Enhancing and restoring biodiversity

We are accelerating regeneration of the natural environment through our work programmes and implementation of the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy.

What we heard about biodiversity and biosecurity

Generally, submissions were in support of the need for regeneration and protection of the natural environment. This included support for our biodiversity and biosecurity activities, especially our work on habitat and wetland protection and restoration for both biodiversity and climate mitigation outcomes.

Many submissions supported the Me Uru Rākau programme to identify priority catchments and support landowners and community groups to protect and regenerate habitats. There were some concerns about the scale and affordability of this work.

Some concerns were raised about the feasibility and maintenance costs of some programmes, namely Braided River Revival/Whakahaumanu Ngā Awa ā Pākihi and Me Uru Rākau.

Several submissions raised concerns about specific invasive plants and animals in the region and suggested increasing management of these organisms and in some cases adding them to the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan.

Council’s decision

We are focussing on braided rivers and wetlands – two priority habitats that are under threat. Council want to protect and regenerate these habitats and invest in creating corridors and linkages.

Braided river revival and regeneration/Whakahaumanu Ngā Awa ā Pākihi

The Braided River Revival/Whakahaumanu Ngā Awa ā Pākihi project will coordinate a regional alliance to revive and regenerate braided rivers. This is a key element of our work to restore natural ecosystems and improve biodiversity in Canterbury.

Priority habitats and wetland protection

Our work emphasises the ecological, environmental and cultural importance of wetlands to landowners and supports their protection, regeneration and sustainable management.

Me Uru Rākau

Me Uru Rākau is a new programme designed to identify priority catchments and work with communities to protect and regenerate biodiversity. Council addressed the issues of scale and affordability by reallocating part of the first year funding enabling a phased approach.

Council has allocated $1M funding for Me Uru Rākau as proposed in the draft Long-Term Plan, but with programme implementation scaled back to one priority catchment in year one ($450k). $400k will support the QEII National Trust and $150k for a green philanthropy fund.

Regional pest management

Through our work we want to protect indigenous biodiversity, economic production and mahinga kai from harm caused by introduced pests and invasive organisms.

Council have acknowledged concerns raised about specific invasive plants and animals, and whether they should be added the Canterbury Regional Pest Management Plan. Changes to the plan may require more funding, and will be reviewed alongside an upcoming update to the Biosecurity Act 1993. In the meantime, our regional pest management programme includes funding for managing these organisms through education, engagement, awareness and advice.