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Environment : Biodiversity
Biodiversity is a word used to describe the variety of plants and animals in the world and the places that they live. The most significant impediment to the conservation and management of biodiversity is our lack of knowledge about it and the effects of our growing population and activities on it. New Zealand is unique in that most of our plants and birds are found only in New Zealand. Because of this, we have been identified as one of 25 global biodiversity hotspots. However, there is cause for concern. On a national basis over 1000 plant, animal and fungi species are considered to be threatened. Continued habitat loss and grazing are the major threats. |
 Clianthus maximus commonly known as Kakabeak |
While many significant areas have been protected through Crown or public ownership, protecting biodiversity on private farmland is also crucial to long-term protection of this valuable resource.
A Partnership In Biodiversity is a project being undertaken by Hastings District Council and supported by Queen Elizabeth II National Trust, Department of Conservation, Nature Heritage Fund and Nga Whenua Rahui, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and Fish & Game New Zealand.
The project aims to assist landowners in protecting their biodiversity sites ensuring that these special areas are protected for future generations. Read the Biodiversity: A Partnership with Landowners (PDF 465 KB) brochure for more information.
Here in Hastings District, over 70 sites representing a broad cross-section of this region’s biodiversity areas are in private farm ownership and have been identified as Recommended Areas of Protection or RAP sites. Covenanting is purely voluntary, but there are many landowners who are choosing to formally protect their sites.
Some of the benefits include funding assistance to help with fencing, survey and legal costs. Hastings District Council provides some rates relief (22 KB) and through the Biodiversity Management Fund can help meet some of the costs involved in establishing formal covenants.
Interested?
Contact
Contact the Environmental Policy Planning team for further
information on Biodiversity on 
resource@hdc.govt.nz
or phone 06 878 0500.
