Policies 249

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Policies 249 249 long term plan 2012-22 Policies The following policies set out basic principles and associated guidelines that Council will follow to direct and limit actions, in pursuit of its long term goal of sustainable development and providing for Community well-being now and into the future. policies 250 Significance Policy PURPOSE • The costs (financial and non-financial). The Invercargill City Council endeavours to be open • Implications on Council’s capacity to undertake its in its decision making, having taken into account the activities. views of its communities. The Policy on Significance • Section 97 (certain decisions to be taken only details: if provided for in the Long Term Plan), Local • The Invercargill City Council’s general approach Government Act 2002. to determining the significance of proposals The following financial thresholds are identified as and decisions in relation to issues, assets or significant: other matters that have not been included in the • Increase greater than 2% to general or targeted Annual Plan and/or Long Term Plan consultation rates for an activity. processes. • Unbudgeted expenditure of $5 million. • The thresholds and criteria to be used in • Unbudgeted annual operating cost increases in determining the extent of significance. excess of $500,000. • The Invercargill City Council's procedures for making decisions. The Invercargill City Council will use the following criteria to determine the level of significance where a • The strategic assets of the Invercargill City proposal or decision meets the significance threshold Council. test: If a proposal or decision is determined by this policy • Whether the decision flows logically and to be significant, the Council will engage and consult consequentially from a decision already with the Community before making a final decision. incorporated into the Long Term Plan or Annual Plan. The closer the linkage, the lesser the significance. GENERAL APPROACH • Impact on Council’s capacity to undertake its The Invercargill City Council will use the following activity. The greater the impact on Council’s general approach to identify the significance of any capacity to function, the more significance it has. proposal and decisions in relation to issues, assets or The degree to which the decision can be reversed. other matters by its likely impact on: • The more irreversible the effects of a decision, the • The well-being of the Community and Community more significance it has. Outcomes. • Consistency with matters already consulted • Those who will be directly and indirectly affected. on. Where there is consistency with decisions • The Community’s financial responsibilities. where there has been consultation, the lesser the significance. THRESHOLDS AND CRITERIA • Practicality matters. Consideration of the cost of consultation, urgency of the matter and The Invercargill City Council will assess the commercial/compassionate considerations. significance threshold of a proposal or decision by having regard to: • Precautionary approach. The greater the level of uncertainty, the more significance it has. • The communities which may be particularly affected and their response options. 251 long term plan 2012-22 PROCEDURE the report will also include a statement addressing the appropriate decision making and consultation The Invercargill City Council (or the relevant procedures under the Local Government Act. committee) will consider the staff report with respect to proposals and decisions in relation to issues, assets or other matters that have not been included in the STRATEGIC ASSETS Annual Plan and/or Long Term Plan consultation Council considers the following assets to be strategic processes. The report will include an assessment of (Section 90, Local Government Act 2002), and whether the proposal, issue, decision or other matter therefore significant in ensuring Council’s capacity is significant. Where the report concludes that the to contribute towards Community Outcomes and the threshold and criteria tests have been triggered, well-being of the Community: Strategic Assets Civic Theatre Complex Electricity Invercargill Limited Invercargill Airport Limited (55% Council ownership) Invercargill City Holdings Limited Invercargill Public Library and Archive – buildings and collections Invercargill Waste Transfer Station Parks and Reserves Public Toilets Roading Network and connected infrastructure Sewerage Networks and treatment plants Splash Palace policies Stormwater Networks in Invercargill and Bluff Stormwater system in Otatara Water Treatment, Storage and Supply Networks Where a strategic asset has many components, An amendment to the Long Term Plan will be required decisions can be made on individual components to transfer the ownership or control of a strategic within the whole without it being regarded as asset to or from Council, unless explicitly provided for significant. Section 97 of the Local Government Act within the document. 2002 will only apply to any decision being made on a strategic asset as a whole or a major part thereof. 252 Maori Capacity DEVELOPMENT OF MAORI CAPACITY TO CONTRIBUTE TO DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES The Invercargill City Council acknowledges support. Te Ao Marama Incorporated provides the importance of tikanga Måori and values its for positive consultation, clarification on matters relationship with both tangata whenua (Ngåi Tahu) of significance to Iwi and identifies appropriate and ngå matawaka (other Måori who are not Ngåi persons for consultation. An atmosphere of trust Tahu living within Murihiku/Southland). and openness is the cornerstone of the relationship which was formed at the signing of the Charter of The four councils of Southland: Environment Understanding. Southland (Southland Regional Council), Southland District Council, Gore District Council and Invercargill Council staff undertake consultation and discussion City Council are required under the Local Government with Måori through Te Kaupapa Taiao Manager on Act 2002 to foster Måori capacity to contribute to a regular basis as a way of recognising the spirit of and participate in local government decision making open partnership inherent in Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the processes. Treaty of Waitangi). This relationship is supported and fostered through The Natural Resource and Environmental Iwi regular participation in Te Roopu Taiao meetings Management Plan 2008 (Te Tangi a Tauira – The Cry by Councillors, nga runanga representatives and of the People) has been developed by Ngåi Tahu ki matawaka representatives. Murihiku with active involvement from all councils. This Plan is an important document which helps the The relationship that each Council has with Ngåi Tahu councils to develop an understanding of issues of ki Murihiku continues to grow in strength. This has importance to Ngåi Tahu and acts as the primary been assisted by the establishment of a Charter of reference for Local Government governance and its Understanding between Te Ao Marama Incorporated interaction with Måori in the Community. (representing nga runanga) and the councils. This relationship allows Te Ao Marama Incorporated to The Invercargill City Council remains committed form the tomokanga (gateway) for consultation to ensuring that opportunities are promoted and between Måori and the councils. offered for Måori to build capacity and to actively engage across the range of Council’s decision-making Councils provide resources such as the provision of processes. technical advice, expertise, information and financial 253 long term plan 2012-22 Development Contributions It is Council’s policy not to charge Development Contributions (Local Government Act) or Financial Contributions (Resource Management Act). It is Council’s intention to continue to investigate a Development Contributions Policy. This will include an assessment of what areas in the Invercargill City District should be subject to contributions. Further public consultation will be undertaken prior to any development contributions being required and a policy being adopted by Council. policies 254 Revenue and Financing Policy Introduction The Revenue and Financing Policy states Council’s Invercargill City Council’s Funding Policy is to treat policies on the funding of its operating and capital both operating and capital expenditure in the same expenditure and the sources of those funds. way. That is to say, the extent to which the provision of a service by the Council is a public or private The Local Government Act 2002 requires Council good, will largely determine the extent to which to manage its finances prudently and in a manner rates or fees and charges fund capital expenditure. which promotes the current and future well-being For example, the revenue funding policy for the of the Community. Council must ensure that each Library Activity is 90% public good; 10% private year’s projected operating revenues are set at a level benefit. Funding the capital expenditure would be sufficient to meet the year’s projected operating proportioned the same way, ie 90% by rates and 10% expenses. by fees and charges. General Principles PERIOD OF BENEFIT In considering the sources of its funding, Three periods of benefit have been identified: consideration was given to the following in relation to each activity. 1. Short term • The Community Outcome to which it primarily · Activities which have an immediate, short contributes. term benefit/impact (1-5 years) on a client or • The distribution of benefits between the organisation. Community as
Recommended publications
  • Policies 2015 - 2025 LONG-TERM PLAN
    297 policies 2015 - 2025 LONG-TERM PLAN LONG-TERM The following policies set out basic principles and associated guidelines that Council will follow to direct and limit actions, in pursuit of its long term goal of sustainable development and providing for the current and future interests of the Community. policies 298 significance & engagement policy PURPOSE THRESHOLDS AND CRITERIA To let the Community know when and how they can A: Contribution to Community Outcomes expect to be engaged in Council’s decision-making or Key Project processes. Council will consider the extent to which the decision To act as a guide to Council and council staff as to contributes to its Community Outcomes or any key what extent, form and type of engagement is required project. If a matter clearly contributes to several from the beginning of a decision-making process. Community Outcomes or a key project and is borderline in regards to the other thresholds and To identify Council’s approach to determining the criteria for determining significance, this will mitigate significance of proposals and decisions in relation to in favour of the decision being treated as “less issues, assets, or other matters. significant”. If, however, a decision does not clearly contribute to Community Outcomes or a key project THRESHOLDS AND CRITERIA and is borderline in regards to the other thresholds GENERAL APPROACH and criteria for determining significance, Council will The decision on a matter’s significance rests with A: Contribution to Community Outcomes or Key Project adoptCouncil a willprecautionary consider the extent approach to which the and decision treat cont theributes issue to its asCommunity Outcomes or any key project.
    [Show full text]
  • Short Walks in the Invercargill Area Invercargill the in Walks Short Conditions of Use of Conditions
    W: E: www.icc.govt.nz [email protected] F: P: +64 3 217 5358 217 3 +64 9070 219 3 +64 Queens Park, Invercargill, New Zealand New Invercargill, Park, Queens Makarewa Office Parks Council City Invercargill For further information contact: information further For Lorneville Lorneville - Dacre Rd North Rd contents of this brochure. All material is subject to copyright. copyright. to subject is material All brochure. this of contents Web: www.es.govt.nz Web: for loss, cost or damage whatsoever arising out of or connected with the the with connected or of out arising whatsoever damage or cost loss, for 8 Email: [email protected] Email: responsibility for any error or omission and disclaim liability to any entity entity any to liability disclaim and omission or error any for responsibility West Plains Rd 9 McIvor Rd 5115 211 03 Ph: the agencies involved in the management of these walking tracks accept no no accept tracks walking these of management the in involved agencies the Waikiwi 9840 Invercargill While all due care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this publication, publication, this of accuracy the ensure to taken been has care due all While Waihopai Bainfield Rd 90116 Bag Private Disclaimer Grasmere Southland Environment 7 10 Rosedale Waverley www.doc.govt.nz Web: Web: www.southerndhb.govt.nz Web: Bay Rd Herbert St Findlay Rd [email protected] Email: Email: [email protected] Email: Avenal Windsor Ph: 03 211 2400 211 03 Ph: Ph: 03 211 0900 211 03 Ph: Queens Dr Glengarry Tay St Invercargill 9840 Invercargill
    [Show full text]
  • Indicative DTT Coverage Invercargill (Forest Hill)
    Blackmount Caroline Balfour Waipounamu Kingston Crossing Greenvale Avondale Wendon Caroline Valley Glenure Kelso Riversdale Crossans Corner Dipton Waikaka Chatton North Beaumont Pyramid Tapanui Merino Downs Kaweku Koni Glenkenich Fleming Otama Mt Linton Rongahere Ohai Chatton East Birchwood Opio Chatton Maitland Waikoikoi Motumote Tua Mandeville Nightcaps Benmore Pomahaka Otahu Otamita Knapdale Rankleburn Eastern Bush Pukemutu Waikaka Valley Wharetoa Wairio Kauana Wreys Bush Dunearn Lill Burn Valley Feldwick Croydon Conical Hill Howe Benio Otapiri Gorge Woodlaw Centre Bush Otapiri Whiterigg South Hillend McNab Clifden Limehills Lora Gorge Croydon Bush Popotunoa Scotts Gap Gordon Otikerama Heenans Corner Pukerau Orawia Aparima Waipahi Upper Charlton Gore Merrivale Arthurton Heddon Bush South Gore Lady Barkly Alton Valley Pukemaori Bayswater Gore Saleyards Taumata Waikouro Waimumu Wairuna Raymonds Gap Hokonui Ashley Charlton Oreti Plains Kaiwera Gladfield Pikopiko Winton Browns Drummond Happy Valley Five Roads Otautau Ferndale Tuatapere Gap Road Waitane Clinton Te Tipua Otaraia Kuriwao Waiwera Papatotara Forest Hill Springhills Mataura Ringway Thomsons Crossing Glencoe Hedgehope Pebbly Hills Te Tua Lochiel Isla Bank Waikana Northope Forest Hill Te Waewae Fairfax Pourakino Valley Tuturau Otahuti Gropers Bush Tussock Creek Waiarikiki Wilsons Crossing Brydone Spar Bush Ermedale Ryal Bush Ota Creek Waihoaka Hazletts Taramoa Mabel Bush Flints Bush Grove Bush Mimihau Thornbury Oporo Branxholme Edendale Dacre Oware Orepuki Waimatuku Gummies Bush
    [Show full text]
  • Review of the Archaeology of Foveaux Strait, New Zealand, by Chris Jacomb, Richard Walter and Chris
    REVIEW OF THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF FOVEAUX STRAIT, NEW ZEALAND CHRIS JACOMB, RICHARD WALTER and CHRIS JENNINGS University of Otago The waters and shores of Foveaux Strait make up one of the coldest, windiest environments in New Zealand and, lying well outside the tropical horticulture zone, could not have been less like the environment of the Polynesian homelands. Yet they contain an extensive archaeological record which includes a low density but wide distribution of sites, as well as some rich artefact assemblages held in private and public collections. The record is not well dated but the few radiocarbon dates and the material culture and economy suggest that occupation commenced as early there as in any other part of the country. In considering why people moved so far south so early, Lockerbie (1959) rejected push factors such as demographic or resource pressures and argued that there must have been some serious attractors (pull factors) in play. Working today with a much shorter chronology, push motives seem even less likely but it is difficult to imagine what the pull factors might have been. Foveaux Strait settlement coincides with the expansion of moa hunting in southern New Zealand but there were never many moa (Dinornithiformes) along the south coast and moa bone is rare in south coast middens. There are resident populations of sea mammals including New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsterii) and sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) but these were not restricted to Foveaux Strait (Smith 1989: 208), nor do the sites show high levels of sea mammal predation. Today, one of the most important seasonal resources is the sooty shearwater (mutton bird or titi(Puffinus) griseus) but again, there are no strong archaeological indicators of an early emphasis on mutton birding (Anderson 1995, 2001; Sutton and Marshall 1980).
    [Show full text]
  • Whakamana Te Waituna Biodiversity Plan
    WHAKAMANA TE WAITUNA BIODIVERSITY PLAN R4701 WHAKAMANA TE WAITUNA BIODIVERSITY PLAN Wire rush rushland amongst mānuka shrubland, near Waituna Lagoon Road. Contract Report No. 4701 February 2019 Project Team: Kelvin Lloyd - Project management Nick Goldwater - Report author Carey Knox - Report author Helen McCaughan - Report author Steve Rate - Report author Fiona Wilcox - Report author Prepared for: Whakamana te Waituna Charitable Trust DUNEDIN OFFICE: 764 CUMBERLAND STREET, DUNEDIN 9016 Ph 03-477-2096, 03-477-2095 HEAD OFFICE: 99 SALA STREET, P.O. BOX 7137, TE NGAE, ROTORUA Ph 07-343-9017; Fax 07-343-9018, email [email protected], www.wildlands.co.nz CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION 1 2. PROJECT OBJECTIVE 3 3. PROJECT SCOPE 3 4. METHODS 3 5. CULTURAL CONTEXT 4 6. ECOLOGICAL CONTEXT 5 6.1 Waituna Ecological District 5 6.2 Waterways 5 6.3 Protected Natural Areas 7 6.4 Unprotected natural areas 8 6.5 Threatened land environments 8 6.6 Vegetation and habitats 10 6.7 Overview 10 6.8 Wetland vegetation 10 6.9 Terrestrial vegetation 12 6.10 Other vegetation/habitat types 12 6.11 Naturally uncommon ecosystem types 15 7. FLORA 16 7.1 Indigenous species 16 8. FAUNA 18 8.1 Overview 18 8.2 Birds 18 8.3 Lizards 20 8.4 Aquatic fauna 23 8.5 Terrestrial invertebrates 26 9. THREATS TO ECOLOGICAL VALUES 27 9.1 Overview 27 9.2 Land-based activities 27 9.2.1 Excessive catchment inputs of sediment, nutrients, and pathogens 27 9.2.2 Indigenous vegetation clearance 27 9.2.3 Hydrological modification 27 9.2.4 Stock 28 9.2.5 Other adverse activities 28 9.3 Natural phenomena 28 9.3.1 Fire 28 9.3.2 Sea level rise 29 9.4 Effects at landscape scale 29 9.5 Pest animals and plants 29 9.5.1 Pest animals 29 9.5.2 Pest plants 30 © 2019 Contract Report No.
    [Show full text]
  • CRT Conference 2020 – Bus Trips
    CRT Conference 2020 – Bus Trips South-eastern Southland fieldtrip 19th March 2020 Welcome and overview of the day. Invercargill to Gorge Road We are travelling on the Southern Scenic Route from Invercargill to the Catlins. Tisbury Old Dairy Factory – up to 88 around Southland We will be driving roughly along the boundary between the Southland Plains and Waituna Ecological Districts. The Southland Plains ED is characterized by a variety of forest on loam soils, while the Waituna District is characterized by extensive blanket bog with swamps and forest. Seaward Forest is located near the eastern edge of Invercargill to the north of our route today. It is the largest remnant of a large forest stand that extended from current day Invercargill to Gorge Road before European settlement and forest clearance. Long our route to Gorge Road we will see several other smaller forest remnants. The extent of Seaward forest is shown in compiled survey plans of Theophilus Heale from 1868. However even the 1865 extent of the forest is much reduced from the original pre-Maori forest extent. Almost all of Southland was originally forest covered with the exception of peat bogs, other valley floor wetlands, braided river beds and the occasional frost hollows. The land use has changed in this area over the previous 20 years with greater intensification and also with an increase in dairy farming. Surrounding features Takitimus Mtns – Inland (to the left) in the distance (slightly behind us) – This mountain range is one of the most iconic mountains in Southland – they are visible from much of Southland.
    [Show full text]
  • Policies 249
    249 long term plan 2012-22 Policies The following policies set out basic principles and associated guidelines that Council will follow to direct and limit actions, in pursuit of its long term goal of sustainable development and providing for Community well-being now and into the future. policies 250 Significance Policy PURPOSE • The costs (financial and non-financial). The Invercargill City Council endeavours to be open • Implications on Council’s capacity to undertake its in its decision making, having taken into account the activities. views of its communities. The Policy on Significance • Section 97 (certain decisions to be taken only details: if provided for in the Long Term Plan), Local • The Invercargill City Council’s general approach Government Act 2002. to determining the significance of proposals The following financial thresholds are identified as and decisions in relation to issues, assets or significant: other matters that have not been included in the • Increase greater than 2% to general or targeted Annual Plan and/or Long Term Plan consultation rates for an activity. processes. • Unbudgeted expenditure of $5 million. • The thresholds and criteria to be used in • Unbudgeted annual operating cost increases in determining the extent of significance. excess of $500,000. • The Invercargill City Council's procedures for making decisions. The Invercargill City Council will use the following criteria to determine the level of significance where a • The strategic assets of the Invercargill City proposal or decision meets the significance threshold Council. test: If a proposal or decision is determined by this policy • Whether the decision flows logically and to be significant, the Council will engage and consult consequentially from a decision already with the Community before making a final decision.
    [Show full text]
  • Awarua Wetlands Fire 27 October 2005 a Case Study
    AWARUA WETLANDS FIRE 27 th OCTOBER 2005 A CASE STUDY FRASER TOWNSEND BUSHFIRE RESEARCH TECHNICIAN ENSIS FOREST BIOSECURITY AND PROTECTION SCION CHRISTCHURCH Introduction This case study provides an analysis of the fire that burned across part of the Awarua Wetlands on the 27 th of October 2005. The Awarua wetlands (Figure 1) are situated near the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter, approximately 17km from Invercargill city. This wetland region covers an area of 14,000 hectares and holds significant importance as a Department of Conservation (DoC) scientific reserve. The area is a key site for migratory birds that use it as a site for resting, feeding and breeding. Wetland areas in this region contain mainly bogs rather than swamps, which contain saturated, stagnant and infertile water and are characterised by peat 1. The aluminium smelter at Tiwai Point is a major contributor to the regional, and indeed national, economy. The Awarua area also has a well-documented history of fire events. It is here in this area, almost nineteen years to the day after the 1986 Awarua Wetlands Fire, that another fire threatened the flora and fauna of the area, as well as life and property. Fire Chronology and Development Ignition and initial attack The New Zealand Fire Service Communications Centre in Christchurch recorded the first call reporting a fire at Awarua Siding Road at 1158 2 on Thursday the 27 th of October 2005. However it is possible that the fire may have started on either Tuesday the 25th or Wednesday the 26 th of October. At this initial stage, strong northerly winds of approximately 35km/h fanned the fire.
    [Show full text]
  • SIS) – 2017 Version
    Awarua Bay-New River Estuary New Zealand EAAF NETWORK SITE CODE FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: E A A F 1 3 8 Site Information Sheet on East Asian-Australasian Flyway Network Sites (SIS) – 2017 version Available for download from http://www.eaaflyway.net/about/the-flyway/flyway-site-network/ Categories approved by Second Meeting of the Partners of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership in Beijing, China 13-14 November 2007 - Report (Minutes) Agenda Item 3.13 1 of 20 Information Sheet on EAA Flyway Network Sites | Awarua Bay-New River Estuary [EAAF138] Notes for compilers: 1. The management body intending to nominate a site for inclusion in the East Asian - Australasian Flyway Site Network is requested to complete a Site Information Sheet. The Site Information Sheet will provide the basic information of the site and detail how the site meets the criteria for inclusion in the Flyway Site Network. When there is a new nomination or an SIS update, the following sections with an asterisk (*), from Questions 1-14 and Question 30, must be filled or updated at least so that it can justify the international importance of the habitat for migratory waterbirds. 2. The Site Information Sheet is based on the Ramsar Information Sheet. If the site proposed for the Flyway Site Network is an existing Ramsar site then the documentation process can be simplified. 3. Once completed, the Site Information Sheet (and accompanying map(s)) should be submitted to the Secretariat. Compilers should provide an electronic (MS Word) copy of the Information Sheet and, where possible, digital versions (e.g.
    [Show full text]
  • Regional Mapping of Groundwater Denitrification Potential and Aquifer Sensitivity
    Regional Mapping of Groundwater Denitrification Potential and Aquifer Sensitivity Technical Report Clint Rissmann Groundwater Scientist November 2011 Publication No 2011-12 Contents 1. Executive Summary ...................................................................................... 3 2. Introduction................................................................................................... 6 2.1. Objectives ............................................................................................................................ 6 2.2. Location and Composition of Primary Aquifers ...................................................... 7 2.2.1 General Location ................................................................................................ 7 2.2.2 Composition of Primary Aquifers .................................................................... 8 3. Redox Chemistry of Groundwaters ............................................................. 11 3.1 Background .................................................................................................................. 11 3.2 The Importance of Groundwater Redox State on Nitrate Concentration ......... 12 3.3 Controls over the Redox Status of Groundwater .................................................. 13 4. Aquifer Denitrification Potential or Sensitivity to Nitrate Accumulation .. 15 4.1 Role of Aquifer Materials in Denitrification ........................................................... 15 4.2 Assigning Denitrification Potential to Southland Aquifers
    [Show full text]
  • Information on Waste/Clean up of Tiwai Point
    Reference: 20210058 15 March 2021 On 15 February 2021, the Ministry for the Environment transferred the following part of your request to the Treasury: “…the latest comprehensive report MFE has (generated from whatever source) on on [sic] either of the above (waste/cleanup).” Please find enclosed the following document: Item Date Document Description Decision 1. 30 October 2020 Project 14 - Identification and Evaluation of Release in part Remediation Options I have decided to release the document listed above, subject to information being withheld under one or more of the following sections of the Official Information Act, as applicable: • personal details, under section 9(2)(a) – to protect the privacy of natural persons, including that of deceased natural persons • confidential information, under section 9(2)(ba)(i) – to protect information which is subject to an obligation of confidence or which any person has been or could be compelled to provide under the authority of any enactment, where the making available of the information would be likely to prejudice the supply of similar information, or information from the same source, and it is in the public interest that such information should continue to be supplied • legally privileged information, under section 9(2)(h) – to maintain legal professional privilege • information to carry on negotiations, under section 9(2)(j) – to carry on negotiations without prejudice or disadvantage 1 The Terrace PO Box 3724 Wellington 6140 New Zealand tel. +64-4-472-2733 https://treasury.govt.nz In making my decision, I have considered the public interest considerations in section 9(1) of the Official Information Act.
    [Show full text]
  • Southland Conservancy
    A Directory of Wetlands in New Zealand SOUTHLAND CONSERVANCY Te Anau Basin Wetland Complex (71) Location: 45o27'S, 167o46'E. To the east and southeast of Lake Te Anau, Southland, South Island. Area: c.2,400 ha. Altitude: 180-360 m. Overview: The Te Anau Basin Wetland Complex consists of seven distinct and isolated wetlands within the Te Anau Basin. These sites are the Dome Mire and Dismal Swamp area, Kepler Mire, Amoeboid Mire, Kakapo Swamp, Dunton Bog and two areas within the Snowdon Forest. The Dome Mire and Dismal Swamp area and Kepler Mire are described in greater detail as Sites 71a and 71b, respectively. All of the wetlands have a similar glacial origin; however, individual sites vary as a consequence of their history, drainage (water table, amounts of ponded water), fertility, topography etc. The complex of peatlands contains a rich variety of plant communities which include several significant plant distributions and provide important habitat for wildlife. Physical features: The Te Anau Basin lies on the eastern margin of Fiordland, a gneiss/schist/granite massif uplifted by the Alpine Fault on its western margin and carved by extensive glaciation through the Quaternary. On its eastern flank, down-faulting in the Te Anau Basin area has contributed to the preservation of soft Tertiary sedimentary rocks, and the deposition of glacial gravels. During the last glaciation, glaciers occupied much of the basin. Depressions and areas of limited drainage developed in the moraines, tills and outwash gravels as the glaciers retreated. Wetlands have developed on these glacial outwash deposits of last glacial to post-glacial age.
    [Show full text]