Key Native Ecosystems

More than 160 sites in the region have been identified as Key Native Ecosystems (KNEs) by the Taranaki Regional Council.

They include remnant wetlands, native forests, dunelands and other natural areas with regionally significant indigenous biodiversity values.

The Council maintains an Inventory of Key Native Ecosystems. First published in 2006, this Inventory sets out baseline information on each site, and the Council's Biodiversity Strategy (2008) has among its strategic priorities the protection of KNEs, particularly those on privately owned land.

The Council’s management approach is to work with interested land holders and community groups by providing a property planning service and other assistance to protect and enhance ecological values associated with these sites.

The identification of KNEs is a ‘work in progress’. As the opportunity arises, new sites are assessed and or existing information updated. Where information indicates a new site has regional significance, the Council will consider including it in the Inventory.

Candidate sites must be assessed as being ‘high’ in one or more of the following factors:

• Rarity and distinctiveness — the presence of threatened indigenous flora and fauna species, or native species that are particularly unique or uncommon in Taranaki.

• Representativeness — the presence of indigenous vegetation now under represented in New Zealand for that environment type (for example, less than 10% or 20% of original areal extent remains)

• Ecological context — the connections between the site and its importance in relation to the functioning of the wider landscape.

In addition, a site must also be sustainable, so that with appropriate management the values of the site will continue to be significant in the future.

The identification of a site as a KNE does not have any extra bearing on the rules or controls that already apply in regional or district council plans. Identification of a site as a KNE is used by the Council to focus its non-regulatory efforts. These include the preparation of biodiversity plans, the use of environmental enhancement grants, and/or assisting with pest and weed control.

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