Welcome protection of native wildlife

Greater Wellington Regional Council welcomed news that the Government is launching “a suite of measures” aimed at protecting Aotearoa’s native wildlife and habitats from the impacts of human activity.

The measures, which include clearer rules on protecting biodiversity and tighter requirements for district councils, will aid regional councils across the country in preserving te taiao for future generations, says Greater Wellington Environment Committee Chair Penny Gaylor.

“We are committed to protecting New Zealand’s biodiversity at Greater Wellington.

“Just last month we found inanga (whitebait) eggs at a critical spawning spot in aki, following the planting of native grasses and trees.

These successes show that native wildlife and habitats can be restored and protected,” Cr Gaylor says.

Greater Wellington intends to embrace the Government’s announcement that all regional councils will need a biodiversity strategy that prioritises native biodiversity.

“Our work on Mauri ono to develop a joint vision for te taiao alongside mana whenua, the Department of Conservation and communities has set up a strong foundation for collaborative action and developing a regional strategy,” Cr Gaylor says.

“For biodiversity to thrive, councils, government agencies, mana whenua and communities mustwork together.