Te Rere Hau Eastern Extension NZ Windfarms

NZ Windfarms Ltd. Te Rere Hau Wind Farm Eastern Extension

ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary...... 1 1 Introduction ...... 3 1.1 Project Outline...... 3 1.2 Methodology...... 5 1.2.1 Existing Literature Review...... 5 1.2.2 Botanical Surveys & Assessment...... 5 1.2.3 Avifauna Surveys...... 5 1.2.4 Bats...... 6 1.2.5 Aquatic Biota Habitats ...... 6 1.2.6 Herpetofauna and Terrestrial Invertebrates ...... 6 1.2.7 Ecological Sensitivity Assessment...... 6 2 Description of Existing Natural Features ...... 8 2.1 Overview ...... 8 2.1.1 Ecological Context ...... 8 2.1.2 Landforms ...... 8 2.1.3 Climate ...... 8 2.2 Indigenous Vegetation Communities within the Wind Farm Locality...... 8 2.3 Turbine Sites and Access Roads within Remnant Indigenous Vegetation ...... 12 2.4 Avifauna...... 13 2.4.1 Existing Records ...... 13 2.4.2 Pasture and Bush Habitats...... 13 2.4.3 Vagrant and Occasional Users ...... 14 2.5 Bats...... 16 2.6 Freshwater Aquatic Biota ...... 17 2.6.1 Stream Morphology & Catchment Description...... 17 2.6.2 Macroinvertebrates...... 17 2.6.3 Freshwater Fish ...... 18 2.7 Other Indigenous Fauna...... 19 2.7.1 Reptiles...... 19 2.7.2 Frogs...... 20 2.7.3 Terrestrial Invertebrates...... 20 2.8 Introduced Mammals...... 20 3 Ecological Significance Assessment ...... 20 3.1.1 Identifying the Ecological “Hotspot Spots”...... 20 3.2 Aquatic Biodiversity...... 22 3.3 Threatened Flora and Fauna within the Study Area...... 23 3.3.1 Plants...... 23 3.3.2 Fauna ...... 23 4 Assessment of Ecological Effects...... 25 4.1 Summary of Potential Ecological Effects...... 25 4.2 Effects on Indigenous Vegetation ...... 25 4.2.1 Turbine Platform, Transmission Line & Access Road Construction ...... 25 4.2.2 Seepage Zones and Wetlands ...... 26 4.2.3 Post-construction Invasion of Exotic Weeds ...... 27 4.3 Summary of Potential Effects on Key Fauna Species & their Habitats ...... 27 4.4 Avifauna...... 30 4.4.1 Construction Effects...... 30 4.4.2 Operational Effects ...... 30 4.4.3 Effects on Bats ...... 34 4.5 Aquatic Biota ...... 34 4.5.1 Excavation Fill Zones...... 34 4.5.2 Sediment Runoff during Construction...... 34 4.5.3 Fill Disposal Sites...... 35 4.5.4 Proposed Stream and Seep Crossings...... 35 4.6 Other Fauna...... 35 4.6.1 Herpetofauna and Terrestrial Invertebrates ...... 35 4.7 Animal Pest Dispersal ...... 36

5 Conclusions and Recommended Amelioration Measures...... 36 5.1 Key Findings ...... 36 5.2 Summary of Potential Ecological Effects...... 36 5.3 Recommendations for Further Pre-Construction Monitoring ...... 37 5.4 Avoidance, Remediation & Mitigation Recommendations ...... 38 5.5 Environmental Management Plan & Post-Monitoring Requirements ...... 38 6 Bibliography and References...... 40

Appendix I Flora Species List Appendix II Habitat Maps Appendix III Threatened Species List

Version: FINAL: 26 May 2009

Prepared by: Gerry Kessels, Britta Deichmann, Ingrid Stirnemann & Rebecca Stirnemann Reviewed by: Gerry Kessels Approved by: Ali van Polanen (NZ Windfarms Ltd), Jane Anderson (Plannit Associates)

This document and its contents is the property of Kessels & Associates Limited. Any unauthorised employment or reproduction, in full or in part, in any format, is forbidden. All photographs are the property of Kessels & Associates Limited unless otherwise stated. © Kessels & Associates Ltd 2009 www.kessels-ecology.co.nz

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Executive Summary

Assessments Undertaken NZ Windfarms Ltd. commissioned Kessels & Associates Ltd. to undertake an assessment of ecological effects (AEE) of the proposed Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm. The general area of the proposed wind farm site lies in the lower North Island to the south-east of Palmerston North, approximately 2 km north of Pahiatua Aokautere Road (Figures 1 and 2). The Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve is situated 8.5 km to the north and the Tiritea Dam Water Catchment Reserve begins 3.5 km to the south. This ecological assessment constitutes the results of a detailed investigation of the ecological values of the site and the ecological constraints of the overall project, including an evaluation of: • The location, extent, type and significance of terrestrial and aquatic indigenous vegetation communities, existing protected natural areas and fauna habitats supported within the project area; • Results of botanical and bird surveys; • The nature and magnitude of any potential adverse ecological effects arising from the proposed wind farm on key ecological features; • A broad outline of suitable avoidance, remediation and mitigation measures required to address any potential adverse ecological effects; and • An outline of the requirements of further ecological investigations and monitoring requirements. Potential Ecological Effects Potential impacts of wind farms on indigenous vegetation and indigenous fauna can be divided into two groups – direct impacts and indirect impacts. Direct impacts could include:

• habitat loss and damage, and destruction of plants and other wildlife, in the course of wind farm development, transmission line and access road construction; • sediment run-off from road and turbine construction affecting waterways and associated vertebrates, invertebrates and aquatic plants; and • mortality of birds, flying insects, and bats through direct collision with the turbines or associated wind farm structures. Indirect impacts could include: • disturbance either from the wind farm and associated activities (noise, visual); • reduced breeding success of birds or other wildlife breeding in close proximity to the wind farm; • new weeds being introduced into natural areas by machinery etc; and • increased predation and scavenger pressure in treeless, unbuilt areas and adjoining fauna habitats, as the wind farm may provide suitable perches and shelter for predators that previously did not inhabit the area. Results of Assessments The Te Rere Hau Wind Farm Eastern Extension is generally situated within pastoral land with little natural features. However, two small but ecologically important broadleaved forests areas remain close to the proposed turbine sites to the north/north-east of the northern most turbine cluster. The turbines are not situated within this vegetation so effects are predicted to be no more than minor and related to occasionalbird collision with operational turbines. The majority of the wind farm turbine sites, access roads and transmission line routes (underground) would result in no more than minor adverse ecological effects. No existing

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Department of Conservation reserves, Council administered covenants or QEII National Trust open space covenants would be directly affected by the proposed wind farm. No regionally or nationally significant or threatened indigenous vegetation would be directly affected by the proposed wind farm. While a maximum of about 2,260 m2 of grazed indigenous horopito scrubland within the farm may be cleared or trimmed as a result of road construction, this vegetation is considered not to be regionally or nationally significant, nor would this very small amount of removal materially affect habitat availability for local indigenous fauna. In addition, refinement of the roading layout during the detailed design phase should reduce clearance even further. No vegetation needs to be cleared to build the turbine sites. Terrestrial fauna effects are likely to be limited to occasional strike by common pasture and bush birds. However, the risk of bird strike is considered to be low and extremely low for bats and NZ falcon. Silt runoff effects during construction on aquatic biota habitats are likely to be no more than minor provided suitable avoidance and remediation measures are adopted during the construction phase. Suggested Approach for Effects Identified Generally, the Te Rere Hau Wind Farm is situated within an ideal location from an ecological perspective. However, there are several indigenous habitats and fauna species which could be adversely affected during the construction and operational phase. It is recommended that measures be taken to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of the project (inclusive of the wind turbines, access roads, the transmission lines) on these key natural features and habitats, which include: 1. Ensure that all aspects of the construction and operation of the wind farm are carried out in such a way to minimise any potential adverse effects associated with sensitive flora and fauna habitat disturbance, sediment runoff and stream crossings. 2. While possible excavation fill sites have been identified in the Construction Plans, recommendations would include the placement of all fill sites away from steep areas, seepage zones or wetlands to reduce sediment loading into downstream areas. 3. The small removal of indigenous vegetation is not considered to be a significant effect in the context of the wider ecological landscape. However, in consideration of the loss of this small amount of vegetation in conjunction with a potential bird strike risk for tui, kereru and NZ falcon, contribution to sustained and targeted animal pest control in a stock fenced and legally protected remnant in the vicinity of the project is warranted.

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1 Introduction

1.1 Project Outline NZ Windfarms Ltd. has commissioned Kessels & Associates Ltd. to undertake an assessment of ecological effects (AEE) of the proposed Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau Wind Farm. The general area of the Te Rere Hau Eastern Extension wind farm site is situated to the east of Palmerston North on the Tararua Range (Figure 1). A project layout has been prepared by NZ Windfarms Ltd., which consists of a maximum of 56 turbines and is an extension of the consented wind farm in the nearby location (Figure 2). A 50 m contingency zone will be required around each turbine to allow for micro-sighting to respond to localised ecological, landscape, geo- technical and wind conditions that may arise as considerations during the detailed design and construction phases. The construction site, subject to this application is approximately 2 kilometres in length (measured along the ranges) and is up to 1.5 kilometres wide, with a total site area of approximately 3 square kilometres. All 56 of the proposed turbines are identical with a hub height of 30 m (47 metres maximum to the tip of the blade, and with two blades with a rotor diameter of 33.2 m. The turbines and blades will all be painted in Resene Jungle Mist (light blue/grey) with a low reflectivity finish. No overhead transmission cables are proposed as part of this application as each turbine will be connected to the substation by underground cables. No aviation lighting will be installed as the turbines are below the height for which lighting is required. The existing North Range Road will not be altered, with the exception of where new site access roads are to be joined. Internal roads to individual turbines and groups of turbines will be 5 m in width with drainage channels on both sides of up to 2 m width. Internal roads will be formed predominantly of local metals imported to the site. At this stage no ‘”borrow areas” have been identified. To date the materials found onsite have been found to be unsuitable for road development. The turbine platforms are approx 20 x 12 m in size and metalled, it is unlikely the platforms will be revegetated/grassed. The actual turbine foundation/concreted area is approximately 2.5 m in diameter and sits to the side of the platform. No material will be removed from the site. Excess material will be compacted at designated controlled fill areas outside major seep and scrubland areas. Lay down areas will be on the consented Te Rere Hau Wind Farm. There will not be a concrete batching plant on site. All concrete will be trucked to the site. This study constitutes the results of an assessment of the ecological values of the site and the key ecological constraint of the overall project, including an evaluation of: • The location, extent, type and significance of terrestrial and aquatic indigenous vegetation communities, existing protected natural areas and fauna habitats supported within the project area. • Results of botanical and bird surveys carried out in October 2007 in addition to those carried on in 2004 for the first stage of the wind farm development. • The nature and magnitude of any potential adverse ecological effects arising from the proposed wind farm. • A broad outline of suitable avoidance, remediation, mitigation and monitoring measures required to address any potential adverse ecological effects. • An outline of the requirements of further detailed ecological investigations.

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Figure 1 Study area location map

Figure 2 Turbine layout (consented turbines in blue and additional proposed turbines in red)

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1.2 Methodology This report is based on a general two day field survey of the proposed turbine study area conducted on the 24th and 25th of October 2007, a review of existing literature and databases, as well as the local knowledge of the authors. The following surveys were conducted: • Botanical surveys; • Avifauna surveys; • Weed and animal pest assessments; • Vegetation typing; and • Freshwater aquatic biota surveys.

1.2.1 Existing Literature Review All existing databases and reports were reviewed to ascertain where the key significant natural areas, waterways and coastal features are located and their characteristics. Specifically the following documents and databases were reviewed: • Statement of Evidence and AEE of Isobel Gabites – first stage of the Te Rere Hau Wind Farm; • Tararua District Plan Maps and Significant Natural Area (SNA) Policy; • The Horizons Regional Plan (significant waterways and regional plan criteria); • National Freshwater Fish Database; • Wildlife & Sites of Special Wildlife Significance; • Ornithological Society of New Zealand (OSNZ) national bird-distribution database; • Land Cover Database II; • New Zealand Plant Conservation Network Database • DoC Protected Natural Area reports; and • QEII National Trust database. Mapping of these known significant indigenous habitats and protected natural areas was undertaken using recent aerial photography in GIS and a database of the natural feature sites and bird records developed by Kessels & Associates Ltd.

1.2.2 Botanical Surveys & Assessment During the survey, all remnant indigenous vegetation areas within or directly adjacent to the proposed wind farm site were visually assessed and mapped on recent aerial photography and incorporated into the project’s GIS database. Several seepage zones were also visually assessed for dominant vegetation types and threatened or unusual plant species.

1.2.3 Avifauna Surveys Data & Literature Review Although no specific bird surveys have been conducted at this point in time to obtain quantitative data on bird populations, the surveys provide a useful picture of the key species present, their relative abundance and their distribution within the proposed wind farm site and in the surrounding area. A review of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand (OSNZ) presents a comprehensive picture of the distribution and abundance of the avifauna within the study area and allows initial analysis of the species likely to be present and their utilisation of the wind farm site. Data from the OSNZ national bird-distribution mapping exercise, based on the presence of bird species in 10,000-yard grid squares, between 1969 and 1979 and again from 1999 to 2005 was obtained for this locality (Robertson et al., 2007). The records from the first atlas scheme are likely to be reasonably accurate for common species, but should not be relied upon for less common species and recent colonisers. The latest Bird Distribution Atlas Mapping Scheme is a more coordinated programme in which the entire country was divided into 10 km x 10 km squares which participants searched, over the five years up until to 31 March 2005 (Robertson et al., 2007).

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Categorising bird risk from turbine strike Turbine strike risk is largely linked to the spatial utilization and is linked to three key parameters: 1) Flight height; 2) Habitat usage; and 3) Flight cover zone. For instance a bird, which does not fly higher than 14 metres and utilises only areas inside bush such as fantails will be of low risk from turbine strike. Birds, however, which fly above 14 metres and below 47 metres and fly over land utilising open areas are at higher risk from turbine strike. This is termed the Rotor Sweep Area (RSA). Multiple observations are needed to determine the risk of bird strike under different conditions within the RSA since a number of factors determine the height birds fly. Both cloud cover and wind affect bird flight height (Gauthreaux, 1991; Gustafson et al., 1977). With a strong head wind many species will fly at low altitudes so they can shelter in valleys, behind hills and clumps of bushes (Gustafson et al., 1977). As no quantitative avifauna surveys have been conducted at this site, this assessment report will utilise avifaunal observations undertaken by Kessels & Associates Ltd in a number of wind farm locations assessing the risk of turbine strike by New Zealand’s avifauna. Migratory bird species Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm is not located in the flight path of any important migratory shorebird or wetland bird species, although information on bird movement within the region appears to be limited and may not account for the movement of birds that fly at night, as many waders seem to do. NZ Falcon No specific surveys were conducted for New Zealand falcon (assessed to be a species potentially sensitive to turbine strike). Instead surveys for this species were opportunistic and observing and listening for falcon calls was incorporated into the general fauna and flora surveys. In addition data of sights from Wingspan, OSNZ and local experts were reviewed. Further specific falcon surveys are recommended.

1.2.4 Bats The long tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus) has been previously recorded in the locality (Fromont, 1991). No specific bat surveys have been undertaken to date at this site.

1.2.5 Aquatic Biota Habitats There is a variety of small streams and seepage zones found throughout the site (see Figure 3). Stream flow is likely to be ephemeral for some of these streams with a peak flow in mid-winter. There is no open, standing water on the proposed turbine site. Fresh water fauna Freshwater biota was not formally sampled, but field observations were made in water courses. Onsite spot sampling of the small ephemeral seepage zones and 1st order tributary streams were carried out using a 0.5 mm meshed D-framed hand-net to sample aquatic macroinvertebrates. Onsite identification was carried out to at least taxa level. In addition the National Freshwater Fish Database (FFDB) was reviewed.

1.2.6 Herpetofauna and Terrestrial Invertebrates No specific surveys were conducted for terrestrial invertebrates or lizards and frogs (herpetofauna).

1.2.7 Ecological Sensitivity Assessment The assessment of the ecological sensitivity (significance) of the areas was based on a review of “The Pahiatua Ecological Region - Protected Natural Areas programme reconnaissance survey” (Fromont 1991).

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Maseyk (2007) describes in detail the justification for determining the ranking of remnant sites of ecological significance within the Manawatu-Wanganui Region. The Horizons MW criteria were partially based on nationally accepted criteria as outlined by Whaley et al. (1995) as follows: 1. Representativeness: How representative is the area of the full range of ecological diversity in the present natural landscape?; 2. Diversity and pattern: What is the diversity of the ecological units and pattern of vegetation types represented?; 3. Rarity/special features: Presence of locally or nationally threatened species or ecosystems; 4. Naturalness/intactness: Extent of indigenous species and natural communities in the area; 5. Size and shape: Influence of size and shape of the area on ecological viability; 6. Inherent ecological viability/long-term sustainability: Will the features of the area maintain themselves in the long-term?; 7. Buffering/surrounding landscape/connectivity: Extent to which an area is buffered from modifying influences. Distance from modifying influences and other natural areas; 8. Fragility and threat: Threat process and agents, effects of proposed modification; and 9. Management input: Nature and scale/intervention necessary & restoration potential. Section 7 of the Horizons Regional Council “One Plan” outlines the relevant policies, objectives and rules in relation to rare, threatened and at-risk indigenous fauna and flora habitats. The relevant polices are: 10. “Policy 7-2: Activities in Rare and Threatened Habitats 11. (a) Rare and threatened habitats* are identified in accordance with Schedule E. 12. (b) Rare and threatened habitats* shall be protected by generally not allowing any of the following activities unless the provisions of subsection (c) or (d) apply: 13. (i) vegetation clearance* or land disturbance* within these areas 14. (ii) discharges of contaminants to land or water, or drainage or diversion of water, within or near these areas. 15. (c) The activities described in subsection (b) will be allowed where they are for the purpose of pest control or habitat enhancement. 16. (d) The activities described in subsection (b) may be allowed for other purposes where there are no more than minor adverse effects on the representativeness, rarity and distinctiveness or ecological context of the rare and threatened habitat*, as assessed in accordance with Schedule E. 17. Policy 7-3: Activities in at-risk habitats 18. (a) At-risk habitats* are identified in accordance with Schedule E. 19. (b) At-risk habitats* shall be maintained by regulating the following activities, and by making consent decisions in accordance with subsections (c) and (d): 20. (i) vegetation clearance* and land disturbance* within these areas 21. (ii) discharges of contaminants to land or water, and drainage and diversion of water, within or near these areas. 22. (c) The activities described in subsection (b) will be allowed where they are for the purpose of pest control or habitat enhancement 23. (d) Where the activities described in subsection (b) are carried out for other purposes, consent decisions will be made on a case by case basis, having regard to an assessment of the ecological significance of the site based upon the site’s representativeness, rarity and distinctiveness, and ecological context as assessed in accordance with Schedule E. 24. Consents will generally be granted in circumstances where: 25. (i) there will be no significant adverse effects on the factors which contribute to the significance of the area as assessed in accordance with Schedule E, or 26. (ii) any significant adverse effects can be adequately avoided, remedied or mitigated, or 27. (iii) financial contributions can be used to adequately compensate for or offset significant adverse effects.”

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2 Description of Existing Natural Features

2.1 Overview

2.1.1 Ecological Context An Ecological District (ED) is a scientifically determined region which reflects the underlying biophysical characteristics of a locality. Each ED has a number of unique or distinctive biophysical features which distinguishes it from neighbouring EDs. In this study the ED investigated is Woodville within the Pahiatua Ecological Region. Woodville ED comprises a series of parallel river basins lying in a trough at the foot of the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges. Here young alluvial surfaces and older uplifted terraces give the landscape a broad flat appearance. East and north of the Woodville ED is the Puketoi Ecological ED, primarily distinguished by its mass of low-lying sedimentary hills, which mostly occur at around 300 m above sea level. These hills surround the alluvial trough of the Woodville ED.

2.1.2 Landforms The Te Rere Hau site incorporates a section of undulating ridge crests and steep-sided gullies on the ridgeline and eastern aspect of the northern Tararua Range, where it forms a pasture and exotic forest dominated saddle between the Tararua Range and the Ruahine Range (to the north of the Manawatu Gorge). Although the overall geomorphology is saddle-like, the site ranges in altitude from 300 m up to 500 m on the crest of range. Landforms across the site comprise gently undulating, loess-mantled ridge crests and spurs, which are dissected in places by deeply incised, steep-sided gullies. There is also a gently rolling basin area with flat-bottomed stream beds within which normally deeply-incised brooks become seeps bogs for a distance. There are scattered greywacke outcrops, in places heavily shattered and weathered, but generally the land is mantled with deep and well weathered loess. The majority of the site has soils of the Ramiha silt loam complex. These loams are moist all year round with free internal drainage and little build-up of clay. The soils pug easily but are well drained where cattle and roading have not consolidated the topsoil. The well developed structure of the soils makes them resilient to erosion, however the sheer force and volume of run-off of rain on exposed ground in this environment is enough to create concern about the amount of sediment that would be supplied into waterways during earthworks were best practice methods not implemented. The lowermost slopes of the site are recognised as Korokoro hill soils, also developed on thick loess and soil fluction deposits. In the past such conditions would have been associated with rimu-rata forest. Compared with the Ramiha soils the Korokoro soils reflect a short dry season.

2.1.3 Climate The Te Rere Hau wind farm site is exposed to strong prevailing winds (west and north-west) and is frequently in cloud. Site records show the annual mean wind speed to be high, at 10.5 m/s (Gabites, 2004). Rain days occur between 140-160 per year (i.e. around half the year is overcast and wet), with 1200-1400 mm falling each year on average. Rain is heavier during winter months, but is also significant during December. These conditions are reflected in the stunted stature of native vegetation close to the ridgeline and the prevalence of epiphytic growth on the older trees. Pasture growth in winter is relatively slow not because of lack of nutrient but because of cold temperatures.

2.2 Indigenous Vegetation Communities within the Wind Farm Locality A full botanical survey was not undertaken, as the erection of turbines and associated roading will have limited impact on existing native vegetation. Surveys were undertaken, however, to note whether the bush provides adequate bird habitat, both now and potentially, and whether proposed

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 9 earthworks might impact through dust deposition or siltation or increased run-off through these patches of bush. Common plant names are used in the text. For botanical names refer to the plant list in Appendix I. Figure 3 provides an overview of the vegetation of the subject site. Smaller scaled vegetation maps are provided in Appendix II. In unmodified conditions a mature forest cover would have been transitional between northern rata - rimu / hinau / kamahi at lower levels (with tawa on moister, fertile slopes) through to a miro - rimu / kamahi association at the range crest. The historic modification of the area, however, has resulted in substantial loss of kamahi and rata (through possum browse; general forest clearance and subsequent fire; possibly logging, wind and browse damage to surviving remnants). All remaining native vegetation has been heavily browsed by stock and possum both in the past and currently. Regeneration, therefore, is confined to unpalatable species and is hindered by pest browse of seeds and by the loss of bird pollinators and seed distributors. The best regeneration occurs where stock are excluded. Land-uses in the vicinity are now primarily pastoral (sheep, deer and cattle) and plantation (Pinus radiata and some Eucalyptus). Associated with the pastoral grasslands are scattered macrocarpa and pines, both as isolated specimens and as shelter rows. The majority of the vegetation within the eastern extension of the Te Rere Hau site is pasture with scattered patches of horopito scrub and some gorse along the margins and on lower slopes. In general, the vegetation in the gullies is taller and contains more broadleaved species while horopito scrub dominates on higher altitudes. Large areas of pine plantation are situated adjacent to the site in the north. Seepage zones have formed mainly in the gully heads, but these are all subject to stock grazing (refer to Figure 3). Scattered horopito stands Stands of horopito are scattered throughout the subject area (Photo 1). Along with the patches of gorse, these scrublands represent the initial colonisation of grasslands. These stands have a rather short, but closed canopy and also contain kanono, heketara, narrow-leaved mahoe, climbing rata and thin-leaved coprosma. The epiphytic hound’s tongue fern, leather-leaf fern, hanging spleenwort and bamboo orchid are present and bush lawyer climbs up into the canopy. Lacebark and mangeao seedlings as well as Cardamine sp. and creek fern are present in the groundcover. Cudweed occurs along the margins and on cuts together with a number of ferns.

Photo 1 A typical patch of horopito scrub

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Figure 3 Vegetation and seepage zone map Pine forest A large area of pine forest (approx. 15 m tall) is situated adjacent to the subject site in the north- west. This area has been fenced off for several years and now houses a dense understorey of native shrub species along the margins where light levels are high enough (Photo 2). Species include mainly horopito, mahoe, wineberry, pate, mamaku and kanono. Hound’s tongue fern, leather-leaf fern, hanging spleenwort and thread fern are common epiphytes and ring fern is present in the groundcover amongst common pasture herbs and grasses. It is anticipated that this forestry area will be clear felled when the trees reach maturity. Younger and unfenced pine plantations are adjacent to the site in the north-east.

Photo 2 Showing native re-growth underneath the pine canopy

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Broadleaved forest A large native bush stand covers the valley adjacent to the north of the main pine area approximately 200 m to the north-west of proposed turbine E1. The valley is running northwards and comprises lacebark dominated areas with some treefern and horopito patches throughout (Photo 3). The valleys and adjoining hillslopes running to the south-east of the site have pines around the margins and contain horopito and mahoe with some emergent rewarewa (Photo 4). Relatively immature tawa follows the leading ridges and pigeonwood was found occasionally. Mamaku, ponga and soft tree ferns are present in the mid-tier and the understorey has species such as rangiora, kaikomako, pate, Raukaua anomalus, hangehange and putaputaweta. A large amount of climbers and epiphytes are evidence for the moist climate within the stands. Two species of climbing rata, kiekie, pohuehue and thread fern are commonly found climbing up the shrubs and stems. Bush lawyer, supplejack and white clematis are common lianes. Present epiphytes include hanging spleenwort, hound’s tongue fern, leather-leaf fern, bamboo orchid and Huperzia varia. The groundcover has ring fern, creek fern, ground-based Astelia, scrub nettle and common pasture herbs and grasses.

Photo 3 Lacebark dominated forest to the north-west of the site

Photo 4 Broadleaved forest in one of the valleys running south-east from the subject site with pine plantation on the higher slopes

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Seepage zones Some small seepage zones are present on the subject site, which are currently impacted by stock (Photos 5 and 6 overleaf). These zones contain small perennial and ephemeral streams, but they are unlikely to support significant botanical values. Road Embankments Road embankments are important in the environment as they are often stock-free zones, so support palatable species. They are generally moist, with high species diversity due to their mixture of both open ground species and juveniles of forest species. Cortaderia fulvida is present along road cuttings as well as ground-based Astelias.

2.3 Turbine Sites and Access Roads within Remnant Indigenous Vegetation All of the turbine sites are within pasture with no significant remnant indigenous vegetation directly affected. Some vegetation will be affected through the widening of access roads. The relevant vegetation types are grazed horopito dominated scrub within pasture.

Photo 5 Seepage zone near proposed turbine site E31

Photo 6 Typical seep area near the existing access road

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Photo 7 Typical horopito scrub remnant near the existing track 2.4 Avifauna

2.4.1 Existing Records The OSNZ have compiled the Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand (1999-2004) forming a relevant set of data on the birds of the locality (Robertson et al., 2007). These records provide an indication of the bird species to be found in the vicinity. Fifty three bird species have been identified as being present within the ecological district of the proposed Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm. The predominant bird species in close vicinity of the wind farm area are mostly common grassland passerines, wetland species and some native species. Table 1 summarises the bird species found, their ecological requirements and conservation status (Miskelly et al., 2008). The altitude of the site is such that its climate is much more severe than found at lower altitudes, reflecting high all year round soil moisture, cold winters and heavy rainfall. In addition, the scrub found on site is sparsely distributed, usually compromised by stock grazing and with few mature native trees, lacks suitable nesting sites and food sources. This in turn means that indigenous birds, such as tui and kereru are likely to be sparsely distributed. However, during the spring and summer months certain flowering trees and climbers are likely to attract native birds at slightly different times than either along the foot-slopes below or to the higher forests around Tiramea and thus influences the seasonal migration patterns of birds in the locality. The site was visited twice during daylight hours in 2004 and 2007 respectively – 9th August 2004 (overcast and windy) and 23rd August 2004 (fine and calm); 24th October 2007 (fine and windy) and 25th October 2007 (overcast and windy).

2.4.2 Pasture and Bush Habitats From the site visits undertaken by Gabites (2004) in association with this assessment (2007), anecdotally, the most abundant bird species found on site are exotic finches, starling, spur-winged plover and magpie – all typical open grassland species. Native species are present in lesser numbers – pairs of Australasian harrier, paradise shelduck and NZ pipit frequent the open ground and small insectivorous bush birds such as fantail and grey warbler frequent the scrubland vegetation (Table 2). Kereru is likely to occasionally frequent the property when flying between bush remnants. There were a large number of flocking finches and no tui, bellbird, cuckoo or kereru were observed in either 2004 or 2007 (these species are more likely to be found at lower altitudes

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 14 during winter or in the case of long-tailed and shining cuckoo seasonally absent from New Zealand). Nevertheless, there was a surprising lack of small forest birds in either the scrublands or adjacent bush fragments and very few Australasian harriers. The one endemic bird species which is nationally threatened and does regularly use the site is New Zealand pipit.

NZ Falcon New Zealand falcons have been recorded in the Manawatu River near Ashhurst (Robertson et al., 2007) and captive bred birds have also been released in recent years. In addition Wingspan New Zealand has recorded sightings in the general locality (see Figure 4 below). Although no falcon have been sighted within the proposed wind farm area, falcons can be elusive to the untrained observer, records are sparse and these birds can have vast home ranges. Research in the 1970’s (Fox, 1977) suggested that falcons in their bush environment have home-ranges of up to 120 km2. However, current radio tracking data from research on falcons in pine forests (R Seaton, pers com), suggests that their home-ranges are considerably smaller than this (10 km2). Although the falcon requires significant areas of native forest for nesting, its feeding range can be 5 km, theoretically putting it within range of this property, and it is possible that juvenile falcon displaced by their parents in spring, may explore the property for potential new territory.

Figure 4 New Zealand falcon sightings in the North Island (source Wingspan)

2.4.3 Vagrant and Occasional Users A number of migratory species (in particular waders and waterfowl) may be expected to pass overhead at certain times during the year. Generally such birds fly at high levels (higher than 150 metres) unless there is suitable habitat for transitory resting. The Te Rere Hau site does not offer such habitat. Banded dotterel, black-fronted dotterel and black-billed gull have been recorded as being present within the locality, as are pied stilt and South Island (or NZ) pied oystercatchers. Black-backed gulls will be occasionally found in the area. While it is highly unlikely that any of these species will be actual users of any habitat within the wind farm footprint, individuals or flocks may pass the site on occasion, particularly during migratory periods. It should be pointed out that while the migratory routes of any of these species is largely unknown, there is no indication that this site would be within a migratory flight path, although resident pied stilts may fly across the site to utilise various flooded wetlands and paddocks on either site of the ranges in the winter months. North Island kaka have been seen utilising the lowland forest habitats on a seasonal basis in the bush areas immediately south in the Tararua Ranges, but there are no records (official or

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 15 anecdotal) of this species being present within the study area (Robertson et al., 2007). However, it is likely that kaka are seasonally using fruiting podocarp in alluvial terrace remnants in the vicinity of Palmerston North and the Tararua and Ruahine Ranges and thus birds are flying between these areas. North Island kaka can be regarded as vagrant visitors to this locality - at very best - from their strongholds further south. Both cuckoo species may cross the Tararua Ranges on their migratory flights. Table 1 Summary of Bird Species found within the vicinity of the Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm, their Ecological Requirements and Conservation Status (Miskelly et al., 2008)

e - endemic o - observed Common name n - native / National Threat on site naturalised Classification ex - expected i - introduced (Miskelly et al., 2008) on site un - unlikely birds sighted or expected on site Bellbird e Not threatened ex Fantail e Not threatened o Kereru, NZ pigeon e Not threatened ex Kingfisher e Not threatened ex Morepork e Not threatened ex Paradise shelduck, pare e Not threatened o Tomtit e Not threatened o New Zealand pipit e Declining o Riroriro, grey warbler e Not threatened o Tui e Not threatened ex Blackbird i N/A o Canada goose i N/A ex Chaffinch i N/A o Dunnock i N/A o Goldfinch i N/A o Greenfinch i N/A o Magpie i N/A o Skylark i N/A o Starling i N/A o Yellowhammer i N/A o Australasian harrier n Not threatened o Pukeko n Not threatened ex Silvereye, waxeye n Not threatened o Southern black-backed gull n Not threatened o Spur-winged plover n N/A o Welcome swallow n N/A o White-faced heron n Not threatened ex Shining cuckoo n Not threatened ex possible occasional visitors New Zealand falcon e Nationally vulnerable ex North Island kaka e Nationally vulnerable un Grey teal e Not threatened un South Island pied oystercatcher e Declining un Long-tailed cuckoo e Naturally uncommon un Black-billed gull e Nationally endangered un Little black shag n Naturally uncommon ex Banded dotterel n Nationally vulnerable un Black-fronted dotterel n Coloniser un Pied stilt n Declining un Whitehead e Not threatened un

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Table 2 Birds observed and expected on site (K & A, 2007 & Gabites, 2004) At ground level, open pasture: • Flocks of goldfinch, yellowhammer (including flocks of over 100 birds), chaffinch, greenfinch, dunnock. Individual hedge sparrow, NZ pipit, welcome swallow, groups of magpie (between 2 and 20), silvereye (within low scrub), pukeko, paradise shelduck (in pairs), spur-winged plover.

At mid level (tree height), traversing open pasture: • Flocks of starlings, black-back gull, individual blackbird, kingfisher, kereru (occ.), tui (occ.)

At high level, over open pasture: • Flocks and individual magpies, Australasian harrier, NZ falcon (T*, occ), skylark, grey teal (occ), little black shag (T, occ), white-faced heron (occ), NZ pied oystercatcher (T, occ)

Within bush remnants: • Riroriro (grey warbler), fantail, blackbird, silvereye, bellbird, kereru, morepork, tui, chaffinch, shining cuckoo, long-tailed cuckoo (T, occ), whitehead (occ), NI kaka (T, occ)

Overhead & within adjacent bush remnants: • Australasian harrier, falcon (T, occ)

Within adjacent pine plantations and bush remnants: • Tomtit, riroriro (grey warbler), fantail, blackbird, morepork, whitehead (occ), falcon (T, occ.) * T = Threatened species

2.5 Bats Habitat Requirements and Behaviour There are two species of native bat in New Zealand – the lesser short-tailed bat (Mystacina tuberculata) and the long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus). Lesser short-tailed bats are currently thought to be restricted in their range to forest reserves in the central North Island and lower South Island (King, 2005). Short-tailed bats exhibit a unique terrestrial foraging behaviour in which the bats will fold back their wings and move along the ground, hunting for insects and feeding on the nectar of ground dwelling plants. This behaviour makes short-tailed bats extremely vulnerable to predation (Lloyd, 2001). Thus, these bats are associated with deep forest areas and are not generally thought to spend time near forest edges or in open grassland or pasture habitats and are now likely to be locally extinct within the study area. Conversely, long-tailed bats are often found in feeding in open pasture areas. Long-tailed bats are aerial insectivores, also known as aerial hawkers. Their morphology allows them to attain moderately fast flight speeds at a relatively low energetic cost (O’Donnell, 2001). However, their ability to manoeuvre is limited in cluttered habitats and therefore they prefer to hunt in more open areas. Foraging long-tailed bats frequent forest edges or low density regenerating kanuka and manuka forests (O’Donnell, 2001b). However, studies on the nightly activity of long-tailed bats have indicated that insect activity, rather than habitat, is the best predictor of bat activity (O’Donnell, 2000). This is reflected in the flexibility with which long-tailed bats make use of a wide variety of environments including wetlands, over open water and along roads and clearings (Molloy, 1995; Griffiths, 1996; O’Donnell, 2001). Long-tailed bats have also been recorded as foraging extensively over farmland (Griffiths, 1996; Borkin, 1999). There is evidence that food availability is a limiting factor for bats in New Zealand (O’Donnell, 2000). Thus, bats can be forced to hunt for much of the night and across an unusually large range. Though no bats have been previously recorded in the Te Rere Hau wind farm area, this is not to suggest that bats are not present in the study site or are not using the surrounding area for

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 17 foraging. Long-tailed and short-tailed bats have been recorded previously from large forest tracts in the vicinity of the Manawatu Gorge, 8.5 km from the proposed turbine site and long-tailed bats may be present throughout the study area, particularly within and adjacent to horopito scrublands in the gullies and in the broadleaved forest vegetation. 2.6 Freshwater Aquatic Biota

2.6.1 Stream Morphology & Catchment Description The streams within the Te Rere Hau wind farm site are all first order tributaries of the Makaretu Creek, which in turn is a tributary of the Manawatu River. The confluence of the Makaretu Creek with the Manawatu River is some 1.5 km SE of Ballance, some 5 km downstream of the edge of the wind farm site. The catchment vegetation is predominantly pasture, but sizable portions are dominated by pine plantation and indigenous forest and scrublands. The waterways comprise of small brooks and headwater seeps, emanating from shallow gullies within farmland. The streams are usually less than 0.5 m in width, possibly ephemeral, with a depth of some 10 cm or less in the riffle habitats. Pools are infrequently found. Substrate consists of pasture grasses and wetland plants in the seeps, with silts/gravels and small cobbles forming the substrates in the faster flowing reaches further downstream (refer to Photos 5 & 6).

2.6.2 Macroinvertebrates Streams All of the small 1st order streams within the Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm are part of farmed landscapes (refer to Photo 8), so that the predominant macroinvertebrate species assemblages are dominated by small crustaceans (Parecallipe & Paraplamphopus), freshwater snails (Potamopyrgus) and true fly larvae (mostly Austrosmulium & Orthocladinae). All of these species are typical of intensively managed pastoral catchments, as well as being typical of small, ephemeral upper stream systems. Seepages areas Surveys of seepage zones carried out by Collier and Smith (2005) found that “rockface seepages can support a diverse and distinctive range of aquatic invertebrates, quite different to communities found in adjacent lotic ecosystems.” As well as an abundance of freshwater snails (Potamopyrgus) and common fly larval species, a number of species new to science was discovered in seepage and spring habitats by them, including a species of cased chironomid belonging to the genus Stempellina (Tanytarsini), the first record of this genus in New Zealand, and two new species of hydrobiid snails. In terms of community composition, taxonomic distinctiveness and average phylogenetic and taxonomic diversity Collier & Smith (2005) showed that “seepage faunas were also significantly different from springs, emphasising that these hygropetric habitats support fundamentally different assemblages of aquatic invertebrates.” One invertebrate species listed as nationally ‘At Risk’ by the Department of Conservation due to sparse populations of this taxon is the freshwater polychaete Namanereis tiriteae, commonly known as a paddle worm (Hitchmough et al., 2007). This species was first identified in the Turitea Stream, and has since been occasionally found in a small number of sites in the Manawatu, although not within the Makaretu Creek catchment. Namanereis is the only river-dwelling polychaete in New Zealand (McArthur et al. 2007). Consequently, while the seeps and stream headwaters found within the Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm site are compromised by farming practices, they may contain sensitive invertebrates species and do perform important filtering functions for the catchment as a whole, thus can be regarded as being sensitive to disturbance, increased sediments loadings and changes in hydrological regimes.

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Photo 8 Typical stream near proposed turbine site E18 leading into small pine stand

2.6.3 Freshwater Fish A diverse variety of freshwater fish fauna can be found within the Ecological District (Table 3 overleaf). At least fifteen fish species and freshwater crayfish (koura) are known to occur in the freshwater bodies within the wind farm site and downstream catchments. The majority of these fish are endemic. Six of these (lamprey, shortfin eel, torrent fish, brown and rainbow trout, inanga) are moist often found within the pasture dominated catchments, while six (koaro, redfin bully, Cran’s bully, giant kokopu, shortjaw kokopu and banded kokopu) are mainly found in streams with dense riparian cover. Longfin eel also occurs throughout the length of the streams in this locality. Dwarf galaxias is probably the most habit specific, but the wind farm site is too high in altitude to provide habitat for this rare and extremely cryptic species. Fish species of significance (national conservation concern) in the vicinity of the proposed wind farm include the dwarf galaxias (chronically threatened) and longfin eel, which is considered to be in gradual decline. Three other species – koaro (gradual decline), the shortjaw kokopu and lamprey (which are classified as sparse) may be present within this sub-catchment (Hitchmough et al., 2007). The upland bully, longfin eel, freshwater crayfish (koura) are likely to be the only fish species found within the streams in the wind farm footprint, while koaro may well be present in the mid-reaches or tributaries some 300-500 m downstream where vegetated cover is dominant and large cobbles cover permanently flowing stream reaches.

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Table 3 Fish species found or likely to be found within the wind farm locality

Species Threat Origin Likely to be found Status

lamprey (Geotria australis) NT E Unlikely

shortfin eel (Anguilla australis) I Unlikely

longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii) NT E Likely

banded kokopu (Galaxias fasciatus) RR E Possibly downstream

koaro (G. brevipinnis) RR E Possibly

dwarf galaxias (G. divergens) NT E Unlikely

shortjaw kokopu (G. postvectis) NT E Unlikely

giant kokopu (G. argenteus) NT E Unlikely

upland bully (Gobiomorphus sp.) E Likely

bluegill bully (G. hubbsi) RR E Unlikely

redfin bully (G. huttoni) RR E Unlikely

common bully (G. cotidianus) E Possibly

Cran’s bully (G. basalis) E Possibly

torrent fish (Cheimarrichthys fosteri) E Possibly

brown trout (Salmo trutta) In Unlikely

rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) In Unlikely

koura (Paranephrops sp.) NT I Likely

Key Usage Threat Status Origin

S - seasonally RR – Regionally E – endemic Rare M - migratory I - indigenous NT - Nationally R – resident Threatened In –introduced

2.7 Other Indigenous Fauna

2.7.1 Reptiles New Zealand has approximately 39 species of gecko and skinks. Seven reptiles (three skink and four geckos) have been recorded in the Pahiatua Ecological Region (Table 4). Two of these species are considered to be species of national conservation concern - the Wellington green gecko and the ornate skink are considered to be in gradual decline. The Wellington green gecko is a species of local importance. Its range of distribution extends from Wellington to the East Cape in a band covering the East coast in a band covering the East coast regions of the southern North Island. The ornate skink is found in lowland areas throughout the North Island. Although there are numerous secure island populations, there is concern about the level of mainland decline in this species. Forest gecko and green gecko are likely to be found in the

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 20 forests and scrublands within and adjacent to the study area. The ornate skink is found in rocky areas and appropriate habitat is not considered to be commonly available within the study site. Table 4 Reptiles present in the Pahiatua ER (adapted from Fromont 1991) Common name Latin name Common skink Leiolopisma nigriplantare maccanni Brown skink Lriopisma zelandicum Orante skink Leiolopisma ornate Common gecko Hoplodactylus maculatus Forest gecko Hoplodactylus granulatus Pacific gecko Hoplodactylus pacificus Wellington Green Gecko Naultinltinus elegans punctatus 2.7.2 Frogs Native frogs (Leiopelma spp.) have never been observed or reported in the locality and are unlikely to be present. However, Leiopelma were once recorded in the 40 Mile Bush when it still existed. However, the seepage areas may provide habitat for two exotic frog species, Litoria aurea and Litoria raniformis. Both have no conservation value in New Zealand, but are threatened species in Australia.

2.7.3 Terrestrial Invertebrates Hundreds of different indigenous insect species may be found within the study area. Few areas in this locality have been seriously sampled for their invertebrates, but it is undoubtedly of critical importance that remnants of native bush be retained for their survival (Fromont, 1991). Moths and butterflies are likely to fly over the wind farm site on a regular basis. The most conspicuous indigenous species would likely include bag moth (Liothula species), common copper butterfly (Lycaena salustius) and red admiral (Vanessa gonerilla). Often seen on the edges of bush margins, the giant bush dragonfly (Uropetala carovei) may be present within on the forest margins of the larger bush areas. Carabid ground beetles and rhaphidophorid (“cave”) wetas are likely to be present along the stream margins, within bush remnants. There is insufficient knowledge of the invertebrate fauna in this region to enable the identification of habitats of highest value to terrestrial species. It is, however, likely that native terrestrial molluscs area reliant on the protection of native vegetation for survival and that pasture dominated habits, as found within this wind farm site provide poor habitat. 2.8 Introduced Mammals Feral animals are found throughout the study area. Rabbits, possums, hare and goats are widespread. Feral cats and stoats are also likely to be common.

3 Ecological Significance Assessment

3.1.1 Identifying the Ecological “Hotspot Spots” Two processes for identifying sites of ecological significance have been pursued in recent years: (i) the Protected Natural Areas Programme, which seeks to identify representative, quality habitats within an Ecological District framework, with surveys undertaken by the Department of Conservation and (ii) Sites of Ecological Significance (SES) surveys undertaken by local authorities to meet the requirements of the RMA. Virtually all remaining natural areas in this ED are important for protection because of their rarity. Only 5 % of the total area of land has a cover of native vegetation. Less than 2% (3,900 ha out of 80,300 ha of the entire land surface) of the Woodville ED is covered in native vegetation according to the protected natural areas programme (PNAP) reconnaissance survey (Fromont, 1991). Of this only 13% is mixed broadleaved scrub (see Table 5). Therefore, despite

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 21 not all vegetation within the study site being in optimal condition, all remaining vegetation of this type is important and will form important habitat for native species as well as linkages and corridors for fauna species utilising the larger fragments surrounding the site (Fromont, 1991).

Table 5 Vegetation composition of the Woodville Ecological District (adapted from Fromont 1991)

Vegetation composition

Manuka Manuka Manuka Mixed Hardwood Lowland scrub Scrub with scrub broadleaved forest podocarp/hardwood mixed with scrub (including forest broadleaved fern beech) scrub

Proportion 38% 29% 1.5% 13% 8% 10.5% of vegetation

Figure 5 indicates the listed ecologically significant sites in the vicinity of the Te Rere Hau wind farm. There are only a few DoC administered reserves within the study area, and none of these would be directly affected by the wind farm - the Manawatu Gorge Scenic Reserve lies some 8.5 km to the north and Tiritea Dam Water Catchment Reserve begins 3.5 km to the south. There are several Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Opens Space Covenants in the locality (none within the proposed eastern extension wind farm footprint). These natural features are legally protected by covenants placed on the affected property title. In 1991 only 170 ha of this ED was protected within the reserve system (Fromont, 1991). However, one QEII site is located within the consented Te Rere Hau wind farm site (QEII trust database & not shown on Figure 5). It is unlikely that further wind farm development will be detrimental to this site. Many small wetlands are present within the Pahiatua Ecological Region. However, no regional significant wetlands will be directly affected by the wind farm. However, the seepage zones and wetlands with indigenous vegetation cover can be considered as ecologically significant given the degree of modification wetlands have suffered regionally and nationally. A review of Schedule E of Horizons Regional Council One Plan indicates that the following habitat types found within or directly adjacent to the Te Rere Hau wind farm site are “Rare and threatened habitats”: Horizons description Kessels & Associates Description Horizons One Plan Classification Seepages & springs Seepage zones Rare

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Te Rere Hau Eastern Extension

Figure 5 Location of known natural areas and sites of interest in relation to the location of the proposed Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm (source Horizons MW) 3.2 Aquatic Biodiversity The proposed Horizons Regional Council One Plan (the ”Regional Plan”) defines the management zone and values of the water bodies within the Manawatu-Wanganui region. The proposed wind farm at North Range Road falls in the Upper Gorge and Middle Manawatu Water Management Zones (Maseyk, 2007). Schedule D of the Proposed One Plan identifies values and water quality standards for each Water Management Zone and Subzones in the Manawatu- Wanganui Region. Table 5 presents the Schedule D assessment of the values in the Upper Gorge and Middle Manawatu Management Zones that may be impacted by the proposed wind farm.

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The Makaretu Creek or its tributaries are listed as containing any listed significant ecological values. While it is noted that the upper tributaries may provide trout spawning habitat, none of the streams observed during the site visit provided suitable habitat for trout to spawn in, being too small and often ephemeral. However, it is noted that downstream of the wind farm these waterways will provide spawning habitat and are likely to be sensitive to large influxes of sediments were good practice measures not implemented. 3.3 Threatened Flora and Fauna within the Study Area

3.3.1 Plants There are four nationally threatened plant species recorded within the Woodville ED which may be present: giant maiden hair fern (Adiantum formosum); Brachyglottis kirkiii var. kirkiii; New Zealand carrot (Daucus glochidiatus); and hairy willow herb (Epilobium hirtigerum). Raukaua edgerleyi was found within the area, but has been re-classified from Gradual decline (Hitchmough et al. 2007) to Not threatened in the 2008 revision of the threatened and uncommon plant species list of New Zealand (de Lange et al., 2009). The giant maiden hair fern is indigenous to the North Island with the only extant populations known to occur along either side of the Manawatu River gorge and in forests near the eastern and western ends as well as around Woodville. Giant maiden occurs in alluvial forests and gorge sites. It is found in shaded sites and amidst drifts of leaf litter with little if any associated vegetation and rarely grows in full sun (NZPCN, 2008). The New Zealand carrot is found in coastal, lowland to montane habitats on cliff faces, rocky outcrops, talus slopes, in short tussockland or grassland and in open forest. This species appears to have undergone a rapid decline over the last 30 years and is now extinct over large parts of its former range. The reason for this decline is not clear, though it is likely that competition from faster growing and taller weeds, particularly rats tail grass (Sporobolus africanus) is a key factor (NZPCN, 2008). Hairy willow herb was once widespread in the North Island (except Taranaki) but was only considered common north of Hamilton. It is found in coastal, lowland to montane habitats where it is a short-lived species of open ground, seepages on cliff faces, sparsely-vegetated wetland margins, braided riverbeds, lake edges and swamps. All recent records are from urban situations, country roadsides or coastal situations, usually in wasteland within new housing developments, bordering drains, within old quarry pits or growing in cliff seepages. In these sites some quite large populations have been destroyed by housing, road works and through competition from large, faster growing weeds (NZPCN, 2008). Brachyglottis kirkiii var. kirkiii and Raukaua edgerleyi were found by Shaw (2008) within the nearby proposed Turitea wind farm site. However, these species were not found during the site survey for the Te Rere Hau wind farm; and given their habitat requirements they are unlikely to be found within the Eastern Extension area and thus are unlikely to be removed as part of the turbine pad or access road construction. No threatened plant species were found within the Te Rere Hau wind farm site and the Eastern Extension in either the 2004 or the 2007 surveys.

3.3.2 Fauna The New Zealand Threat Classification System developed by Molloy et al. (2002) is used to list nominated native New Zealand taxa according to threat of extinction. There are sixteen known or possible nationally threatened fauna species which may be found in a variety of habitats within the Woodville ED which may utilise habitat within or pass through the study area (Hitchmough et al., 2007; Miskelly et al., 2008; Robertson et al., 2007; NFFDB, 2006; Bell, 1986) and are listed in Appendix III. Of these, only NZ pipit has been observed on site as part of the 2004 or 2007 surveys. NZ falcon possibly utilise the area from time to time. Longfin eels and koura are likely to be present within the streams emanating from the site.

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Table 6 Values and water quality standards applying to each water management subzone within the Te Rere Hau Eastern Extension wind farm (*source – Horizons MW)

Zone Wide Values Site / Reach Specific Values Management * Sub zone Description SoS SoS SoS Zone LSC CR Am SG Mau TF SW NS Ae NFS NF TS CAP WS IA I Aq R C

Upper Mangahao River - Mangahao source to Balance UHS 9 9 9 III 9 9 9 9 9 (Mana_9d) (T24:468 818) Mangahao River - Upper Gorge Lower Ballance to Mangahao Manawatu HM 9 9 III 9 9 9 9 9 9 (Mana_9e) confluence (T24:496 891)

Manawatu River - Middle Upper Gorge to Manawatu HM 9 9 9 III 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Teacher’s College Middle (Mana_10a) (T24:331 892) Manawatu Aokautere Stream - (Mana_10) Aokautere source to Manawatu HM 9 9 9 9 (Mana_10e) confluence (T24:349 899) Key: Table Headings: WQS: Water Quality Standard; LSC: Life Supporting Capacity (UHS – Upland Hard Sedimentary, HM – Hill country Mixed Geology); CR: Contact Recreation; Am: Amenity; SG: Shellfish Gathering; Mau: Mauri; TF: Trout Fishery; SW: Stockwater; NS: Natural State; SoS-Aq: Sites of significance for aquatic biodiversity; SoS-R: Sites of significance for riparian biodiversity; Ae: Aesthetics; NFS: Native Fish Spawning; NF: Native Fishery; SoS-C: Sites of Significance for cultural value; TS: Trout Spawning; CAP: Capacity to Assimilate Pollution; WS: Water Supply; IA: Industrial Abstraction; I: Irrigation.

* Includes all inflowing tributaries and catchment areas unless otherwise specified.

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4 Assessment of Ecological Effects

4.1 Summary of Potential Ecological Effects The Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm is situated within intensively farmed pasture land and pine plantations. Figures 1 to 3 and the maps within Appendix II detail the location and extent of the proposed wind farm, indicative turbine sites in relation to the natural features found within the locality. There are three main aspects of the wind farm proposal which could generate adverse ecological effects without suitable management or mitigation. These are: • The removal of a maximum of 2,260 m2 of grazed indigenous horopito scrub vegetation and associated fauna habitat loss; • Bird strike or displacement, particularly tui and kereru; and • Adverse effects associated with construction, such as sediment runoff, water take effects and increased spread of weeds into sensitive natural features. Table 7 is a risk assessment matrix summarising the potential significant ecological effects of the project and the remediation and monitoring requirements which would be required as a consequence. Potential impacts of wind farms on indigenous vegetation and wildlife can be divided into two groups – direct impacts and indirect impacts. Direct impacts could include: • habitat loss and damage, and destruction of plants and other wildlife, in the course of wind farm and access road construction; • sediment run-off from road and turbine construction affecting waterways; and • mortality of individual birds, flying insects, and bats when in collision with the turbines, transmission lines or associated wind farm structures. Indirect impacts could include: • disturbance either from the wind farm and associated activities (noise, visual); • reduced breeding success of individual birds or other wildlife nesting in close proximity to the wind farm; • new weeds being introduced into bush and wetland areas by machinery etc; and • increased predation and scavenger pressure in treeless, unbuilt areas and adjoining fauna habitats, as the wind farm may provide suitable perches and shelter for predators that previously did not inhabit the area (such as hawks and owls). It may also lead to increases in predators currently utilizing the area, by creating a habitat which will support a greater population of predators or by forming optimal conditions for reproduction. 4.2 Effects on Indigenous Vegetation 4.2.1 Turbine Platform, Transmission Line & Access Road Construction No significant indigenous species or remnants occur at any of the proposed turbine sites. The vegetation at sites chosen for wind turbines consists entirely of exotic pasture, which is of minimal value from a biodiversity perspective. However, the creation of access roads could affect indigenous vegetation remnants according to GIS identification of scrubland habitats. Design of these roads will need to consider impacts on any remnant indigenous vegetation and reduce these wherever possible. Effects on indigenous vegetation may include the clearance and trimming of up to 2,260 m2 of unprotected, grazed native horopito scrub remnants (refer to Figure 7 overleaf). This is a very small area of indigenous vegetation to be removed in the context of the Woodville ED.

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Further refinement of road and platform layout during the detailed design phase may reduce the extent of clearance.

Figure 7 Areas of proposed horopito scrub clearance highlighted in red In the context of the site and poor condition of the indigenous vegetation affected, effects are considered to be no more than minor. No nationally threatened plant species were found in the vegetation surveys within the Te Rere Hau wind farm and the Eastern Extension which would be removed as part of the turbine platform, transmission line or access road construction.

4.2.2 Seepage Zones and Wetlands For the most part the seepage wetland areas found contain mostly pasture grasses and weeds with few native species. However, eight seepage zones may be crossed as a consequence of the access roading (Appendix II). These are: at proposed turbine site E3, approximately 50 m before turbine site E5, at the start of the access track to turbines E21 to E25, just north of turbine site E21, at turbine site E22, between turbine sites E30 and E31, north of turbine site E53 and at turbine site E54. The prospective loss of these seep habitats is considered potentially significant in the context of the scarcity of wetlands within the locality. However, seeps dominated by pasture grass and rush species are not considered to be significant under the One Plan criteria. These sites have not been field checked to date and until specific site inspections have been undertaken, the value of these sites cannot be completely assessed. However, it is likely that they are pasture dominated waterways with low ecological values and in any case, the implementation of best practice stormwater management will diminish any effects to negligible. Further site inspections are recommended to confirm this assessment.

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4.2.3 Post-construction Invasion of Exotic Weeds The key natural features surveyed within the proposed wind farm area are largely weed-free apart from small amounts of gorse. The introduction of new weeds and the spread of existing weed species is probably one of the most critical aspects of this project which will need to be managed in terms of protecting the ecological health of the existing indigenous vegetation remnants in the locality. It is therefore vital that the issue of weeds is taken very seriously during both the construction and operation phase. Along the length of the access roads fresh earth exposed during clearance and construction will provide ideal conditions for the further spread of weeds already existing within the area. Furthermore, machinery and aggregate brought in from other areas increases the risk of new weed species establishing within the existing natural areas. Therefore, it is critical that all machinery and aggregate (crushed “AP65” gravel) is thoroughly cleaned, or otherwise guaranteed free of attached seed or plant matter before it is brought on site. Provided due care and initial weed control is carried out as and when required, it is expected that the scrubland species will quickly gain a foot-hold and dominate vegetative cover along access road batters and cuts. Mitigation Requirements Measures to minimise effects of the introduction of weeds include: • As far as possible, confining vehicle movements to formed accessways; • Ensuring construction vehicles are cleaned between jobs (to avoid introducing soil from other sites on tyres, etc); • As far as possible, ensuring aggregate sources are free of weeds; • Undertaking routine monitoring of site works to ensure new infestations are detected and removed before they have an opportunity to spread; and • Scrape off existing topsoil and plant matter for each turbine site within nature features, stockpile and use to re-sow exposed areas as required. Post-construction weed control (e.g. targeted herbicide spraying) should be carried out where necessary - both at the wind farm and along the affected length of the roads. The detailed measures required to achieve the aforementioned measures should be incorporated into the Environmental Management Plan. 4.3 Summary of Potential Effects on Key Fauna Species & their Habitats In term of the potential ecological factors presented to fauna by the construction of wind farms three broad classes of hazard factors can be identified (e.g. Langston & Pullan, 2003; Hötker et al., 2004). These comprise of: 1) a behavioural element, caused by fauna avoiding the vicinity of the turbines as a behavioural response to a visual stimulus and/or sound stimulus; 2) a physical habitat element, where fauna respond to destruction, modification or creation of habitat associated with turbine infrastructure construction; and 3) a direct demographic element, resulting from mortality arising from physical collisions with the superstructures or blades. Birds and bats do occasionally collide with operating wind turbines. The risk of bird strike occurring is dependent on a complex array of variables so that direct comparison of strike rates for wind farms elsewhere, particularly overseas, where migratory raptor, waterfowl and bats have very different behaviour from similar resident species found in New Zealand, or for older wind farms with trestle designs should be undertaken with caution. Investigations to date show that the likelihood of collision depends on a range of factors, including: 1. Technology, such as: • the type of wind turbine;

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• lighting of wind turbines; and 2. The layout of the wind farm; 3. Site characteristics, including: • the ecosystems on the wind farm site; • proximity to bird concentrations; and • the numbers of birds moving across the wind farm site; • the risk behaviours of birds (e.g. soaring at rotor swept area height); and 4. Prevailing weather conditions. The main constraint and uncertainty with regard to assessing the effects of wind farms on New Zealand fauna to date is that there are very few operational turbines in place in the wide array of ecosystems found within this country. Furthermore, while monitoring is being undertaken, there is no long term or scientifically robust data for any New Zealand species to draw upon at this point in time. Nonetheless, overseas data for similar species and anecdotal behaviour responses to structures for some NZ and overseas species and for existing operational NZ wind farms can be used to provide some level of risk assessment with a reasonable degree of confidence. Table 7 is a risk assessment matrix of potential adverse effects on key indigenous habitats and species found within or directly adjacent to the Te Rere Hau wind farm

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Table 7 Ecological Effect Risk Assessment Matrix

POTENTIAL DIRECT ADVERSE ECOLOGICAL POTENTIAL INDIRECT ADVERSE AVOIDANCE, REMEDIATION, MITIGATION MONITORING EFFECTS ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS REQUIREMENTS REQUIREMENTS Forests & Shrublands Yes – No more than minor adverse effects with Edge effects, native birds, weeds. Siting of roads, turbine platforms and fill areas to Regular monitoring for weeds horopito scrub clearance and construction minimise disturbance to forests and shrublands. Vegetation quality/quantity monitoring and liaising with engineer at detailed design stage. Wetlands Yes – small seepage wetlands throughout the locality. Sediment discharges during construction Avoidance of fill within major seep zones. Liaising Pre-construction surveys to assess the value with engineer at detailed design stage to confirm of the seeps in order to quantify appropriate

suitable fill sites. avoidance, remediation and mitigations measures Threatened Plants None known N/A N/A Vegetation quality/quantity monitoring and liaising with engineer at detailed design

stage.

Terrestrial Fauna If indigenous herpetofauna are found, provision Pre-construction herpetofauna & bird Insects Minor Minor should be made for translocation to suitable surveys requirement. habitat outside of the wind farm footprint. Check for bird fatalities during strike Herpetofauna Minor Minor monitoring. Avifauna Yes –potential low risk bird strike and small loss of Change in behaviour to accommodate poor quality habitat. turbines. Aquatic Biota Yes but no more than minor stream crossings for Yes – silt runoff and fish/invertebrate migration Yes – silt management good practice measures Avoidance inherent in design and access roads & earth works for turbine platform sites. impediments through culverts. and fish friendly culverts where necessary implementation of best practice measures.

Key Threatened Fauna Species Yes –pest control to be implemented if any key Pre site surveys and post construction. species found to be present onsite during further NZ falcon Yes – Potential strike –likely to be low risk & low Change in behaviour to accommodate Checks for bird fatalities during strike monitoring. localised potential effect only turbines monitoring. Further falcon, bat and ornate skink survey NZ pipit Yes – Potential strike and small loss of habitat. Low risk & low localised potential effect only. proposed pre-construction to confirm low risk/ no presence assessments. Long-fin eel & koura Yes, but no more than minor associated with small Sediment discharges during construction loss of potential habitat.

Long tailed bat Unlikely – Low risk & low localised potential effect only

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4.4 Avifauna

4.4.1 Construction Effects Resident bird populations within the pasture land of the study area comprise mostly of common native and exotic species of open grasslands, including a variety of small, mostly exotic passerines, Australasian harrier, pukeko, shelduck, spur winged plover and magpie. Local disturbance to these populations is likely to occur during construction works but as the overall proportion of habitat loss is very small and short-term for these ubiquitous species, the existing bird populations will readily re-establish following completion of works if they do indeed become displaced in the first instance. The proposed very small clearance of indigenous scrub is unlikely to result in adverse effects on local native bush dwelling birds.

4.4.2 Operational Effects Generalised Effect Assessment While any tall structure poses some risk to birds, the impact of wind turbines on bird mortality rates can be small if careful consideration is given to the wind farm location in respect of the natural ecology of the area. Available overseas evidence indicates that any impacts of wind farms on wildlife tend to be limited where wind turbines are sited to avoid migratory flight paths and significant habitats (Crockford, 1992). In a review of the assessment of the impacts of wind farms on birds in the United Kingdom and Europe Drewitt & Langston (2006) outlined the potential effects of wind farms on birds as: • Collision mortality; • Displacement due to disturbance; • Barrier effects (alterations of migratory routes); and • Habitat change and loss. The majority of studies of collisions by birds caused by the presence of wind turbines have recorded low levels of mortality (Drewitt & Langston, 2006). There is also evidence suggesting that local populations of birds may learn to avoid turbines (e.g. Everaert, 2003; Langston & Pullan, 2003). Where collision rates have been recorded, the rates per turbine are very variable with averages ranging from 0.01 to 23 collisions annually (Drewitt & Langston, 2006). In a review of bird collisions reported in 31 studies at wind-energy facilities, Erickson et al. (2001) reported that 78 % of the carcasses found at facilities outside of California were protected passerines (i.e., songbirds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act of 2005). The remainder of the fatalities included waterfowl (5.3 %), waterbirds (3.3 %), shorebirds (0.7 %), diurnal raptors (2.7 %), owls (0.5 %), fowl-like (galliform) birds (4.0 %), other (2.7 %), and non-protected birds (e.g., starling, house sparrow, and rock dove or feral pigeon; 3.3 %). Although providing a helpful indication of collision rates, annual average collision rates per turbine must be viewed with some caution as they are often cited without variance and are subject to a large number of variables, such as turbine number, species involved, location, grouping and spacing, and migratory versus non-migratory behaviour. Collision risks depend on a number of factors including the bird species, number and behaviour, weather conditions and topography and the nature of the wind farm operations (e.g., number of turbines, use of lighting). Such risks are likely to be greater on or near areas regularly used by large numbers of feeding or roosting birds and migratory bird habitats or flight paths. Being non-residents, these migratory birds are generally not familiar with an area (e.g. Kerns & Kerlinger, 2004). Collision mortality can occur when a bird flies into turbine towers, blades, overhead lines or associated infrastructure. Collision with turning turbine blades is likely to pose the greatest potential for collision mortality. Establishing the usual heights a species will fly at within the area of a proposed wind farm, and the proportion of time they spend within the proposed RSA allows an initial assessment of which species present, or that are likely to pass through the site, are at risk of suffering collision.

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Once it is established that a species spends at least some of its time flying within the RSA, the key factor in establishing collision risk is whether a bird will develop avoidance behaviour. There is limited information available on the avoidance behaviour of New Zealand’s birds and further research at operational wind farms is required (Powelsland, 2009). However, observations by Kessels & Associates at other sites show that several resident bush birds, notably kereru and tui, can fly through the RSA, particularly during display dive rituals in the mating season (about November – January). Pasture Birds The many small passerine birds living within the locality now are unlikely to be seriously affected by the wind farm, given that these species, tend to fly and forage relatively low to the ground, and certainly are unlikely to fly at heights of 14 – 46 m very often, which would place them below the blade sweep area most of the time. Larger ubiquitous birds, which do not have conservation significance, such as paradise shelduck, Canadian geese, black-backed gulls, magpie, spur-winged plover and harrier are potentially more susceptible to collision, although any incidental mortality will not compromise the viability of local populations. Therefore, the potential effect on these species is assessed to be no more than minor. Australian harriers can and do utilise the RSA and are therefore at risk from turbine strike. Australian harriers were observed to fly over land utilising open areas on the ridge at heights where they were at risk from turbine strike in other localities. However, harriers are a common and widespread species found in pasture habitats throughout New Zealand. The occasional strike would not affect population densities of the species at a local level. NZ Pipit The New Zealand pipit is the only native species present in farmland that is listed under any threat category and is classified as being At Risk - Declining (Miskelly et al., 2008). Similar species in the same genera overseas have been recorded as suffering collision mortality with turbines (Kingsley & Whittam, 2005). The decline in the New Zealand pipit has been linked to several factors, including interspecific competition with skylark, the sealing of roads, increased traffic densities and road speeds, the spread and increase in density of magpies, increased spraying of roadside verges, avian diseases, accidental poisoning, reduction in breeding habitats, predation and a reduction in over-wintering habitats (Beauchamp, 1995). New Zealand pipit may spend some time flying at a height which would place them at risk of turbine collision. The proportion of the time New Zealand pipit may spend within the proposed RSA is currently unknown. Although it is currently not possible to make a definitive conclusion regarding the effect of wind farm construction on New Zealand pipit due to a lack of detailed information on flight heights, they are a species that appears spend much of their time on the ground and well below the height of the proposed turbine blades. As a result it seems unlikely that the New Zealand pipit will be at a high risk of suffering collision mortality with turbine blades. Disturbance of habitat due to wind farm operation also seems unlikely given that little effect on the breeding success or distribution of similar species overseas has been recorded (Thomas, 1999, cited in Percival, 2005) and it thus any effects on pipit will be minor. Should any effects be realised through ongoing collision monitoring at the site, these effects will be remedied through the targeted pest control program proposed for other species, which will increase breeding success and productivity. Bush Birds Very few forest dwelling indigenous birds appear to be utilising this site. Fantail and grey warbler are likely to be widespread and common within scrub habitats, but tui and kereru appear to be rarely found on the site itself and likely to be confining most of their daily movements and flights within the large forest and scrub habitats in the bush areas surrounding the proposed wind farm. Tui and kereru flights are likely to be most active during spring and late summer when seeking new food sources as different trees and shrubs fruit and as nectar and buds becomes available in accordance with climate, forest type and altitude. Kereru will also undertake display and courtship flights in spring and these display flights generally occur over bush but have been observed over

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 32 pasture adjacent to bush (Kessels, pers obs). The height of these display dives can intercept the RSA on occasion and kereru displays up to 40 m above ground has been observed in the investigations for other wind farm sites (Stirnemann, 2008). While there is a risk of tui and kereru entering the RSA during display flights, for the majority of the year these birds are considered to be at a low risk of strike during normal flight movements, either within or between forest fragments. It is also important to note that avoidance measures may be taken by these birds, and in reality, both species are expected to undertake avoidance measures given that their flights are diurnal and that display flights are usually only undertaken during fine and calm weather. Moreover, many observations of tui and kereru in the forest remnants suggest that these species do not usually fly high over ridges or knobs, and usually fly less than 10 m above a pasture ridge, around a high hill point or just about the tree canopy when flying over a forested ridge. Nesting for all of the indigenous forest bird species also tend to occur wholly within densely forested and scrubland areas. While the habitat of potentially vulnerable juveniles of these forest birds is not well understood, evidence tends to suggest that for most species, they do roost close to their nests for several weeks after fledging (Robertson, 1985). This suggests that the risk of strike on turbine blades for juveniles of bird species, such as tui, kereru and morepork would be moderate to high where turbines or transmission lines are situated directly in their habitats, but lower when situated on the edge of bush and even less with wide spacing (c.f. 100 m) between turbines. Moreporks seem to be mainly birds of forest interiors and edges. They remain on territory all year round but dispersing young birds move around after breeding. It is not known if this movement would place them at risk. They do come to lights to feed on the insects that are also attracted (Kessels, pers. obs.) and this feeding behaviour must place them at risk if the turbines are lighted in any way. However, the proposed wind farm will not have aviation lights so this is not likely to be a problem in this case. Site Specific Strike Risk Assessment As stated previously, research on tui and kereru show that these could potentially be at risk especially when doing flight displays prior to nesting (Unpublished data: Kessels, 2008). In addition bellbirds may also be at risk. However, it should be noted that no bellbirds, tui or kereru were seen on the ridge and in the pasture habitat during this study and may potentially not utilise this high altitude site very often. Tui and kereru flights across farmland are likely to be most active during spring and late summer when seeking new food sources as different trees and shrubs fruit and as nectar and buds becomes available in accordance with climate, forest type and altitude. Kereru will also undertake display and courtship flights in spring. However, these display flights generally only occur over bush and not open farm land where the turbines would be situated (Unpublished data: Kessels, 2008). Nesting for all of the indigenous forest bird species also tend to occur wholly within densely forested areas. Even morepork tend to nest in dense bush where they can (Stephenson & Minot, 2006). While the habitat of potentially vulnerable juveniles of these forest birds is not well understood, evidence tends to suggest that for most species, they do roost close to their nests for several weeks after fledging (Robertson, 1985). This suggests that the risk of strike on turbine blades for juveniles of bird species such as tui, kereru and morepork would be low in this case given that mature bush fragments are situated at least 200 m from the nearest turbines and in most cases even further away. Generally, noise generated by the turbines is considered unlikely to disturb forest birds within the vicinity of the turbines, apart from perhaps those present along the immediate boundary and then only until they become habituated to the presence of the wind turbines. Tui and kereru appear to adapt to noise associated with roads and urban environments which are likely to be louder than wind turbines (Unpublished data: Kessels, 2008). In conclusion, the ability of these two “keystone” forest bird species to adapt to the turbines and become accustomed to associated noise and movement should not be underestimated. The birds should be able to fly around the turbines to gain access to other remnant bush areas within the locality.

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Migratory & Vagrant Birds The proposed wind farm site is not on any known migration route for either international or national migratory waders. The most likely migratory waders to pass over the mainland North Island are internal migratory waders, such as South Island pied oystercatchers, pied stilts or wrybill. Part of the national population for these species may head inland from the Firth of Thames or Tauranga Harbour for example, and turn up again in the South Island on their southward migrations. It is unknown what route is taken, but the chances of the migratory route passing over this particular wind farm at such an elevated and centrally located site are slim, as records of migratory flight paths to date suggest these species are flying along more coastal routes in the lower North Island. Resident pied stilts are known to fly across large distances (<50 km) to utilise seasonally flooded wetlands and paddocks, so could, in theory, fly across this site to do so. There are no records of this occurring to date. Long-tailed cuckoo will utilise bush habitats adjacent to the wind farm site where whiteheads are present, but are unlikely to be present within the site apart from occasional overhead flights as no suitable habitat is available. Shining cuckoo may be more at risk of collision, but as this is a widespread and commonly found species, any occasional mortality will be insignificant in terms of the viability of the species’ population. Banded and black-fronted dotterels as well as black-billed gulls and shag species are known to utilise shingle dominated rivers at much lower altitudes in this ecological district and thus unlikely to be found at this site apart from occasional transitory flights. Banded dotterel, however, are known to utilise high altitude pasture areas, but there are no specific records of this occurring within the Te Here Hau wind farm footprint. Moreover, research has shown that banded dotterels in the Manawatu and Wairarapa regions tend to be resident rather than migratory in behaviour thus less likely to be crossing the Tararua Ranges on a regular basis (Pierce, 1999). NZ Falcon No falcons were observed or heard on site. However, no specific falcon surveys have been undertaken and potentially some of the habitat bordering the proposed wind farm was identified as suitable for nesting falcon. New Zealand falcon nest in scarps beneath rocky outcrops or in sheltered forested sites generally on valleys sides, where good views of the surrounding area are provided. In addition to these requirements, some bush (or pine plantation) cover for nest site protection, is desirable. On this basis, it is concluded that the New Zealand falcon is unlikely to nest directly within the Te Rere Hau wind farm site, although the nearby forest remnants do contain potentially suitable nesting habitat. The proximity of the proposed towers to the escarpment bush edge is where falcons could hunt, and hence may fly within to the wind farm. Collisions are most likely to occur if adults are fixed on prey while hunting at height in the immediate area and/ or if chicks are learning to fly from nearby nests. Surveys to date suggest that very few, if any falcons are present in this locality. Further surveys within the breeding season are recommended to ensure no breeding occurs in the vicinity of the wind farm site. If falcons are identified in the area, monitoring of adult falcon movement is recommended to assess how much they use the wind farm area and to establish risk and options for mitigation. Existing Strike Monitoring Monthly checks of strike at each of the existing turbines for Stage I of the Te Rere Hau wind farm have been conducted since September 2006. To date only one magpie has been found under a turbine and the report on this bird was presented to Palmerston North City Council in April 2009 as follows: “....we have found a magpie carcass at Te Rere Hau. The magpie appears to have been dead for some while and I note it is near a turbine which has only recently been commissioned , i.e. it is possible the magpie was dead before the turbine became operational and was not noticed in our monthly walk over because this area has only recently been added to the walkover area - we only check the areas near operational

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turbines. In addition to this, the magpie does not appear to have any injuries/damage, we assume it would were it hit by a turbine blade.” This low intensity of strike monitoring should be continued for the extension work as it has provided useful data to date. Monthly routine checking will not however, detect carcass’s which may have been thrown far from the blades or eaten by predators or scavengers. Nor does it provide scientifically robust information which can be used to quantitatively validate claims made about the low strike risk of wind farms in relation to New Zealand birds (Powlesland, 2009). It is therefore recommended that in addition to routine carcass monitoring, an intensive carcass monitoring survey should be conducted for at least two years once the wind farm is operational as outlined in section 5.5 of this report.

4.4.3 Effects on Bats Erickson et al. (2002) provides an extended review of the available literature and anecdotes involving turbine related bat fatalities. It is appears that most of the bats that strike wind turbines do so in the course of their migration (Keeley et al., 2001). This is supported by studies that have characterised bat activity and strike patterns at specific wind farms such as Buffalo Ridge, Minnesota, Foote Creek Rim, Wyoming, Wisconsin, and the National Wind Technology Center in Colorado (Erickson et al., 2002). All of these wind farms have populations of bats breeding in close proximity to the turbines but few bat fatalities have been documented outside the fall migration period. Only 3.1% of the documented bat fatalities across all of America have occurred during June and early July when bats are not migrating and instead restrict their movements to summer breeding areas (Keeley et al., 2001). Migrating bats do not constantly echolocate, instead they rely on vision to orientate during long flights; it has been proposed that non-echolocating bats fall victim to wind turbines due to non- detection (Fenton, 2001). Thus, bat strikes do not generally involve resident bats who are commuting or foraging within the wind farms as such behaviours require the bats to echolocate continuously (Keeley et al., 2001). If this is the case, New Zealand bats may be at low risk of wind-turbine strikes. New Zealand bats are non-migratory; they show a high fidelity for their natal home ranges (O’Donnel, 2000). This suggests that long-tailed bats do not undertake long, non-echolocation flights and thus may be able to detect and avoid wind turbines. To assess any potential conflict between bats and the proposed Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm it first needs to be established with a high degree of certainty whether there are any bats within the area. Further surveys within the breeding season are therefore recommended. If bats are identified in the area, monitoring of bat movement is recommended to assess how much they use the wind farm area and to establish risk and options for mitigation. It needs to be pointed out however, the possibility of bats occurring at this site appear to be remote, given the high altitude and lack of suitable habitat. 4.5 Aquatic Biota

4.5.1 Excavation Fill Zones Given the high ecological value of wetland/seepage areas and streams, all excavation fill zones should avoid direct impact into the seepage/wetlands wherever possible. It would also be beneficial to place excavation material away from steep areas, to reduce sediment loading into downstream catchments.

4.5.2 Sediment Runoff during Construction There is a risk that sediments from road works and turbine site construction could enter waterways and adversely affect aquatic macroinvertebrate or fish and their habitats. It is expected that as the catchment areas that the road and turbine site pass through is very large and the very minor increased runoff from an unsealed road will have little effect on the downstream systems. Provided standard good practice silt control techniques are implemented during construction, effects on waterways would be short-term and no more than minor.

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Specifically, stormwater control and sediment management designs and practices should comply with regional council erosion and sediment control guidelines. A stormwater management plan, together with the stormwater design should be submitted to Council prior to construction activities taking place. This should include flows, culvert size and location, overflow paths and contingency measures. These procedures, provided they are given effect, are considered robust and adequate to minimise soil erosion and scouring on site during the construction phase.

4.5.3 Fill Disposal Sites It is recommended that the engineer and ecologist work together in consultation with the landowner to ensure fill disposal sites avoid seepage zones and indigenous vegetation remnants wherever possible and that any necessary wetland, stream or re-vegetation proposals are adequately mitigated for habitat lost.

4.5.4 Proposed Stream and Seep Crossings Eight seeps may require culverts as part of the access road construction. These culverts are unlikely to require fish passage given the small and ephemeral nature of the streams involved. However, a survey of these crossings is required to confirm that this is indeed the case. Should the survey determine that fish passage is required the following criteria should be adhered to in culvert design: • The culvert should be installed so that its invert is below the existing channel invert. • The culvert should be set at a grade of no more than 1 in 300. • Culvert width should be sufficient to contain the existing natural channel width plus 0.5 m as a minimum on each side. • Channel beds at upstream and downstream end of culvert should be protected against erosion and/or aggradation/degradation • Boulders should be fixed to culvert abutments and along edges of channel outlet structure. It is noted the project’s Construction Effects Report details culvert localities and recommends best practice measures. Further discussions with the engineer following additional monitoring of seepage zones and prior to the development of detailed design plans will ensure that any associated ecological effects are negligible. 4.6 Other Fauna

4.6.1 Herpetofauna and Terrestrial Invertebrates No other indigenous fauna species, such as lizards and insects (including flying insects), are expected to be adversely affected by the Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm. The main potential effects of wind farms on terrestrial invertebrates are: • Displacement due to disturbance; • Habitat change and loss; and • Disruption to flight paths/dance of flying insects. Disturbance during construction is unlikely to lead to the displacement of indigenous invertebrates or their habitats, as the sites are all on farmland. Once the wind farm is operational the turbines will not form a wide permanent barrier to insect movement. The mating dance of some taxa may be influenced by disruptions to airflows but as most insects are localised and reproductive dance activity occurs in calmer conditions any effects are expected to be negligible or no more than minor. Little information is available about the condition and make up of ornate skink populations and no detailed studies have been conducted on the ornate skink population in the proposed area of the wind farm. However, ornate skinks are a nationally threatened species classified as being in gradual decline. Therefore, the potential exists for any new environmental pressure to have

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 36 consequences for local populations. Monitoring is recommended to determine if ornate skinks are indeed utilising this area and if mitigation is required. Monitoring should take place along the proposed sites for roads, under dead trees and wood as well as on and around rocky outcrops. 4.7 Animal Pest Dispersal Given that the wind farm site is entirely within farm land and that no indigenous forest habitats would be fragmented by the proposal or its access ways there is no threat that the works will assist in the dispersal of introduced predators or pests in any way what so ever as all these species (e.g. stoats, possums, ship rats, feral cats) have free and unimpeded access at present.

5 Conclusions and Recommended Amelioration Measures

5.1 Key Findings Generally, the 56 turbines and associated infrastructure of the proposed Eastern Extension of the Te Rere Hau wind farm are situated within an ideal location from an ecological perspective. The turbines are all situated within pasture land or at the margins of young pine stands and are not within any significant natural features. According to international best practice guidelines (Drewitt & Langston, 2006) a summary of the main bird habitat areas which should be avoided when locating a wind farm are: “(1) areas with a high density of wintering or migratory waterfowl and waders where important habitat might be affected by disturbance or where there is potential for significant collision mortality; (2) areas with a high level of raptor activity, especially core areas of individuals breeding ranges and in cases where local topography focuses flight activity which would cause a large number of flights to pass through the wind farm; and (3) breeding, wintering or migrating populations of less abundant species, particularly those of conservation concern, which may be sensitive to increased mortality as a result of collision.” This proposal does not trigger any of these criteria. No significant indigenous fauna or their habitats would be affected by this proposal. Further surveys for NZ falcon, ornate skink and long- tailed bat are recommended to confirm with absolute certainty that these threatened species are not utilising the site, however even if found it is not considered that any of these count against the development of the wind farm. No regionally or nationally significant or threatened indigenous vegetation would be directly affected by the proposed wind farm. While a maximum of about 2,260 m2 of grazed indigenous horopito scrubland within the farm may be cleared or trimmed as a result of road construction, this vegetation is considered not to be regionally or nationally significant, nor would this very small amount of removal materially affect habitat availability for local indigenous fauna. In addition, further refinement of the roading layout during the detailed design phase should reduce clearance even further. No vegetation needs to be cleared to build the turbine sites. No fish or aquatic macroinvertebrate habitats would be adversely affected provided appropriate sediment control measures are adopted and adequate fish passage provisions are incorporated within culvert design. 5.2 Summary of Potential Ecological Effects Overall, in consideration of the low quality indigenous vegetation and low densities and diversity of indigenous fauna present the impact on indigenous fauna and flora and their habitats within the Te Rere Hau Eastern Extension wind farm is considerer to be no more than minor. No regionally or nationally significant or threatened indigenous vegetation would be directly affected by the proposed wind farm. While a maximum of about 2,260 m2 of grazed indigenous horopito scrubland within the farm may be cleared or trimmed as a result of road construction, this vegetation is considered not to be regionally or nationally significant, nor would this very small

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 37 amount of removal materially affect habitat availability for local indigenous fauna. In addition, refinement of the roading layout during the detailed design phase should reduce clearance even further. No indigenous scrub or forest vegetation needs to be cleared to build the turbine sites. Effects on seep areas and upper catchment streams needs to be further quantified by additional pre-construction surveys at each of the proposed gully crossings. However, surveys to date indicate all possibly affected seeps are likely to be within largely grazed and modified pasture habitats, so they are unlikely to trigger the relevant One Plan criteria as being ecologically significant. There is very little suitable habitat for indigenous terrestrial invertebrates or herpetofauna within the site. However, pre-construction surveys along the access track routes and at each platform site for ornate skinks in particular, will ensure that any indigenous species found can be translocated to more suitable habitat elsewhere in the locality. Avi-fauna effects are likely to be limited to occasional strike by common pasture and bush birds. While there is a possibility that bats and falcon will use the site, the risk of collision is considered to be extremely low, given the lack of evidence of strike to date in a location where some 350 turbines are already operating. The likelihood of low population densities and lack of suitable nesting/roosting habitat directly within the wind farm footprint means that if collision did occur for bats or falcon, the effect can be dealt with by off-set mitigation measures, such as habitat enhancement (eg predator control near a falcon nest site or bat roost site), or contribution to an existing falcon and/or bat restoration project. In the context of the low risk assessment of strike for bats and falcon, and the lack of available habitat for terrestrial fauna in general, three additional investigations are proposed to confirm this collision risk proposition with a high degree of certainty: • Specific NZ falcon surveys during the upcoming breeding season; • Additional bat surveys during the upcoming breeding season; and • Opportunistic general bird species surveys in conjunction with the falcon surveys. 5.3 Recommendations for Further Pre-Construction Monitoring Bush Birds One survey for birds in general should be undertaken in spring before construction commences in order to quantify utilisation of the sites and RSA by birds. It is envisaged that this survey would be undertaken in spring and comprise of a combination of transect and point count surveys (5 minute or 15 minute point-counts incorporating flight rates through the RSA). NZ Falcon It would advisable to undertake falcon monitoring during the breeding season (spring to early summer) within c.f. 2 km of the proposed wind farm focusing opportunistic surveys on potential nesting sites. If falcons are identified in the area, monitoring of adult falcon movement is recommended to assess how much they use the wind farm, to establish risk and options for mitigation. If falcon are found, mitigation could include predator control around known local nest sites or a contribution for further falcon research within the locality. Bats Monitoring is recommended to confirm that no long-tailed utilising this area. Fixed automated bat boxes would be the most applicable method to monitor at this site. Monitoring should take place using ten stationary bat recording box’s placed around the site for at least five nights in spring or summer, supplemented with transect surveys for two nights using hand held detectors (as during winter bats will reduce movement and go in to torpor). Reptiles Little information is available about the condition and make up of ornate skink populations and no detailed studies have been conducted on the ornate skink population in the proposed area of the wind farm. However, ornate skinks are in gradual decline. Therefore, the potential exists for any new environmental pressure to have consequences for local populations. Monitoring is recommended to determine if ornate skinks are indeed utilising this area and if translocation of

NZ WINDFARMS LTD - TE RERE HAU EASTERN EXTENSION – ASSESSMENT OF ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS 38 potentially affected individuals is required. Monitoring should take place along the proposed sites for platforms and roads. Scrub, Seep and Stream Surveys A site visit by a qualified ecologist is required to determine the specific ecological values of each affected indigenous scrub fragment and waterway prior to construction, including any yet to be specified excavation or fill sites. If any specific effect cannot be avoided site specific remediation and possibly mitigation measures can be developed if the values are considered to be ecologically significant under the relevant provisions of the Horizons MW One Plan. 5.4 Avoidance, Remediation & Mitigation Recommendations It is recommended that measures be taken to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of the project (inclusive of the wind turbines, access roads and the transmission lines) on these key natural features and habitats, which include: 1. The preparation and implementation of a construction environmental management plan (CEMP) to ensure that all aspects of the construction and operation of the wind farm are carried out in such a way to minimise any potential adverse effects associated with sensitive flora and fauna habitat disturbance, sediment runoff, water abstraction and stream crossings; 2. Ongoing monitoring of key fauna species to ensure that the risks associated with the operation of the wind farm are low and provision of risk minimisation contingencies if required (as detailed in section 5.3 above). 5.5 Environmental Management Plan & Post-Monitoring Requirements As part of the resource consent application, it is recommended that NZ Windfarms Ltd prepare and implement a CEMP to ensure that all aspects of the construction and operation of the wind farm are carried out in such a way as to minimise any potential adverse effects, including any ecological effects. It is recommended that the CEMP shall incorporate the following measures: • Ensuring construction vehicles are cleaned before entering the sites and between jobs (to avoid introducing soil from other sites on tyres, etc.); • As far as possible, ensuring aggregate sources are free of weeds; • Undertaking routine monitoring of site works to ensure new weed infestations are detected and removed before they have an opportunity to spread. • Post-construction weed control (e.g. targeted herbicide spraying) should be carried out where necessary - both at the wind farm and along the affected length of the roads. • All dangerous goods and fuel/oil storage and filling stations are to be situated outside of natural features. • Equipment and training to deal with emergency spills is to be established on site. • Should and threatened fauna or flora species be discovered, and considered directly affected by the proposal, appropriate contingencies will need to be developed. Contingencies may include translocation, investigate realignment of proposed access roads or the revision of the ecological mitigation package. • Stormwater control and sediment management designs and practices during construction should comply with Horizons Regional Council’s erosion and sediment control guidelines. • Protocols should be instigated to ensure all proposed overburden sites are inspected by the site engineer in conjunction with an ecologist as part of the detailed design phase to ensure that no ecologically sensitive indigenous scrub, forest or wetland areas are directly affected by any overburden sites. • Culvert design shall maintain fish passage if and where required.

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Collision Monitoring Bird strike monitoring should comprise of the following procedures: • A dedicated “collision carcass retrieval team” shall be established that will undertake grid searches of a statistically robust representative sample of turbines at dusk for a period of two years post-operation, for 1 day a week in the months of July, November and January. A report will be produced by a qualified avifauna expert at the end of the survey detailing any bird fatalities, known or likely cause of death and any species, seasonal or spatial patterns • In addition, bird carcasses found will also be retrieved during monthly routine maintenance at each turbine for a period of five years from the commencement of operation of the wind farm. Bird carcasses will be identified, aged, and where possible, cause of death determined by a professional avian autopsy service. Antecedent weather conditions will also be recorded.

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6 Bibliography and References

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Johnson, D.; Erickson, P.; Strickland, M.; Shepherd, M.; Shepherd, D. 2004. Mortality of bats at a large- scale wind power development at Buffalo Ridge, Minnesota. American Midland Naturalist 150:332– 342. Keeley, B.; Ugoretz, S.; Strickland, D. 2001. Bat ecology and wind turbine considerations. Proceedings of the National Avian-Wind Power Planning Meeting, 4:135-146. National Wind Coordinating Committee, Washington, D.C. Kerns, J.; Kerlinger, P. 2004. A study of bird and bat collision fatalities at the Mountaineer Wind Energy Center, Tucker County, West Virginia. 2003 Mountaineer WEC Annual Report. Kessels, G.H.A. 1995. Tararua Wind Power – Central Power & Merrill International. Ecological Assessment Report. Works Consultancy Services, Napier. King, C.M. 2005. The Handbook of New Zealand Mammals, Second Edition. Oxford University Press. Kingsley, A.; Whittam, B. 2005. Wind turbines and birds. A background review for environmental assessment. Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Quebec (unpublished). 81 p. Langston, R.H.W.; Pullan, J.D. 2003. Windfarms and birds: an analysis of the effects of wind farms on birds, and guidance on environmental assessment criteria and site selection issues. Report written by BirdLife International on behalf of the Bern convention. Council Europe Report T-PVS/Inf. Madders, M.; Whitfield, D.P. 2006. Upland raptors and the assessment of wind farm impacts. Ibis 148:43- 56. Maseyk F.J.F. 2007. Identifying the need for the protection of terrestrial biodiversity within the Manawatu- Wanganui Region. Technical report to support policy development. Horizons Regional Council Report No: 2007/EXT/790, ISBN 1-877413-78-X. McArthur K.;Clark M.; McGehan J. 2007. Sites of significance for aquatic biodiversity in the Manawatu- Wanganui Region. Technical report to Support policy development. Horizons Regional Council Report No. 2007-EXT/794, ISBN 1-877413-82-8. Miskelly, C.M.; Dowding, J.E.; Elliott, G.P.; Hitchmough, R.A.; Powlesland, R.G.; Robertson, H.A.; Sagar, P.M.; Scofield, R.P.; Taylor, G.A. 2008. Conservation status of New Zealand birds. Notornis 55(3): 117-135. Newton, I. 1979. Population ecology of raptors. T & AD Poyser, London. NFFDB 2006. New Zealand fresh water database. NIWA. http://www.niwa.co.nz/services/free/nzffd NZPC 2008. New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. http://www.nzpcn.org.nz O'Donnell, C.F.J. 2000. Influence of season, habitat, temperature, and invertebrate availability on nocturnal activity of the New Zealand Long-tailed bat (Chalinolobus tuberculatus). New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 27, 207-221. O'Donnell, C.F.J.; Sedgeley, J.A. 1999. Use of roosts by the long-tailed bat, Chalinolobus tuberculatus, in temperate rainforest in New Zealand. Journal of Mammalogy, 80, 913-923. Orloff, S.; Flannery, A. 1992. Wind turbine effects on avian activity, habitat use, and mortality in Altamont Pass and Solano county wind resource areas. Report by BioSystems Analysis, Inc., Tiburon, Sacremento, California: California Energy Commission. Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc. 2006: Birds and Wind Farm Development. Southern Bird No 28: 5-6. Osborn, R.G.; Higgins, K.F.; Usgaard, R.E.; Dieter, C.D.; Neiger, R.G. 2000. Bird mortality associated with wind turbines at the Buffalo Ridge wind resources area, Minnesota. American Midland Naturalist 143:41-52. Pierce R.J. 1999: Regional patterns of migration in the Banded Dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus bicinctus). Notornis 46: 101-122. Percival, S.M. 2001: Assessment of the effects of offshore wind farms on birds. Unpublished report for the UK Department of Trade and Industry, 93 p. www.berr.gov.uk/files/file20258.pdf. Percival, S.M. 2005: Birds and wind farms—what are the real issues? British Birds 98: 194–204.

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Powlesland, R. 2009: Impacts of wind farms on birds: a review. Science for Conservation 289. Department of Conservation, Wellington. 51 p. Robertson, C.J.R.; Hyvönen, P.; Fraser, M. J.; Pickard, C. R. 2007: Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand. 1999-2004. The Ornithological Society of New Zealand, Inc., Wellington, New Zealand. Robertson, C.J.R. (editor). 1985. The Readers Digest Complete Book of New Zealand Birds. Readers Digest Services, Sydney. Seaton, R. 2006. Ecological requirements of the New Zealand falcon in pine plantations. Unpublished data from PhD research. Massey University. Sterner, D.; Orloff, S.; Spiegel, L. 2007: Wind turbine collision research in the United States. In: Birds and wind farms, risk assessment and mitigation. Eds. De Lucas, M., Janss, G.F.E.; Ferrer, M. Quercus publishing, Madrid. P81-100. Stirnemann, I. 2008. Contact Wind Ltd, Hauāuru mā raki – Waikato Wind Farm, Assessment of tui and kereru distribution and collision risk, Kessels & Associates Ltd, Hamilton. Stephenson, B.M.; Minot, E.O. 2006. Breeding biology of morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) on Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua, New Zealand. Notornis, Vol. 53:305-315. Walker, S.; Price, R.; Rutledge, D. 2005. New Zealand’s remaining indigenous cover: recent changes and biodiversity protection needs Landcare Research, Christchurch. WEL Networks 2006. Wind Generation – Birds and Bats; http://www.wel.co.nz/index.asp?pageID=2145843301 Winkelman, J.E. 1995. Bird/wind turbine investigations in Europe. Proceedings of the National Avian-Wind Power Planning Meeting 1994.

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Appendix I Flora Species List

Plant Species List from site survey on 25th October 2007 The scientific name and common names (where applicable) of vascular taxa (excluding some grasses).

Indigenous species: Anaphalioides trinervis cudweed Asplenium bulbiferum hen and chicken fern Asplenium flaccidum hanging spleenwort Astelia sp. Astelia Blechnum filiforme thread fern Blechnum fluviatile kiwikiwi, creek fern Brachyglottis repanda rangiora Cardamine sp. cardamine Carpodetus serratus putaputaweta Centella uniflora centella Clematis paniculata white clematis Coprosma areolata thin-leaved coprosma Coprosma grandifolia kanono Coprosma lucida shining karamu Coprosma rhamnoides twiggy coprosma Cyathea dealbata ponga Cyathea medullaris mamaku Cyathea smithii soft tree fern Earina mucronata bamboo orchid Freycinetia banksii kiekie Geniostoma ligustrifolium var. ligustrifolium hangehange Griselinia littoralis broadleaf Hoheria sexstylosa lacebark Huperzia varia club moss Knightia excelsa rewarewa Litsea calicaris mangeao Macropiper excelsa kawakawa Melicytus lanceolatus narrow-leaved mahoe Melicytus ramiflorus mahoe Metrosideros diffusa climbing rata Metrosideros perforata climbing rata Microsorum pustulatum hound’s tongue fern Muehlenbeckia australis pohuehue Olearia arborescens1 Olearia rani heketara Paesia scaberula ring fern Pennantia corymbosa kaikomako Pteridium esculentum bracken Pteris macilenta sweet fern Pyrrosia eleagnifolia leather-leaf fern Raukaua anomalus Ripogonum scandens supplejack Rubus schmidelioides bush lawyer Schefflera digitata pate Uncinia uncinata hookgrass Urtica incisa scrub nettle

Adventive species: Cirsium arvense Californian thistle Digitalis purpurea foxglove Lotus pedunculatus lotus Juncus effusus leafless rush Ranunculus repens creeping buttercup Stellaria media chickweed Ulex europaeus gorse

1 Found in 2004 by I Gabites

Appendix II Habitat Maps

Appendix III Threatened Species List

New Zealand Threat Classifications after Hitchmough et al., 2007 Category 1 1 Nationally critical Category 2 2 Nationally endangered Category 3 3 Nationally vulnerable Category 4 4 Serious decline Category 5 5 Gradual decline Category 6 6 Sparse Category 7 7 Range restricted Category 8 8 Data deficient

New Zealand Threat Classifications after de Lange et al., 2009 (vascular plants) & Miskelly et al, 2008 (birds) Extinct Threatened Category 1 1 Nationally critical Category 2 2 Nationally endangered Category 3 3 Nationally vulnerable At risk Category 4 1 Declining Category 5 2 Recovering Category 6 3 Relict Category 7 4 Naturally uncommon Non-Resident native Category 8 1 Vagrant Category 9 2 Coloniser Data deficient

Species Category Habitat Presence Short-jawed kokopu Sparse upper reaches of bush- unlikely to be present as no clad streams suitable habitat Longfin eel Gradual decline upper catchment present streams, wetlands and rivers

Koura Gradual decline all reaches of streams present in most streams within and rivers where habitat the Wind Farm modification has not been too severe NZ falcon Nationally vulnerable native and exotic forests, unlikely to be regular users forage in pasture NZ pipit Declining open pasture Present North Island kaka Nationally vulnerable native bush unlikely to be present South Island pied Declining coastal, wetlands and unlikely oystercatcher riverbeds Long-tailed cuckoo Naturally uncommon bush and scrublands expected

Species Category Habitat Presence Black-billed gull Nationally endangered riverbeds and lakes; highly unlikely, but a colony to coastal in winter the east in the Wairarapa Little black shag Naturally uncommon riverbeds and lakes may occasionally fly over the site Black-fronted dotterel Coloniser riverbeds highly unlikely Banded dotterel Nationally vulnerable riverbeds, coastal, unlikely highland pastures Pied stilt Declining riverbeds and wetlands unlikely North Island long-tailed bat Nationally vulnerable bush and scrub very little suitable habitat Wellington green gecko Gradual decline native bush very little habitat within the Wind farm site Ornate skink Gradual decline rocky areas possible habitat but not ideal Brachyglottis kirkii var. kirkii Declining epiphyte of lowland to unlikely to be present as no montane forests suitable habitat NZ carrot Nationally critical cliff faces, rock outcrops, possible habitat but not found short tussockland or grassland, open forest Hairy willow herb Nationally critical open ground, seepages possible habitat but not found on cliff faces, wetland on site margins Giant maidenhair fern Relict alluvial forest and gorge unlikely within the Wind Farm sides as habitat is limited