Plan to identify region's significant wetlands

Significant natural wetlands will be listed in the Natural Resources Plan for the Wellington region in response to feedback from landowners and groups representing the dairy sector and other farming organisations. 

More than 100 comments relating to wetlands were received in response to the draft Natural Resources Plan. Many asked the Regional Council to identify significant wetlands so landowners would know if or when the provisions to exclude livestock would apply to them.

Wetlands are valued for their rich indigenous biodiversity. They are home to more bird species than any other type of habitat in New Zealand as well as a huge number of rare species of fish, insects and plants. Wetlands are highly valued by mana whenua, and are important for water storage, flood protection, nutrient moderation, fisheries and recreation. However, less than three percent of the regions wetlands have survived the pressures of development over the years.

Council has begun the identification process by contacting around 300 landowners whose properties have an area of natural wetland with significant indigenous biodiversity values to explain the identification and assessment process.  Council intends to work directly with landowners in the first instance.  Council is also examining how it might provide support and assistance to landowners with significant wetlands on their properties.

Because the draft rules around stock access to water bodies will affect a wide number of landowners Council has also formed a focus group comprising organisations and landowners who submitted on the draft plan.  This group will work through the issues with the council to determine if changes to the draft rules are needed and what guidance and assistance could be provided to landowners to help with costs of fencing, planting and pest control. 

The Regional Council is working closely with Kāpiti Coast District Council to align with consultation already underway in their community about the Proposed District Plan.

Public meetings will be held in March to discuss the focus group findings and following this the changes will be incorporated into the proposed Natural Resources Plan which will be open for public submissions later this year.

Landowners are invited to participate in the meetings or to discuss directly with council staff the identification process and how provisions for wetlands in the Natural Resources Plan might affect them. 

Meetings to discuss livestock access to water bodies

      Mon 23 March 2015          Carterton Events Centre          7.30 - 9pm

      Tues 24 March 2015         Wainuiomata Memorial Hall      7.30 - 9pm

      Wed 25 March 2015          Ōtaki Rotary Club Rooms          7.30 - 9pm