Outcome One: Environment Taiao

Endorse the Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes Strategy and partner in the implementation of the action plan to restore the water quality and ecology of this treasured lake for generations to come. 
The name Waiwhakaata refers to the shimmering reflection from the surface of the lake and the strategy aims to uphold the mana of the name Waiwhakaata so our actions are reflected in the water. Although the lake is a taoka (treasure) for our district, its hauora (health) has been significantly affected over many decades. This intergenerational project aspires to be an exemplar in ecological restoration and a case study for other catchment restorations across the motu.

Work in partnership with the community to protect and enhance the biodiversity, cultural significance, and recreational values of the Mount Iron Reserve. This work will be delivered in collaboration with Kāi Tahu, local community organisations, and the wider community.

Lead the delivery of the Blue-Green Network (BGN) Plan. The BGN Plan seeks to connect and enhance the district’s waterways and green spaces including parks, reserves, and natural areas, within the priority development and settlement areas of Council’s Spatial Plan.

We will collaborate with developers and partners across the district to protect and restore these vital ecosystems, supporting native biodiversity, improving water quality, and strengthening climate resilience in our urban areas. As the district grows, it is essential to integrate natural systems and open spaces into our future planning to ensure long-term ecological health and more liveable, resilient neighbourhoods. 

Reduce agrichemical use across Council operations, prioritising sustainable control methods within parks and roading areas.

Implement rewilding practices on Council land to ensure biodiversity enhancement is prioritised. This includes initiatives such as reduced mowing, weed removal and replanting.

Support the trialling and implementing of innovative predator trapping and species monitoring technologies and methodologies. This activity helps with efforts underway across the district to control pests such as stoats, ferrets, possums, feral cats and rats in biodiversity hotspots. This work will also support species monitoring and translocation opportunities.

Work in partnership with local wilding control groups to protect the district’s unique landscapes and biodiversity from the spread of wilding species. This will be achieved through investment in the control of wildings on Council land, the continuation of provisions in the District Plan to prevent the spread, and the strengthening of partnerships with organisations and community groups.

Explore and implement options to address the impact feral cats have on native ecosystems and wildlife. Feral cats are highly effective predators and a threat to both wildlife and companion cats. The approach needs to consider the protection of companion and stray cats from viral disease, encourage responsible pet ownership and address increasing feral cat numbers. Potential options will look to the management and protection of welfare for feral, stray and companion cats.

Collaborate with ORC and other conservation partners to improve collection and sharing of environmental monitoring data to understand the drivers of, and pressures on, environmental values. This will strengthen our collective ability to protect and restore the mauri of our natural environment.

Support the capability development of local conservation groups by providing training, resources, and collaboration opportunities.