individual found in scree and tussocklands in the upper Gretas Stream catchment (Herpetofauna Database).

Further afield, but within 25 km of the property boundary, spotted skink “Mackenzie Basin” has been recorded from the Lake Benmore and Pukaki areas, jewelled gecko (declining) from Harris and Temple streams, and scree skink (declining) from the Lake Ohau terminal moraine (Espie et al, 1984) and the Ben Ohau and Barrier ranges (Herpetofauna Database).

Unit 1: Darts Bush Stream and upper Gretas Stream catchments This area contains parts of the Darts Bush Stream and upper Gretas Stream catchments. Short and tall tussockland and shrubland are found at lower altitudes. The flats contain pasture, tussocklands, shrublands and wetlands.

Common skink (two individuals), McCann’s skink (20 individuals), Southern Alps gecko (18 individuals), spotted skink “Mackenzie Basin” (nationally vulnerable) (one individual) and 18 unidentified skinks (McCann’s and/or common skink) were found throughout this area. The spotted skink was seen basking on scree in tall tussocklands at an altitude of 1374m. Geckos were mostly found at rock outcrops and rocky stream beds. Common skink was recorded from grasslands on the Darts Bush Stream flats. McCann’s skink was

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ubiquitous: it was encountered in scree, short and tall tussocklands, rocky stream beds and areas of mixed pasture, tussockland, shrubland and wetland on the Darts Bush Stream flats.

Unit 2: Southeast Hill Slopes and Flats This area contains the southeast hill slopes and flats of the property. It contains hill slopes with short and tall tussocklands, talus and shrubland, including some fairly extensive areas of manuka. The flats contain pasture, short tussockland, matagouri-dominated shrubland and some small wetlands.

McCann’s skink (15 individuals), Southern Alps gecko (three individuals), spotted skink “Mackenzie Basin” (nationally vulnerable) (one individual) and three unidentified skinks (most likely McCann’s skink) were recorded from various locations (tussocklands, shrublands, talus and creviced boulders) near the vehicle track traversing the base of the hill slopes. The spotted skink was basking at the base of a talus slope fringed by shrubland. Several individuals of the introduced whistling frog were heard calling in a small degraded wetland.

Lizard species recorded

In total, 81 lizards representing four species (Table 6) were recorded from 26 sites on the property. This total represents two common skinks, 35 McCann’s skinks, 21 Southern Alps geckos, two spotted skinks “Mackenzie Basin” (nationally vulnerable) and 21 unidentified skinks (McCann’s and/or common skink). Geckos were mostly restricted to rocky areas (talus, rock outcrops, creviced boulders and stream beds), whereas skinks were encountered in a greater variety of habitats (grasslands, shrublands, rocklands and wetlands).

Table 6: Lizard species recorded from Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease, December 2011.

Species Threat status Distribution on property common skink not threatened Darts Bush Stream flats McCann’s skink not threatened Grassland, shrubland, rockland and wetlands throughout Southern Alps gecko not threatened Rockland throughout spotted kink nationally Tops and on southeast face “Mackenzie Basin” vulnerable

2.6.4 Significance of Lizard Fauna

Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease provides habitat for one threatened lizard species: spotted skink “Mackenzie Basin” (nationally vulnerable). In addition, the property provides habitats for three non-threatened lizard species (Table 6).

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2.6.5 Aquatic Fauna (fish and invertebrates)

Introduction

The Waitaki River catchment has three main sub-catchments on the property, Fraser Stream (which includes Darts Bush Stream), Greta Stream and the Ohau River; although the streams feeding into the Ohau River appear to be ephemeral and are now constrained by hydro electric canals.

A distinguishing characteristic of the Waitaki River is the presence of eight hydro-electric dams along its length, in contrast with other Canterbury catchments. This has two major effects on the fish communities within the river. The first is that fish communities above the dams are generally composed of only non-diadromous species, those species without a marine phase in their lifecycle, although exceptions do occur (i.e. some longfin eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) still remain in the river system and the normally diadromous common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus) and koaro (Galaxias brevipinnis) have become non-diadromous substituting lakes for the sea). The second feature of dams is that fish communities are broken into separate populations, with little or no migration across dam margins. This means that recolonisation of previously dewatered streams can only occur from within each dam boundary.

The Waters of National Importance (WONI) documentation (Chadderton et al 2004) recognises the Twizel River and Ohau River as both being of ‘Type I’ national importance. ‘Type I’ implies that the waterway contains special features of national significance. All sections of ‘Type I’ catchments are of national importance. This significance is for its threatened bird and fish communities, with the Ohau River also being in the top ten sites by Natural Heritage Value score in its biogeographical unit.

The New Zealand Freshwater Fish Database (NZFFD) records for the Waitaki River were searched, using protocols described in McDowall & Richardson (1983); with 1999 records found and 23 fish species recognised.

Methods

The aquatic fauna surveys were undertaken on the property between the 8th and 16th of December 2011. Macro-invertebrate surveys were carried out using samples collected both while electrofishing and from making thorough searches of waterway margins and substrate. Survey sites, for both fish and macro-invertebrates, were selected to cover the entire accessible aquatic habitat types present on the pastoral lease; utilising other known information from adjacent pastoral leases and previous freshwater survey work. All survey sites had a basic habitat assessment done for input into the NZFFD. Aquatic insects were identified using Winterbourn et al (2006) and a photo identification guide produced by the Otago Regional Council (1997).

Areas Surveyed

Nine sites on Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease were surveyed for their freshwater fauna communities, all using standard electrofishing practises. The property comprises three geographical units (blocks), defined by their watershed catchments within the catchment

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units. The geographical units are ‘Darts Bush Stream Block’, the ‘Manuka Terrace Block’ and the ‘Greta Stream Block’ (Figure 1).

Unit 1: Darts Bush Stream Block This area of approximately 615 hectares incorporates the northern side of the property, being the part that drains into Darts Bush Stream. This section of pastoral lease is predominantly north facing slopes, bisected by small stream tributaries of Darts Bush Stream. The characteristic water feature of this area is theses small tributary streams, the larger main channel of Darts Bush Stream, and a series of terrace wetlands on the lower terrace beside the main channel. These wetlands are recognised by Johnson & Gerbeaux (2004) as “Palustrine – Marsh”.

Darts Bush Stream is about six metres wide and between 300 mm and a metre deep where it occurs within the lease. The tributary streams are between one and two metres in width and about 100 mm deep with some holes up to 600 mm in some places. The wetlands are up to 400 square metres in size and can be up to 300 mm deep during wet periods. The streams generally have a boulder and cobble substrate with some gravels present. The wetlands are generally dirt and silt based, although gravel and bedrock is present in some locations.

Six sites were surveyed in the ‘Dart Bush Stream Block’, using the electrofishing method. All sites had rainbow trout present. In addition, the two sites in the main Darts Bush Stream had brown trout at one location and alpine galaxias at the other location. There are also a large number of records for Darts Bush Stream as well as the Fraser Stream just below it and additional species found in these include longfin eel, koaro, lowland longjaw galaxias, bignose galaxias, Canterbury galaxias and upland bully.

Unit 2: Manuka Terrace Block This area of approximately 1418 hectares incorporates the parts of Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease that drain the south east faces of the property, flowing to Fraser Stream at the northern end and into a series of ephemeral streams that feed onto the Ohau River before the canal was constructed. The characteristic water features of this area are the small, often ephemeral waterways, the small seepage feed streams and the large wetland complexes. These wetlands are recognised by Johnson & Gerbeaux (2004) as “Palustrine – Seepage”, “Plaustrine – Swamp” and “Plaustrine – Ephemeral Wetland”.

The waterways in this block vary between half a metre in width and up to one and a half metres, although it is likely to be larger during wetter periods. The waterways were about 100 mm deep, although there were often holes of up to 600 mm deep in most waterways. The substrate of all the waterways is mainly boulders and cobbles, with occasional areas of gravels and bedrock.

The wetlands are of varying size, the “Palustrine – Seepage” wetlands are generally up to 20 square metres, the “Plaustrine – Swamp” are about 300 to 800 square metres and the “Palustrine – Ephemeral Wetlands” are up to 100 square metre in size. The “Palustrine – Seepage” and “Palustrine – Swamp” generally have surface water present while the “Palustrine – Ephemeral Wetlands” were mainly dry. All the wetlands were mainly silt based, although varying other substrates were sometimes present.

Two sites were surveyed in the ‘Manuka Terrace Block’ with no fish found at either site. There are no records from the NZFFD for this block.

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Unit 3: Greta Stream Block This area of approximately 260 hectares incorporates the parts of Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease that drain into Greta Stream and down to Lake Ohau. The characteristic water features of this area are the small, often dry tributary stream of Greta Stream, with a part of Greta Stream also in the lease.

Greta Stream flows directly into the public conservation land above Lake Ohau. Within the property, Greta Stream is a tussock headwater basin.

The waterways are generally small, given their mainly upper tributary locations. They are up to about one metre in width and about 300 mm in depth. The substrate is mainly gravels and cobbles, but some boulders are also present.

One site was surveyed just below the ‘Greta Stream Block’ with one fish species, koaro, recorded. There are no NZFFD records that adjoin this block.

Species Recorded

Four fish species were found during the freshwater fauna survey of Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease (Table 7). The macro-invertebrate fauna communities were reasonably similar across the pastoral lease and showed very good water quality as evidenced by the types of invertebrates found.

Table 7: The fish species found during the freshwater fauna survey of Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease. Fish species can be referenced from McDowall (2000). Threatened species status can be found in Allibone et al (2010).

Fish Species Threatened Know Distribution on Property Status Koaro Declining Found in Greta Stream (Galaxias brevipinnis) Alpine galaxias Not threatened Found in Darts Bush Stream (Galaxias paucispondylus) Rainbow trout Introduced Found in the Darts Bush Stream (Oncorhynchus mykiss) catchment Brown trout Introduced Found in Darts Bush Stream (Salmo trutta

2.6.6 Significance of Aquatic Fauna

The most significant of aquatic fauna are the threatened species; which we can assume is on property (found just below it) are koaro and ranked (Allibone et al 2010) as “declining”. Also of note are the local fish communities adjacent to this property. These include bignose galaxias “nationally vulnerable”, lowland longjaw galaxias “nationally critical” and longfin eel “declining”.

Koaro are ranked by Allibone et al (2010) as declining, with no specific qualifiers allocated but it is acknowledged that the total population size is less than 100000 mature individuals. This species which has a wide ranging distribution, including the Chatham Islands,

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Auckland Islands, Tasmania and parts of south-eastern Australia, is considered migratory, with a sea phase to its lifecycle, although koaro are able to substitute lakes for the sea, as has happened in the upper Waitaki River. It is for this reason that a population is able to exist in the upper Waitaki River, because although they are able to penetrate long distances inlands with exceptional climbing abilities, they are blocked by the hydro-electric dams that occur along some rivers, as well as by some badly installed culverts.

The other local threatened fish species noted may be found on the property with more search effort.

This survey indicates that parts of Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease, Greta Stream and the Manuka Terrace Streams, have little or no introduced salmoniids present; and this absence of introduced fish is of Significant Value to the native fish communities.

The Waters of National Importance (WONI) documentation (Chadderton et al 2004) recognises the Twizel River and Ohau River as both being of ‘Type I’ national importance. ‘Type I’ implies that the waterway contains special features of national significance. All sections of ‘Type I’ catchments are of national importance.

2.6.7 Invertebrate Fauna

The invertebrate fauna of Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease comprises species and communities typical of the Mackenzie Basin semi-arid habitats, including alpine, sub-alpine and seral shrublands. Climatic conditions in the basin constrain the invertebrate fauna to groups with frost tolerant over-wintering stages, either as adults or long term survival underground. The most diverse and successful group to establish in the South Island high country are probably the Orthoptera and the Mackenzie Basin supports several characteristic taxa within this order.

The property supports two ecological sequences, on opposite sides of the property. These are represented by habitat changes between communities on the valley floor and those on the flanks of the Ben Ohau Range. To the north, the Darts Bush Stream wetland and flats merge, unbroken, with the tussock flanks of the Ben Ohau Range. The sequence includes beech trees, wetland (sedgeland) and shrublands giving way to snow tussock and sub alpine habitats. To the southeast, a similar sequence occurs, although of differing composition. These examples of ecological zonation are becoming relatively rare in the Mackenzie Basin and only in a few cases do they exist in a semi-modified state.

Invertebrates of Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease are described below for three distinct parts of the property.

Unit 1: Hill Country Narrow-leaved snow-tussock and scattered Dracophyllum shrubs dominate the hill sides and ridges of the Ben Ohau Range. Within this habitat, the common alpine grasshopper Sigaus australis and cicada (Kikihia angusta and Maoricicada sp.) were abundant. At higher elevations the wolf spider Anoteropsis alpina was active. This black ground-dwelling hunting spider occurs on several range tops in the Mackenzie Basin and appears to be confined to patches of bare stony ground, or prostrate vegetation on which it hunts for seed bugs and similar invertebrates. Anoteropsis alpina has a threat listing of ‘sparse’.

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Unit 2: Ohau River Terraces and Moraines During the inspection the threatened grasshopper, Sigaus minutus, was observed on the Ohau outwash surfaces and also found in bare ground throughout the moraine system. Sigaus minutus is listed chronically threatened (gradual decline) and while often found on modified surfaces, populations of the grasshopper are never far from indigenous riverbed vegetation and surfaces with high natural character (e.g. stony surfaces with sparse native vegetation including Leucopogon fraseri and mat forming Coprosma and Celmisia species).

Invertebrate habitats present on the southeast outwash terraces include frost tolerant indigenous short sward grasses, seepages and ponds at toe slopes and stands of native shrubland. Northeast of the terraces, the moraine system is dominated by a community of manuka and cottonwood with an abundance of native bees visiting the flowers. In the Mackenzie Basin native bees are associated with dry loess soils in which they nest. Little native vegetation and negligible invertebrate values were found near the northeast boundary of the property. This area has been extensively cultivated with evidence of cattle throughout.

Unit 3: Darts Bush Stream Outwash Flats This northern aspect of the property supports a very different set of landforms and vegetation, including springs, seepages and wetlands near Darts Bush Stream. Dragonflies (Procordulia smithii), damselflies (Xanthocnemis zealandica), tipulids (Leptotarsus sp.) day flying moths (Paranotoreas brephisota) and big jawed spiders (Tetragnatha sp.) were common throughout the sedges and shrublands (particularly on Dracophyllum). The presence of Paranotoreas brephisota is interesting as the moth is more often found amongst tussock hill country.

A small stand of mountain beech is present on the terrace riser, immediately above the true- right bank of Darts Bush Stream. Invertebrates found amongst this beech tree habitat included ground beetles, cockroaches, prowling spiders and mountain stone weta (Hemideina maori). These are typical representatives of the location and habitat type and reflect the intact nature of communities as small as several hundred metres in area.

Species Recorded

Table 8: Notable invertebrate species recorded on Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease, December 2011

Species Threat status/conservation value Location on property alpine wolf Sparse. Large black spiders, Patchy screes on north faces above spider restricted to the Southern Alps. Darts Bush Stream. Endemic genus and species. minute Gradual Decline. Small, distinct Southeast outwash flats and moraine. grasshopper grasshoppers. Known only from the Mackenzie Basin and North Otago. mountain Endemic ringlet, confined to high Upper elevations; north-facing slopes. ringlet altitude screes and tussock country butterfly of the Southern Alps. Potential indicator species. orange Endemic day-flying moth. Darts Bush Stream flats and southern underwing slopes above moraines.

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mountain Widespread endemic species of Rocky surfaces from 500 to 1400m. stone weta freeze tolerant weta. Diagnostic of Noted in Darts Bush Stream, the low predation and intact habitat. dividing ridge and moraine surfaces on southeast side of property. native bees Neither taxa are threatened but both Throughout property. provide pollination services for alpine plants.

2.6.8 Significance of the Invertebrate Fauna

Seven invertebrate species of conservation interest were observed on the property, two of which are at-risk species: alpine wolf spider, Anoteropsis alpina (declining); and minute grasshopper, Sigaus minutus (sparse). The remaining taxa are important ecological indicators of intact communities showing little human disturbance. Omahau Hill also supports several invertebrate habitats of significant inherent value, including low altitude outwash surfaces of Darts Bush Stream and terraces and associated moraines at the southeast part of the property. These landforms have not been significantly disturbed since their formation (at the end of the last glacial maximum). The principle conservation value of the property is the unbroken sequence of native plant and invertebrate communities extending from the outwash surfaces onto the Ben Ohau Range and including the outwash fan of Darts Bush Stream. Ecological continuity of this character has high value because it includes multiple communities in a comparatively small area, a feature in decline within the Mackenzie Basin.

A list of animal species is attached in Appendix 2

2.6.9 Problem Animals

Pest mammal species recorded on Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease were brown hare, European rabbit and feral ferret (a dead animal found in tussockland in the upper Darts Bush Stream catchment). Sign of possum (scat), feral cat (scat) and feral pig (rooting in tall tussocklands) was also encountered. Although not detected, other introduced mammalian predators (European hedgehog, stoat and/or weasel and rodents) are likely be present. Their negative impacts on native bird and lizard populations are well-documented (e.g., Reed et al, 1993; Tocher, 2006).

2.7 Ecosystem services and Ecological Sustainability

2.7.1 Ecosystem Services

The property contributes a number of “ecosystem services” which are significant to the Waitaki Catchment from social, infrastructural and economic perspectives. Constanza et al. (1997) define ecosystem services as flows of materials, energy, and information from natural capital stocks which combine with manufactured and human capital services to produce human welfare. They identify 17 “services”. Omahau Hill clearly contributes to at these services excluding those of a recreation and cultural nature which are described elsewhere.

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(i) Climate Regulation: Carbon storage in expanding shrublands, forest, tall tussock grasslands and consequential increased soil organic matter makes a modest contribution to ameliorating the current anthropogenic induced rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Much of the existing tussockland and shrubland has potential for further carbon sequestration. The full potential of lower altitude tussocklands to increase in density and stature and ultimately to succeed to indigenous woody cover, is currently retarded by stock grazing and scrub clearing. The succession of montane shrublands to forest is also limited by stock grazing and very limited seed sources.

Carbon storage varies depending on the vegetation cover present (Table 11).

Table 9: Carbon stock estimates for broad vegetation cover classes in the Vegetation Cover Map (VCM) found on the PL, derived from Tate et al. (1997) with estimates for forest classes used in this study, as derived from Hall et al. (2001). (Source: Carswell et al. 2008)

Vegetation class Carbon (t ha–1) Unimproved pasture 2.1 Snow tussock grassland 27.2 Mixed indigenous scrub 99.4 Manuka/kanuka scrub or fern 50.5 Beech forest & scrub 179.8 Wetland communities 31.5

One hectare of mixed grassland/shrubland stores about 42 tonnes of carbon versus approximately 2t for unimproved grassland (Carswell et al. 2008).

Hydrological Flows To enable the best flow regime for the future that will assist with downstream water flows, the following research provides some insights:

Waugh (2005) notes that; • snow-tussock catchments have less variable flows than degraded tussock • snow-tussock catchments have flows that are steadier on a monthly basis and are less variable in the summer- autumn period. • To maximise water yield it is necessary to maintain tall, unmodified tussock vegetation over the headwater catchments. This is best achieved by completely destocking these areas, preventing fires of any kind and controlling wilding pine tree growth.

(iii) Erosion control and sediment retention

All class 7e land is suitable for watershed protection which would assist with erosion control and sediment retention.

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2.7.2 Land Use Capability and Sustainability

The Land Use Capability (LUC) system is a nationally consistent land classification system based on physical sustainability that has been used in New Zealand to help achieve sustainable land development and management since 1952. The LUC system has two key components. Firstly, Land Resource Inventory (LRI) is compiled as an assessment of physical factors considered to be critical for long-term land use and management. Secondly, the inventory is used for LUC classification, whereby land is categorised into eight classes according to its long-term capability to sustain one or more productive uses (Lynn et al. 2009).

All higher-altitude parts of the property, above approximately 1000 m on northern slopes and approximately 600 m on southeast slopes, are non-arable land with severe limitations for land use (Class 7e). Most other parts of the property are non-arable land with moderate limitations (Class 6e), except for small areas of recent outwash deposits at north and northeast parts of the property which are lands unsuitable, or with moderate limitations, for arable land use (Class 4s).

2.7.3 Significance of Ecosystem Services and Sustainablity

The class 7e land on the property is suitable for watershed protection with severe limitations to pastoral use. It has low suitability for ongoing pastoral use as it is not considered its highest and best use.

Given its relatively small size, the property makes only a modest contribution to ecosystem services and has an equally modest potential for carbon storage. However with the property is one of many on the Ben Ohau Range and when combined with potential gains on the range as a whole, benefits could be significant.

2.7 Historic

The allocation of a reserve for Rabbit Board buildings off the paper road on the northern edge of the property suggests history of rabbits being a problem for early farmers. It is not known how much remains on this site apart from trees planted to serve a dwelling.

Darts Bush stream and Flanagan pass were the route for the old power line to Glen Lyon station. The route shown on a 1919 survey plan shows poles on the Omahau hill property and there are several present on the neighbouring PCL.

2.7.1 Significance of Historic Resources

There are no sites of historic significance identified on the PL.

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2.8 PUBLIC RECREATION

2.8.1 Physical Characteristics

Omahau Hill Pastoral lease is dominated by the steep slopes of the Ben Ohau Range and the flat or gently-sloping fans, terraces and moraines of the basin floor. Landform is typical of the western Mackenzie Basin and is transitional in character between this large intermontane basin and the mountain ranges of the central Southern Alps.

There are good farm tracks within the property connecting Ben Ohau road with the Pyramid saddle, another traverses the toe of the hill south from the Pyramid saddle between the 600- 700m contours to two tarns close to the southern boundary. The 4wd track along the ridge connects the Pyramid saddle track to the Ben Ohau and the Greta tracks system on the neighbouring Ruataniwha CP.

The northern edge of the property borders Darts Bush stream and the Flanagan pass track which connects to the mountain bike and 4wd tracks on the eastern slopes of Lake Ohau.

It 17 km road to road through property from Pukaki Canal to the Glen Lyon Road.

2.8.2 Legal Access

Roads An un-named un-formed legal road provides access to the northeast and northern boundaries of the property from the Pukaki Canal Road.

The south eastern corner of the property can be accessed via Ben Ohau road which continues unformed along the eastern boundary where it meets the Pyramid access track. This DOC track is formed for walking, mountain biking and horse riding – it starts at the Pukaki canal and ends at the Ruataniwha Conservation Park boundary at Darts bush stream. It attracts 2000 users per annum and is venue for the Hard Labour Weekend events.

Adjoining Public Conservation Land Access to the west and northwest boundaries of the property on the slopes of the Ben Ohau Range is available from Ruataniwha Conservation Area and Ruataniwha Conservation Park.

Marginal Strips The property is subject to Part IVA Conservation Act 1987 as it had a lease renewal in 1995. The lease document lacks this annotation (Due Diligence Report). There has been no formal survey to determine what streams have an average width of greater than 3 m which would qualify for marginal strips. Observation suggests that this will be limited to Darts Bush Stream.

2.8.3 Activities

The most significant feature is the easy accessibility of the eastern ridge of the Ben Ohau/ Ruataniwha Peak and its close proximity to the expanding rural residential area of Ben Ohau Rd and Manuka Terrace.

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The Pyramid access track is formed for walking, mountain biking and horse riding – it starts at the Pukaki canal and ends at the Ruataniwha Conservation Park boundary and passes through the PL. It attracts 2000 users per annum and is venue for the Hard Labour Weekend events.

The upper slopes of the property, on the Ben Ohau Range, are visible from the Twizel area. The higher ridges and slopes of the property provide opportunities for back-country recreation such as tramping and nature study, along with more extensive areas of the Ben Ohau Range on public conservation land. Lower-altitude parts of the property provide opportunities for walking, mountain biking and nature study.

Hunting is a popular activity on adjacent PCL with numbers of tahr, chamois, pigs and chukor present.

2.8.4 Significance of Recreation

A significant feature of the property is the contribution it makes to the spectacular scenery of the Mackenzie Basin and the natural recreation settings throughout the property. It is the closest range to Twizel being only 9km by road to boundary.

The current and potential bike routes including the Pyramid access track are significant. There are a multitude of outdoor recreational opportunities available on the property, which are significant due to the close proximity to Twizel.

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PART 3

OTHER RELEVANT MATTERS & PLANS

3.1 Consultation

Comments were received from the following parties during the preparation of this document.

Central South Island Fish and Game Council The Council advises that Darts Bush Stream has no known fish values but is a tributary of the Twizel River, which does support an important fishery, and that the property provides some opportunities for upland game bird hunting (chukor and quail). The Council requests that stream banks and water quality be protected from intensive land uses, and that access is maintained along all existing legal roads and foot routes on the property.

Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board The Board provided general comments on the desired outcomes of tenure review. The Board requests that: • ecological connectivity with adjacent protected areas be maintained; • altitudinal sequences be protected; • freshwater systems be protected and buffered (fenced) from the effects of activities on adjacent land; • boundaries with freehold land be fenced and include buffers to protect ecological values from the effects of activities on adjacent land; • opportunities for recreational access be provided (e.g. mountain bike tracks); • land use capability be taken into consideration; • Ngai Tahu values be respected and protected; • covenants on freeholded land be effective.

Written submissions are attached in Appendix 3

3.2 District Plans

Omahau Hill pastoral lease lies within the Rural Zone of the Mackenzie District Plan.

Sites of Natural Significance listed in the Mackenzie District Plan that lie on the property are;

Site 9, Gretas Stream: in the upper part of Gretas Stream north-east of Ben Ohau which includes RAP BO – 7, (Upper Gretas Stream)

Site 12, Halls Block: situated on Manuka Terrace.

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The Mackenzie District Plan contains a number of rules relating to land use activities within sites of natural significance, within riparian areas and in high altitude areas (i.e. areas above 900m).

3.3 Conservation Management Strategies

Omahau Hill Pastoral Lease lies within the Waitaki Place Unit of the Canterbury Conservancy. Relevant priority objectives for this unit listed in the CMS (Department of Conservation, 2000) are:

• To identify, maintain and seek to enhance the natural landscapes and natural landscape values of the Waitaki Unit. • To identify the significant indigenous vegetation and threatened species of the Waitaki Unit. • To use a range of effective methods to protect the indigenous biodiversity of the Waitaki Unit. • To protect and enhance the viability of priority threatened species populations and their habitat(s) in the Waitaki Unit. • To improve the range of viable riparian habitats for indigenous species in the Mackenzie Basin. • To prevent the loss of natural and landscape values from wilding trees on land managed by the Department. • To liaise with land managers and regulatory agencies to control and contain wilding trees. • To reduce and maintain rabbit and thar densities to levels that ensure their adverse effects on natural values are minimised. • To provide new recreational facilities and opportunities by the Department and other organisations and concessionaires where natural and historic values are not compromised. • To liaise with adjacent landholders to resolve conflicts over access for recreation to land managed by the Department. • To provide quality interpretation at priority sites in the Mackenzie Basin. • To increase public awareness of the natural and historic values of the Waitaki.

3.4 New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy

The New Zealand Government is a signatory to the Convention on Biological Diversity. In February 2000, Government released the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy. This strategy is a blueprint for managing the country’s diversity of species and habitats. It sets a number of goals to achieve this aim. Of particular relevance to tenure review is Goal 3, which states:

• Maintain and restore a full range of remaining natural habitats and ecosystems to a healthy functioning state, enhance critically scarce habitats, and sustain the more modified systems in production and urban environments, and do what is necessary to: • Maintain and restore viable populations of all indigenous species across their natural range and maintain their genetic diversity.

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3.5 Protecting Our Places

In April 2007 the Ministry for the Environment produced a new policy document titled ‘Protecting Our Places’ which was jointly launched by the Minister of Conservation and the Minister for the Environment. This publication introduces four national priorities for protecting rare and threatened native biodiversity on private land. The national priorities identify the types of ecosystems and habitats most in need of protection.

The policy statement supports the government’s pledge to maintain and preserve New Zealand’s natural heritage. This began in 1992 when New Zealand signed the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity; followed in 2000 with the release of the New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.

The four national priorities for biodiversity protection are listed below. They are based on the most up to date scientific research available.

National Priority 1: To protect indigenous vegetation associated with land environments, (defined by Land Environments of New Zealand at Level IV), that have 20 percent or less remaining in indigenous cover.

National Priority 2: To protect indigenous vegetation associated with sand dunes and wetlands; ecosystem types that have become uncommon due to human activity.

National Priority 3: To protect indigenous vegetation associated with ‘originally rare’ terrestrial ecosystem types not already covered by priorities 1 and 2.

National Priority 4: To protect habitats of acutely and chronically threatened indigenous species.

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PART 4

ATTACHMENTS

4.1 Additional Information

4.1.1 References Cited

Allibone, R., David, B., Hitchmough, R., Jellyman, D., Ling, N., Ravenscroft, P. and Waters, J. 2010. Conservation status of New Zealand freshwater fish, 2009. New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 44: 1-17.

Boffa Miskell and Lucas Associates. 1993. Canterbury Regional Landscape Study, Volumes I and II.

Chadderton, W.L., Brown, D.J. & Stephens, R.T. 2004. Identifying Freshwater Ecosystems of National Importance for Biodiversity. Discussion document. Department of Conservation, Wellington. 112pp.

Conservation Resources Report, Ben Ohau Pastoral Lease, 2002: Unpublished Report, Land Information New Zealand.

Conservation Resources Report, Bendrose Pastoral Lease, 2005: Unpublished Report, Land Information New Zealand.

Cox, S.C.; Barrell, D.J.A (compilers) 2007. Geology of the Aoraki area. Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences 1:250,000 Geological Map 15. 1 sheet + 71p. Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Limited, Lower Hutt.

de Lange, P.J.; Norton, D.A.; Courtney, S.P.; Heenan, P.B.; Barkla J. W.; Cameron E. K.; Hitchmough, R.; Townsend, A.J. 2009. Threatened and uncommon plants of New Zealand (2008 Revision). NZ Journal of Botany 47: 61-96.

Department of Conservation, 2000. Canterbury Conservation Management Strategy, Canterbury Conservation Management Planning Series No. 10. Department of Conservation, Christchurch. 320p. Espie, P.R.; Hunt, J.E.; Butts, C.A.; Cooper, P.J.; Harrington, W.M.A. 1984. Mackenzie Ecological Region, New Zealand Protected Natural Areas Programme. Department of Lands and Survey, Wellington.

Hitchmough, R.A.; Hoare, J.M.; Jamieson, H.; Newman, D.; Tocher, M.D.; Anderson, P.J.; Lettink, M.; Whitaker, A.H. 2010: Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2009. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 37: 203–224.

Johnson, P. & Gerbeaux, P. 2004: Wetland types in New Zealand. Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand. 184 pp.

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Leathwick, J.; Wilson, G.; Rutledge, D.; Wardle, P.; Morgan, F.; Johnston, K.; McLeod, M.; Kirkpatrick, R. 2003. Land Environments of New Zealand. David Bateman, Auckland. 184p.

McDowall, R.M. 2000: The Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Freshwater Fish. Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd, Auckland.

McDowall, R.M., & Richardson, J. 1983: The New Zealand freshwater fish survey: a guide to input and output. New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, 15 pp.

McEwen, W.M. (editor) 1987. Ecological regions and districts of New Zealand, third revised edition (Sheet 4). New Zealand Biological Resources Centre Publication No.5. Department of Conservation, Wellington, 1987.

Otago Regional Council 2008 (revised): A photographic guide -Freshwater Invertebrates of New Zealand. Otago Regional Council, Dunedin, New Zealand. 27pp.

Reed, C.E.M.; Murray, D.P.; Butler, D.J. 1993: Black stilt Recovery Plan (Himantopus novaezelandiae). Threatened Species Recovery Plan Series No. 4. Department of Conservation, Wellington.

Tocher, M.D. 2006: Survival of grand and Otago skinks following predator control. Journal of Wildlife Management 70: 31–42.

Tomlinson, A.I. 1976. In: New Zealand Atlas (Ian Wards, Editor). Government Printer, Wellington.

Walker, S.; Price, R.; Rutledge, D. 2005. New Zealand’s remaining indigenous vegetation cover: recent changes and biodiversity protection needs. Landcare Research Contract Report LC0405/038.

Williams, P. A.; Wiser, S.; Clarkson, B.; Stanley, M.C. 2007. New Zealand’s historically rare terrestrial ecosystems set in a physical and physiognomic framework. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 31(2): 119–128 (2007).

Winterbourn, M.J., Gregson, K.L.D. & Dolphin, C.H. 2006: Guide to the aquatic insects of New Zealand, 4th Ed. Petone, New Zealand. Bulletin of the Entomological Society of New Zealand 14, 108 pp.

4.2 Maps

4.2.1 Topographical Plan 4.2.2 Landscape Units Plan 4.2.3 Botanical and Invertebrate Values Plan 4.2.4 RAPs, Bird and Lizard species 4.2.5 Land Resource Inventory Plan 4.2.6 LENZ threat categories

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4.3 Appendices

Appendix 1 Plant Species Recorded Appendix 2 Animal Species Recorded Appendix 3 Written submissions from consultation

4.4 Photographs

4.4.1 Landscape Photos

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