Investing in indigenous biodiversity

When we talk about biodiversity, we mean all the different living things in nature – plants, animals, insects, and even tiny organisms – that make up an ecosystem.

When nature is healthy, we can enjoy and benefit from clean water, fertile soils, pollination and resilience against climate change.

In the Bay of Plenty, we have unique native plants and animals that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. This makes our natural environment precious, vulnerable and impossible to replace.

Why does biodiversity matter?

Put simply – without nature, there is nothing. The quality of our lives and livelihoods depends on having a healthy and thriving environment, especially one that is rich in biodiversity. To help nature thrive, there needs to be continual investment. A good analogy is to think of it like a house. Significant use over time has seen it deteriorate, and some parts are in need of serious renovation and restoration. Once renovated, or restored, it still requires ongoing investment to maintain its value. Failure to invest in nature can lead to ongoing degradation, loss of critical ecosystem services, and significant impacts on communities and regional economies.

Where are we now?

New Zealand’s biodiversity is in serious decline and the Bay of Plenty is no exception. Many of our unique ecosystems (such as wetlands, dune systems, podocarp forests, frost flats and geothermal habitats) now exist only as small, vulnerable remnants. This loss puts pressure on the rare and threatened species that rely on them, from distinctive local plants to nationally critical birds, such as the matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern.

Because these habitats and species cannot be replaced once lost, we have a responsibility to protect and restore them for future generations. Safeguarding biodiversity across our land, freshwater, and marine environments helps maintain the natural systems that support our wellbeing and economy. By investing in their recovery now, we ensure a healthier, more resilient environment for the long term.

You can read more about biodiversity in the Bay of Plenty here: boprc.govt.nz/biodiversity

How does the Regional Council help protect nature?

• Tackling pest plants and animals: We manage invasive plants and animals that threaten native species through our Regional Pest Management Plan, and provide pest control advice and funding to landowners.
• Monitoring our environment: We track the health of land, water and air at more than 1,700 sites across the Bay of Plenty, testing for bacteria, nutrients and toxic algae in waterways, monitoring air contaminants and checking soil health. All the data we collect is publicly available to help communities understand the state of the environment.
• Restoring and protecting ecosystems: We work with tangata whenua, farmers and community groups to fence waterways, plant natives, restore wetlands and protect Priority Biodiversity Sites.
• Educating and enforcing: We respond to pollution complaints, clean up oil spills and monitor consent conditions to ensure activities follow the rules. When necessary, we take enforcement action while continuing education to encourage good environmental practices.
• Assessing activities: We review resource consent applications for activities such as earthworks, water takes, and discharges, checking environmental and cultural impacts and setting conditions to minimise harm.