Biodiversity Indigenous Biodiversity Resource Management Act • Part 2 • Section 31 • Section 76 (4A) - (4D) • Section 86(B) • Section 104 & 171(1B) • National Planning Standards • Draft NPS-IB and Biodiversity Strategy New Plymouth City - Urban SNA Urban SNA National Planning Standards Management Approach • Spatial layer (overlay) • Schedule • Provisions – Updating criteria for significance – Identification and protection of SNAs – Maintenance of indigenous biodiversity – Enabling biodiversity off-setting to be considered – Managing potential effects of activities on SNAs – Avoiding vegetation disturbance in SNAs and in the Coastal Environment, except in particular limited circumstances – Maintaining and enhancing indigenous habitats and ecosystems with policy guidance including encouraging restoration – Recognising tangata whenua as kaitiaki and requiring engagement Workable Rules Activity Permitted Consent required Clearance of In accordance with covenant If not permitted, non-complying indigenous vegetation To maintain existing tracks, fences, activity in mapped SNA drains, structures, infrastructure If necessary to avoid danger to human life or existing buildings/structures For conservation and/or customary purposes Manuka/kanuka under 25 years old Tracks and fences Existing use rights New tracks and fences Clearance of Urban zones Rural zone only indigenous vegetation - Coastal Environment Subdivision Resource consent always required Incentive Rule – additional for subdivision subdivision allowance where SNAs are legally protected Significant Natural Areas: Legal Protection • Natural Heritage Fund – has contributed to the sustainable management of approx 32 SNAs/LSNAs, to the value of approx $145,000, over the last two years, typically covering fencing costs – $100,000 per year. • NP District has the highest number of new QE2 covenants in NZ: current financial year (approx): – 120 nationwide – 30 in Taranaki – 25 in New Plymouth District • Attributed to landowner liaison, and that DP encourages legal protection • Integrated management with other agencies • Rating relief Significant Natural Areas: Urban • Urban areas require a different approach Different threats = different management • Mainly in valleys and less developable land • Ecological assessment complete • Opportunity: potential to reconnect the linkages from the mountain to the sea Reserve Management Planning framework Reserve Management Planning framework • 1400 ha of parks, reserves and open spaces across the wider district. • Grouped into various categories – neighbourhood, coastal, historic, sports, green spaces etc. • Green Spaces Management Plan – 2019 – focus on walkways, esplanade reserves. Increased focus on regen planting – currently planning for implementation. • We know that our residents and visitors value the outdoor lifestyle and connection to nature. What we are doing Pukekura park – Biodiversity plan and water quality project. Towards Predator Free Taranaki Volunteer officer, promoting project with staff and community. Participation in DOC Collaborative Community Education Model (CCEM) The almighty Johnsons • 10% urban indigenous cover The almighty Johnsons Establishing a 50m ecological corridor along the Waiwhakaiho • survey data informed classification of broad ecosystem types up the awa. • Next step is to use this data to inform planning for Taranaki Traverse pathway and opportunities for partnerships. Restoration planting - Developing a criteria for prioritising restoration projects – using Cam and Raul’s work - Exploring opportunities with Trees that Count and Billion Trees. - Areas identified for regen planting in reserve management plans - Public planting days - Eco-sourcing + plant selection - Synergies with walkway planning Raising awareness • Conservation week – 2019 • Pukeariki museum and education programmes • Brooklands Zoo Lets Restore Taranaki .