Te Mana O Te Taiao: Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020

ENGLISH
TE MANA O TE TAIAO
AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND
BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY 2020
Te Mana o Te Taiao - Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020
ISBN 978-0-9951392-0-6 (print)
ISBN 978-0-9951392-1-3 (online)
COVER: Giant Kauri tree (Tane Mahuta), illuminated by

person with torch. Photo: Rob Suisted
Department of Conservation
PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143
New Zealand
August 2020
Editing and design:

Te Rōpū Ratonga Auaha, Te Papa Atawhai
Creative Services, Department of Conservation
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence. In essence, you are
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Tauparapara
Whakarongo rā te taringa ki te hau e papaki Harken thine ears to the winds that cause
mai nei ki tōku kiri karamū the hairs on my skin to rise
He manawa whiti, he manawa rere, he My heart is startled, flits and palpitates
manawa kapakapa It is my beloved land alight with life
Taku manawa whenua e hika nei Manifest by the abundance of land and seas
Ee! Ko te ngawekitanga o te whenua, Let alone the children of Sky and Earth
te ngahuetanga o te moana
Given up to me the fountain of life
Waiho ake nei ko ngā tamariki a Rangi me Papa
For the water is the blood of the land, and the
I tukua mai ki au te puna o te ora. land is the blood of the people
Ko te wai te toto o te whenua, te whenua Lashed together by the hallowed and precious
te toto o te tangata thread of life
I herea ki te tapu, ki te mana, ki te mauri This is my life’s lineage, a mirage of the past
o te ora
Waking to the world, searching in vain
Te tātai o taku ora, te matū o te ora, he
Lean and degraded, a severed connection
korerehū o te mātāmuri
My treasured land
Ka ohotū ki te ao, rapu noa nei au
I longed for my culture secured to me by my
Ki te angiangi, ki te memeha, ki te momotu
ancestors (by the supernatural)
Taku whenua kura
Under who’s authority? By the authority of
He matawara nōku ki taku ahurea i whītikihia
the Treaty, the authority of the Courts, the
e te tipua
authority of Māori
Nō wai te mana? Nō Te Tiriti te mana, nō te Kōti
From the authority and power of
te mana, nō te mana Māori motuhake
the environment
Nō Te Mana o te Taiao tonu
Gather ye together to make it right.
E ohu koutou ki te whakapai ake.
To fatten the land. So my children will
Hei whakamōmona i te whenua. Kei mate ai not suffer
ōku tamariki
Ignorance is the oppressor, vigilance is
Ka warea te ware, ka area te rangatira, the liberator.
Hongihongi te whewheia, hongihongi te Know the scent of your enemy, know the
manehurangi, kei au te Rangatiratanga. scent of your vision, so that you may
achieve liberation.
Composed by Puke Timoti

Kupu
Kupu whakataki
whakataki
Foreword
Foreword
Many
ManyofofAotearoa
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plants have been isolated to the islands and
waters
watersofofAotearoa
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Zealandsince
sincethe thedays
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andnature
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Butnature
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landholders,
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Despite
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Aotearoa
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sobering
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It’snot
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thisstarts
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withworking
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restore
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andsupport
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andiwi,
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and
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Te
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ourecological
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that
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I Iwould
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ofConservation
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and
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governmentand andstatutory
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bodies,
Page 4 Te Mana o te Taiao

Tākiri mai ko te ata, korihi te manu
Ka pō! Ka ao! Ka awatea!
Our relationship with te taiao is special and when we
draw on a Māori world view the interconnected and
holistic relationship between all living things build
a profound respect for our natural world. Sadly our
biodiversity is under threat, there are 4000 species
across Aotearoa New Zealand that are now considered
threatened or at the risk of extinction. We must not sit
idle, what we do now can make a difference for the
next generation.
Last summer I helped to launch the consultation on

what will be one of the most ambitious plans for our
natural taonga in this country, the National Policy
Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPSIB).
The development of a proposed NPSIB will be one
of the key tools for achieving Te Mana o te Taiao.
Takiri mai ko te ata kōrohi te manu

The NPSIB proposes a solution of working together
to ensure that nature can thrive on public, private and
Ka Pō! Ka Āo! Ka Awatea!

Māori land. By providing clear direction at the national
level, the proposed national policy statement aims
to help us increase our efforts to protect our most
Our relationship with te taiao is special and when Starting with strengthening the Treaty Partnership
significant biodiversity and encourage restoration of
we draw on a Māori world view the interconnected between Māori and the Crown, it is my hope that Te
what has been lost.
and We relationship
holistic are proposing a toolkit
between with
all living things Mana o te Taiao will also help to create and support
a range of measures to assistrespect
build a profound our efforts.
for our natural world. partnerships throughout local government and iwi.
Te Mana o te Taiao includes goals that will make the
Sadly our biodiversity is under threat, there are Coming together, sharing and using knowledge,
I am pleased that
4000the important
species work of
across Aotearoa iwiZealand
New and that roles andmātauranga
especially actions ofMāori,
localwill
government clearer and
have great positive
community groups in protecting and restoring
are now considered threatened or at the risk of easier. Over
impacts on ourtime, this
work to will also
protect add tonature.
and restore the quality of life
biodiversity has now been
extinction. recognised
We must in what
not sit idle, Te Mana
we doonow attributes
Te Mana o tein ourincludes
Taiao communities and
goals that willregions
make the– we have a
can make
te Taiao. Our local a differencechampions
conservation for the next generation.
play a beautiful
roles country.
and actions of local government clearer and
significant role in summer
Last inspiring the actions
I helped to launchofthe
others in their
consultation easier. Over time, this will also add to the quality of
Together, all New Zealanders are responsible for
life attributes in our communities and regions – we
communities.on what will beto
Resourcing one of the
help most ambitious
community plans
groups
for our natural taonga in this country, the National protecting
have and
a beautiful restoring our unique nature. The
country.
grow, connect with others, and gather and share
Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity responsibility we share today will be the reward that
knowledge will bolster the fantastic work already being Together, all New Zealanders are responsible for
(NPSIB). The development of a proposed NPSIB will our children
protecting and will benefit
restoring from. nature. The
our unique
done to protect andofrestore
be one the keyourtoolstaiao.
for achieving Te Mana o te
responsibility we share today will be the reward that
Taiao. The NPSIB proposes a solution of working And finally remember we can achieve the seemingly
I am also encouraged with the work undertaken our children will benefit from.
together to ensure that nature can thrive on public, impossible. There were only five black robins in this
across councils and and
private regions
Māorito incorporate
land. planning
By providing clear direction And finally remember we can achieve the
world in 1980, with just a single breeding pair left. The
practices of working with landowners
at the national to improve
level, the proposed national policy seemingly impossible. There were only five black
outlook was really bleak, but a dedicated team of New
robins in this world in 1980, with just a single
biodiversity outcomes.
statement aims to help us increase our efforts
to protect our most significant biodiversity and Zealandpair
breeding Wildlife Service
left. The outlookstaff
was took the daring step of
really bleak,
Indigenous biodiversity is found not
encourage restoration only
of what onbeen
has public
lost.land,
We cross-fostering
but a dedicated team eggs andZealand
of New the young to boost numbers.
Wildlife
but also on private and Māori
are proposing owned
a toolkit land
with a where
range manyto
of measures Service staff took
The result is thatthethere
daringare
stepnow
of cross-fostering
250 black robins in
assistspecies,
our efforts. eggs and the young to boost numbers. The result
of our threatened habitats, and ecosystems are Aotearoa New Zealand. Let birdsong of the great forest
is that there are now 250 black robins in Aotearoa
also found. I am pleased that the important work of iwi and of Tāne remind us of our challenge, to protect and
New Zealand. Let birdsong of the great forest of
community groups in protecting and restoring restore ourusprecious biodiversity.
Starting with biodiversity
strengthening thebeen
Treaty Partnership Tāne remind of our challenge, to protect and
has now recognised in Te Mana o
restore our precious biodiversity.
between Māori and the
te Taiao. OurCrown, it is my hope
local conservation that Te
champions play a Pai Mārire
Mana o te Taiao will also
significant help
role to create
in inspiring theand support
actions of others in Pai Mārire
their communities.
partnerships throughout localResourcing
government to help
andcommunity
iwi. Hon Nanaia Mahuta
groups grow, connect with others, and gather and Hon Nanaia Mahuta
Coming together, sharing and using knowledge,
share knowledge will bolster the fantastic work
especially mātauranga Māori, will have great positive
already being done to protect and restore our taiao.
impacts on our work to protect and restore nature.
I am also encouraged with the work undertaken
Associate Minister for the Environment
across councils and regions to incorporate planning Associate Minister for the Environment
practices of working with landowners to improve
biodiversity outcomes.
Indigenous biodiversity is found not only on public

land, but also on private and Māori owned land
where many of our threatened species, habitats,
and ecosystems are also found.
Mō tēnei rautaki
About this strategy
What does Te Mana o te
Taiao mean?
Ko te mahere rautaki e kīia nei ko Te Mana o Te
Taiao, he mahere kōtuitui i ō tātou whakaaro ki te
whakaora, ā, ora rawa atu nei o ngā momo koiora
kei roto i ō tātou taiao. Me te mōhio hoki ki te
whakaora tātou i ērā mea, me whakaora hoki tātou
i ngā taura here a te tangata ki ōna whenua, mai
i ōna maunga, tae noa ki te moana. Kei te kī tātou
he mana tō te taiao, he whakapapa tō te taiao, he
mauri tō te taiao. Kei noho tātou ka memeha tōna
mana. Amo akehia e tātou ki roto ki te ao tūroa.
The strategic plan, called Te Mana o te Taiao, is a

plan which weaves together our ideas for restoring
the biological species in our natural world, and
ensuring their survival. We know full well that if
we restore those things, we must also reinvigorate
the kinship ties of people to their lands, from the
mountains to the sea. We say that the natural
world has its own power, genealogy, and life force.
We can't allow that power to wane. Let us carry it
with us into the natural world.

The structure of this strategy
1.1 Te wawata – Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao
The vision – the life force of nature is vibrant and vigorous...........................................10
2.1 Ngā take e hiahiatia ana Te Mana o te Taiao – he rautaki kanorau koiora ā-motu
Why we need Te Mana o te Taiao – a national biodiversity strategy............................12
2.1.1 The world is in a global nature crisis 12
2.1.2 Nature in Aotearoa New Zealand is also in trouble 12
2.2 Scope of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS .......................................................................................................13
2.2.1 Strategic direction for all of Aotearoa New Zealand 14
2.2.2 Placing the Treaty partnership at the centre of biodiversity work 14
3.1 Ngā raru kei mua i te aroaro o te ao tūroa

The problems nature faces...................................................................................................16
3.1.1 Current state of Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique biodiversity 16
3.2 Pressures and their impacts on biodiversity................................................................................................19
3.2.1 Introduced invasive species 19
3.2.2 Climate change 19
3.2.3 Changes in land and sea use 20
3.2.4 Direct exploitation of organisms (harvesting) 20
3.2.5 Pollution 20
3.3 Key gaps and issues with the current system and management approaches............................................ 22
3.3.1 The current system is complex 22
3.3.2 Our regulatory and policy frameworks for biodiversity are also complex 23
3.3.3 Competing interests and values can affect biodiversity 23
4.1 Ngā hononga i waenganui i te ao tūroa me te tangata

Connections between nature and people...........................................................................24
4.1.1 Nature and health 24
4.1.2 Nature and cultural wellbeing 24
4.1.3 Nature and economic wellbeing 26
4.1.4 Nature and community conservation 29
4.1.5 Non-indigenous species are also a part of nature 31
4.2 Mātauranga Māori and its important relationship with biodiversity ...................................................... 33
5.1 Te whakawhanaketanga o Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS

Development of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS................................................................34
5.1.1 Approach to developing Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS 34
5.1.2 Input from the public 34
5.1.3 Input from experts 34
5.1.4 Biodiversity in Aotearoa – companion report 34
5.1.5 International links 35
5.1.6 What we’ve learned from the last New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 35
5.1.7 Our approach to implementing and understanding Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS 37
5.1.8 He Awa Whiria and Te Mana o te Taiao 37
Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Page 7

6.1 Ngā āheinga ki te whakarerekē i te āhua o tā tātou mahi
Opportunities to shift the way we work............................................................................38
6.1.1 Recognising nature as at the heart of our economy 38
6.1.2 Partnerships across Aotearoa New Zealand 39
6.1.3 Committing to action 39
6.1.4 Creating connections 39
6.1.5 Heading for the same destination, but experiencing different journeys along the way 40
7.1 He pou tarāwaho mō te mahi

Framework for action .........................................................................................................42
7.2 Values to guide Te Mana o te Taiao............................................................................................................. 44
7.3 Guiding principles..........................................................................................................................................44
7.3.1 Stewardship principles 44
7.3.2 Integrated implementation approaches 44
7.3.3 Decision making in biodiversity management 44
7.4 Thriving nature and thriving people: end-state outcomes......................................................................... 46
7.5 Tūāpapa / getting the system right............................................................................................................... 47
7.6 Whakahau / empowering action.................................................................................................................. 50
7.7 Tiaki me te Whakahaumanu / protecting and restoring...........................................................................52
7.8 How Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS will be implemented..........................................................................55
7.8.1 Collaboration and partnership will be at the heart of implementation 55
7.8.2 Treaty partners, whānau, hapū and iwi will be partners in implementation 55
7.8.3 Implementation will occur at multiple scales 55
7.8.4 An adaptive approach to implementation will be needed 56
7.8.5 Transparent monitoring of progress will keep us accountable and moving forward 56
7.8.6 Implementation plans will include goals, actions, accountabilities and indicators 56
7.8.7 The first implementation plan 57

Some key technical terms
Biodiversity, or biological diversity, means the variability among living organisms from all sources,
including land, marine and freshwater ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are
a part; this includes diversity within species (including genetic diversity) between species and of
ecosystems (based on the definition of the Convention on Biological Diversity).
y Indigenous biodiversity is the diversity (or range) of indigenous species. This includes diversity
within and between species.
Nature is a holistic term that encompasses the living environment (te taiao), which includes all
living organisms and the ecological processes that sustain them. By this definition, people are a key
part of nature. This strategy uses the term ‘biodiversity’ to refer to biological diversity and ‘nature’
when considering the wider processes, functions and connections in the natural environment, of
which biodiversity is a part.
Species means a group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals capable of freely exchanging
genes or interbreeding. In this strategy, the term ‘species’ also includes subspecies and varieties.
y Indigenous species refers to species that occur naturally in Aotearoa New Zealand.
y Non-indigenous species, or introduced species, refers to species that have been brought to
New Zealand by humans, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
y Valued introduced species are introduced species, including sports fish, game animals and
species introduced for biocontrol, which provide recreational, economic, environmental or
cultural benefits to society.
Additional definitions are provided in the Glossary of technical terms at the end of this strategy.
Some key te reo terms

Kaitiakitanga is the obligation to nurture and care for the mauri of a taonga, or the ethic of
guardianship or protection.
Mātauranga Māori, or Māori knowledge, is the body of knowledge originating from Māori ancestors.
This includes the Māori world view and perspectives, Māori creativity, and cultural practices.
Mana is prestige, authority, control or personal charisma.
Mauri is the life principle, life force or vital essence.
Rangatiratanga means chieftainship, the right to exercise authority, sovereignty or self-determination.
Taonga refers to a treasure or something that is prized.

The term can be applied to anything that is considered to be of value, including socially or culturally
valuable objects, resources, phenomena, ideas and techniques.
Te Mana o te Taiao is the mana of the living environment.
Tikanga is a custom, practice or correct protocol. It refers to the customary system of values and
practices that have developed over time and are deeply embedded in the social context.
Whakapapa means genealogy, genealogical table, lineage or descent.
Translations of all Māori words and phrases used in this strategy are provided in the Glossary of te
reo terms.

1.1
Te wawata – Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao
The vision – the life force of nature is
vibrant and vigorous
The vision provides inspiration and motivation for Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand
Biodiversity Strategy (hereafter Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS) It paints a picture of the future we aspire to
for biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand
Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao – the life force of Mauri can be understood as the life force or life
nature is vibrant and vigorous. essence and is intrinsically linked to whakapapa
(genealogy). Everything has a mauri and it plays a
The vision we set out for this strategy is not only for
crucial role in the interconnectedness and ordering
the return of health to the natural world in a way
of elements within whakapapa. Connections that
that we can measure but also for the return of a
foster your emotional experiences are critical to
health and vibrancy that we can feel, touch, smell
understanding mauri, as Te Mahururangi Te
and hear, as well as an emotional reconnection
Kaawa shares:
with nature.
Central to this vision is the recognition that people “Te ihi, te wehi, te wana. Those are your
are a part of nature – and that we can only thrive emotions. Those are your indicators in a Māori
when nature thrives. worldview to assess the vitality of the mauri
and the mana. When you travel in different
Achieving Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao is possible
areas, you feel the essential energy.”
if we all work together. There is a place for everyone
living in Aotearoa New Zealand to help restore (Te Mahururangi Te Kaawa 2015;
Mātauranga o te taiao workshop;
the mauri (life force) of nature, ensuring that it is
translated from Māori, Ruatāhuna)1
healthy for ourselves, our families, communities and
cultures, as well as for future generations.
One way of visualising Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao is through the stories of kaumātua (elders) and
their emotional response to experiencing a thundering flock of kererū within their rohe (region).
The ihi (thrill) that emanates from experiencing large flocks of 300 kererū gathering in the forest during
autumn to feast on the fruit of the toromiro is described by kaumātua as reflecting the vibrancy of the
mauri of the forest – or Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao.
“No sooner had I finished my prayers, I heard this thundering coming up the valley like a jet and I
thought, ‘Oh! I’m in trouble here’. Then I heard this sound, ‘Whoooooosh!!!’. By crikey, the trees are
moving and it was white everywhere. There was a constant cooing all over the place. I was in awe
and shivering with fear. I was so afraid I could feel my hairs standing. Some time went by and my
excitement finally settled.”
(Poai Nelson; Mātauranga o te Tuawhenua 2011, translated from Māori, Ruatāhuna)1
1
The above section is drawn from the paper cited below and is used with permission from Puke Timoti. Timoti, P.; Lyver,
P.O'B.; Matamua, R. Jones, C.J.; Tahi, B.L. 2017: A representation of a Tuawhenua worldview guides environmental
conservation. Ecology and Society 22(4): 20. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-09768-220420

We are connected with nature through the places where we spend our time. Photo: Rob Suisted
2.1
Ngā take e hiahiatia ana Te Mana o te Taiao –
he rautaki kanorau koiora ā-motu
Why we need Te Mana o te Taiao –
a national biodiversity strategy
Biodiversity is in crisis globally, including in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A strategy is needed to address the complex issues causing biodiversity loss.
2.1.1 The world is in a There are many causes of biodiversity decline.

Direct pressures include the historical and ongoing
global nature crisis impacts of invasive species, changes in land and sea
“Biodiversity and nature’s contributions use, direct exploitation of species, climate change,
to people are our common heritage and and pollution. Biodiversity can also be impacted by
humanity’s most important life-supporting the different values people hold about nature and
‘safety net’. But our safety net is stretched the ways we use it.
almost to breaking point.”
(IPBES global assessment 2019)2

2.1.2 Nature in Aotearoa New
Zealand is also in trouble
Nature is essential for our livelihoods, health,
economic wellbeing and food security. Clean air Papatūānuku (Earth mother), Ranginui (sky father)
and water, the food we farm, catch or hunt, and and their offspring are in serious trouble, and we
our tourism- and primary industry-based economy urgently need to do a better job of looking after
all depend on nature. We are also connected with them. The state of nature is a legacy that we leave
nature through our many different cultures and for future generations.
the places where we live and spend our time, and
Nature in Aotearoa New Zealand is unique in
nature is part of our identity.
the world and makes a significant contribution
Nature can only thrive when biodiversity thrives. to global biodiversity, with our country being
Nature can better provide the benefits we rely internationally recognised as a biodiversity
on when environments are rich in biodiversity. ‘hotspot’. Therefore, we have a duty of care to make
However, biodiversity is rapidly declining around sure that the unique animals, plants, fungi and
the world, with around one million animal and microbes that are found in our country are healthy
plant species currently facing extinction – more and thriving.
than ever before in human history. The rate of
extinction appears to have been accelerating over
the last 40 years and does not show any signs of
stopping.3 This loss of species and ecosystems, and the
services they provide, threatens people’s existence.
2
IPBES 2019: Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy
Platform on Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Services. Brondizio, E.S.; Settele, J.; Díaz, S.; Ngo, H.T. (Eds). IPBES secretariat, Bonn, Germany.
https://ipbes.net/news/Media-Release-Global-Assessment
3
Information in this section has been taken from the IPBES global assessment 2019: https://ipbes.net/global-assessment.

However, nature in Aotearoa New Zealand is in Here in Aotearoa New Zealand we are already
trouble. Biodiversity is declining in the face of the successfully taking action to protect and restore
same direct pressures as are affecting other parts nature. There is now an opportunity to further
of the world. And these direct pressures are caused invest in our successes and firmly place nature
or exacerbated by a number of indirect pressures, at the heart of all we do, which will benefit both
including not having the right systems in place in nature and our livelihoods. Te Mana o te Taiao –
terms of policy, legislation and leadership, people ANZBS sets out how we can expand and build on
not having enough knowledge or resources to act, the strong foundation we have already built to allow
and a disconnect between people and nature. our natural world, and the people in it, to thrive.
2.2 Scope of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS

Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS sets a strategic Introduced (or non-indigenous) biodiversity is an
direction for the protection, restoration and ecological reality in Aotearoa New Zealand that is
neither ‘all good’ nor ‘all bad’, with the benefits or
sustainable use of biodiversity, particularly
impacts of introduced species to their surrounding
indigenous biodiversity, in Aotearoa New Zealand. environment often depending on the situation.
The scope of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS includes In Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS, we recognise and
all domains – land, fresh water, estuaries and prioritise the special responsibility we have towards
wetlands, and the marine environment from indigenous species, while still recognising the
the coastline to the outer edges of the Exclusive recreational, economic and cultural benefits and
Economic Zone and the extended continental shelf. human sustenance of valued introduced species.
It also includes all types of tenure, including public Protecting and restoring biodiversity can, in
lands, private land and Māori-owned land, and some cases, be compatible with its sustainable
covers all indigenous and non-indigenous species, use. Therefore, while Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS
as well as migratory species that swim or fly is focused on the protection and restoration of
between Aotearoa New Zealand and international biodiversity, its scope also includes aspirations
waters or other countries. around customary harvest and sustainable use.
'Sustainable use means the use of

components of biological diversity in a
way and at a rate that does not lead to
the long-term decline of biological diversity,
thereby maintaining its potential to meet
the needs and aspirations of present and
future generations.’
(Convention on Biological Diversity)

2.2.1 Strategic direction for all of 2.2.2 Placing the Treaty partnership at
Aotearoa New Zealand the centre of biodiversity work
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS provides the overall Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS recognises the Crown’s
strategic direction for biodiversity in Aotearoa legislative accountability to actively engage with
New Zealand for the next 30 years. It is intended iwi, hapū and whānau to acknowledge the Treaty
to guide all those who work with or have an of Waitangi. Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS aims
impact on biodiversity, including whānau (family to guide collaboration to actively give effect to
groups), hapū (clans) and iwi (tribes), central and legislation, such as section 4 of the Conservation
local government, industry, non-government Act 1987, demonstrating a collaborative expression
organisations (NGOs), scientists, landowners, of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Crown
communities, and individuals. agencies, through Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS,
will act in good faith with iwi, hapū and whānau
As well as setting an aspiration and direction, a
to achieve Treaty settlement obligation outcomes.
strategy needs to set out a pathway for meeting
This includes both those that have been settled and
the goals and objectives and specify who will
those that are yet to be settled.
be working on these. Now that Te Mana o te
Taiao – ANZBS is in place, the next phase of These obligations and directions will need to be
strategy development will be to collaboratively considered at all levels of implementation for the
design an implementation plan for 2021–2022. strategy and will need to be resourced.
Together, Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS and the
Whānau, hapū and iwi have strong connections
implementation plan form the Aotearoa New
with their whenua (land), awa (rivers) and moana
Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.
(sea) and as kaitiaki (guardians) have a strong
Progress and new discoveries we make along the interest in the management and wellbeing of the
way will influence the pathways we take towards natural world. Throughout the development of this
the vision of Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao, so a strategy, iwi, hapū, whānau and Māori organisations
new implementation plan will be developed for showed a strong interest and willingness to
2023–2025. After this, implementation plans will be participate in and deliver on goals for protecting
produced every 5 years. and restoring both nature and mātauranga Māori
(Māori knowledge).
As a national strategy, Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS
is closely connected to and guides local and Relationships, responsibilities and practices
regional biodiversity action. While some aspects of can be sustained when iwi, hapū and whānau
the strategy will be implemented nationally, much exercise rangatiratanga (authority) and carry out
of the implementation will need to happen locally. kaitiakitanga (guardianship). Te Mana o te Taiao
This recognises that local aspirations and the most – ANZBS includes values, objectives and goals to
appropriate approach will vary from place to place achieve this, including the Government sharing
so it is important that implementation is driven by knowledge and helping to build capacity and
those who know a place best. capability to support iwi, hapū, whānau and Māori
communities in their aspirations.
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS acts as a ‘canopy’
strategy, providing overarching direction The release of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS is just
and guidance to related strategies and work the first step towards finding better ways to work
programmes (see Fig. 1 on page 15). These could together. Planning and implementation of the
include plans for specific parts of the biodiversity strategy will provide an opportunity to elevate
system (e.g. the control of specific pests or partnerships and improve how we all work together
management of threatened species), iwi or hapū to deliver on our shared goals. Beginning with
environmental management plans, large-scale strengthening the Treaty Partnership between
programmes (such as Predator Free 2050), and Māori and the Crown, Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS
industry or sector strategies. will also help to create and support wider partnerships,
including with local government and communities.

Figure 1.
Who is involved in Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS?
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS is intended to be owned and implemented by all people who live in Aotearoa New Zealand. There is a place for everyone to be
involved, no matter how big or small their contribution. By working together towards common goals, we can achieve much more than we would alone.

3.1
Ngā raru kei mua i te aroaro o te ao tūroa
The problems nature faces
Several key pressures and issues are contributing to the ongoing biodiversity loss in Aotearoa New Zealand.
These are the areas we need to focus on in order to improve biodiversity
3.1.1 Current state of Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique biodiversity

We live among a mix of species that have recently
The companion report to this strategy, evolved and those that are truly ancient, creating a
Biodiversity in Aotearoa, provides an overview biodiversity that is unique in the world.
of the state and trends of New Zealand’s
Aotearoa New Zealand comprises a thread of
indigenous biodiversity. It draws on key national
isolated islands that are little more than dots within
datasets and published accounts of scientific
a vast ocean. The surging of the Earth’s crust over
research to present and explain the evidence
millions of years left them here, stranded in time
we have as a snapshot in time. The information
and space. Aboard these lifeboats from the wreck
in this section is drawn from that report.
of Gondwana were plants and animals that are
today found nowhere else on Earth (fig. 2).
Proportion of New Zealand indigenous species found nowhere else on Earth
72% 84% 81%

OF BIRDS (LAND, OF VASCULAR PLANTS OF INSECTS
FRESHWATER AND MARINE) (LAND AND FRESHWATER) (LAND AND FRESHWATER)
7% 88% 100%
OF REPTILES, FROGS, BATS
OF MARINE MAMMALS OF FRESHWATER FISHES (LAND AND FRESHWATER)
Figure 2.
Note: These data do not include extinct, exotic or non-resident native (Coloniser, Migrant or Vagrant) species. Source:
Biodiversity in Aotearoa.4
4
https://www.doc.govt.nz/anzbs-biodiversity-report.

Up until the arrival of humans, the oceans Environmental scientists have also identified that
surrounding Aotearoa New Zealand kept out many ecosystem types are naturally uncommon
predatory mammals that were common everywhere and/or heavily reduced in extent and health –
else. Aside from three species of bats, Aotearoa particularly those in lowland, freshwater and coastal
New Zealand was a land of birds, ancient reptiles marine environments. And mātauranga Māori
such as the tuatara, and areas covered by forests monitoring practices have tracked a decline in the
and tussock. cultural health indicators of ecosystem integrity.
For example, among 41 waterways that were
Some species in Aotearoa New Zealand are
tested between 2005 and 2016 for their cultural
exclusively found in very small homes, such as
health from a te ao Māori (Māori world view)
on a single island or mountain, while others are
perspective, which interweaves environmental and
restricted to highly specific habitats, such as hot
socio-cultural aspects by assessing cultural health
springs. And our marine life is also distinctive – for
indicators and mauri, 11 were very good or good,
example, Aotearoa New Zealand has the highest
21 were moderate and 9 were poor or very poor.7
number of endemic seabirds globally.
There is variability in the health of our nature
Since the arrival of humans, 79 species have been
between and within domains, ecosystems
recorded as lost to extinction, including 59 birds,
and species, and some successes have been
as a result of changes to the landscape and the
achieved where individual species have received
introduction of predatory mammals. But this
active/intensive management. However, areas
biodiversity decline is not only historical – many
of ecosystems or the biodiversity in them are
elements of Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity
continuing to be lost, fragmented or degraded
continue to be threatened today. The New Zealand
each year, and many populations of threatened
Threat Classification System5 is used to assess the
species are continuing to decline. Therefore,
conservation status of Aotearoa New Zealand’s
although the picture is incomplete, it is clear that
native species. However, these threat rankings may
our biodiversity is still declining overall.
not tell us the full story, as many species are ranked
as ‘Data Deficient’, meaning we don’t know enough
about them to assess their risk of extinction. For
example, of our 45 indigenous marine mammal
species, 16% are listed as ‘Threatened’ and a further
4% as ‘At Risk’,6 but the great majority (67%) are
classified as ‘Data Deficient’, so we cannot be certain
whether these species are declining or stable.
5
Molloy, J.; Bell, B.; Clout, M.; de Lange, P.; Gibbs, G.; Given, D.; Norton, D.; Smith, N.; Stephens, T. 2002: Classifying species
according to threat of extinction. A system for New Zealand. Threatened Species Occasional Publication 22. Department of
Conservation, Wellington. 26 p.
6
Threatened’ means that a given species faces the threat of extinction, while ‘At Risk’ means that a given species would likely
become ’Threatened’ should pressures on its populations worsen. Data exclude extinct, exotic or non-resident native
(Coloniser, Migrant or Vagrant) species.
7
Ministry for the Environment & Stats NZ (2019). New Zealand’s Environmental Reporting Series: Environment Aotearoa 2019, p20.

State of biodiversity
Marine birds
28 (31%) are ‘Threatened’
53 (60%) are ‘At Risk’
250 000 ha of inland wetlands
remain in Aotearoa New
Zealand – around 10% of their
Some species have improving former extent. Wetland loss is
population trends. The conservation still occurring: At least 5000 ha
Based on modelled Trophic of wetland is estimated to have
status of 23 bird species improved
Level Index values, 46% of over been lost since 2001.
in the 2016 assessment as a result of
3000 lakes larger than 1 ha are
population increases, mainly because
estimated to be in poor or very
of management intervention.
Naturally uncommon poor ecological health.
ecosystems are those Around 40 800 ha of indigenous forest, scrub and
which covered less than shrubland was converted to non-indigenous land
0.5% of the country’s land cover between 1996 and 2018. In the same period,
area in prehuman times. 44 800 ha of indigenous grasslands and 5 500 ha
There are 72 of these, of of other indigenous cover were also converted to
which 45 (63%) are now non-indigenous cover types.
threatened.
Around 43% of Aotearoa Many species are in decline. Population

New Zealand’s land area declines of 61 vascular plant species means
remains in native cover. they have moved to a worse conservation
status in the latest 2017 assessment.
Freshwater fish
Land reptiles
Around 5000 of the assessed 14 000 terrestrial, freshwater, and marine A large body of research has found that concentrations of
species are ‘Data Deficient’ – i.e. there is not enough information to know nutrients, sediment and pathogens in rivers increase as
if they are in trouble. the catchment area in pastoral land use increases.
For example, 609 marine macroalgae (68%) Rivers in urban areas are contaminated with nutrients,
and 105 earthworms (59%) are assessed suspended sediment, pathogens and heavy metals.
as ‘Data Deficient’’.
Biogenic marine habitats (created by living

plants or animals) support high biodiversity
and provide ecosystem services. Many of them
have been degraded or lost. For example, there
has been a near total loss of kuku/green-lipped
mussel beds in the Firth of Thames. 214 non-indigenous marine species now
live in Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine
environments. Some of these have the
ability to compete with and prey on
indigenous species, modify natural
habitats or alter ecosystem processes.
Figure 3.
State of biodiversity

3.2 Pressures and their impacts on biodiversity
The IPBES global assessment 2019 8 outlined five
3.2.2 Climate change
global pressures on biodiversity: historical and
ongoing impacts of invasive species, changes in y We don’t yet know what many of the ongoing
land and sea use, direct exploitation of species, effects of climate change on biodiversity will
climate change, and pollution. All of these be, but we do know that they are likely to be
pressures are also key factors driving the loss of significant. Many ecosystems are already being
biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand. In addition, adversely impacted, and some species and
because ecosystems are connected, the decline ecosystems will be more vulnerable to climate
or degradation of biodiversity and ecosystems on change than others.
land can have negative impacts on marine and
y Sea level rise, ocean acidification and increased
freshwater environments, and vice versa.
sea temperatures are among the largest
Below is a high-level overview of these pressures threats, as they will compromise the extent
and how they are affecting indigenous biodiversity and health of coastal and marine ecosystems
in Aotearoa New Zealand, more details on which and species.
can be found in Biodiversity in Aotearoa.9
y Hydrological alteration (e.g. an increased
prevalence of low flows, droughts and flooding)
3.2.1 Introduced invasive species and altered water temperatures will affect
y A suite of predators and browsers that have freshwater ecosystems.
been introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand y Introduced invasive animals, plants and
threaten many indigenous species. These pathogens may become more widespread on
introduced species include possums, stoats, land, and storms, droughts and floods are likely
ferrets, weasels, rats, mice, cats, hedgehogs, to increase in frequency.
pigs, rabbits, deer, goats, invasive introduced
y Actions we take to respond to and mitigate
fish and wallabies.
the effects of climate change may also have
y Invasive invertebrates such as wasps prey on impacts on biodiversity. Examples include the
indigenous insects and out-compete birds construction of infrastructure such as coastal
for nectar. defenses and accessing resources (minerals
y Invasive plants and algae (e.g. didymo) can and metals) that are needed to transition to a
have severe effects on indigenous vegetation low-emissions economy.
and ecosystems in both freshwater and marine
environments.
y Invasive microorganisms pose significant

concerns. Kauri dieback and myrtle rust
are two recent examples that are having
widespread and devastating impacts on iconic
flora and the ecosystems they support.
y As well as the invasive species that are already

here, there is the constant biosecurity threat
of new invasive species arriving and becoming
established, and this threat is likely to increase
with climate change.
8
https://ipbes.net/global-assessment
9
https://www.doc.govt.nz/anzbs-biodiversity-report

3.2.3 Changes in land and sea use y Fishing can also have unintended impacts on
biodiversity, including the bycatch of non-
y Historical clearing of forests was carried out target species and causing damage to habitats
by Māori and then European settlers, and on the sea floor.
the further clearance of indigenous forests
remained legal on public land up until 1987. 3.2.5 Pollution
Stricter controls on forest clearance on private
land were imposed in 1991 through the Resource y Many forms of pollution affect New Zealand’s
Management Act.10 However, forests, streams biodiversity, including liquid and solid
and rivers, wetlands, indigenous grasslands, wastes, light and noise pollution, chemicals,
and shrublands still continue to be reduced in and sediment.
extent or condition, often as a result of land use y Sediment and run-off from intensive
intensification and urban development. agricultural and urban activities can damage
y Fragmentation, pollutants, and changes the quality of freshwater and marine habitats
in the nutrient and water cycles impact on (including estuaries).
indigenous biota within urban ecosystems. y Plastic pollution is a significant issue for
y Levels of erosion, sedimentation and marine biodiversity, even in remote areas of
eutrophication have increased as a result of Aotearoa New Zealand.
land use changes, each of which affects the
quality of water and the health of the species
that live in aquatic environments.
y Changes in the hydrological regimes of

freshwater ecosystems is a pervasive issue.
The allocation of surface and groundwater for
irrigation has the most widespread influence
on seasonal flows and water levels, while
engineering works, such as flood protection
works and gravel extraction, can alter or
completely destroy habitats.
y Increased coastal development causes habitat

degradation, while increased shipping traffic
can affect marine species and ecosystems by
introducing invasive species, pollution, noise
and ship strikes.
3.2.4 Direct exploitation of

organisms (harvesting)
y The commercial, recreational and cultural
harvest of indigenous marine and freshwater
species has the potential to impact on the
health of populations.
Marine ecosystems are vulnerable to the effects of

climate change. Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve.
Photo: DOC
10
www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1991/0069/latest/DLM230265.html

Saharalee with kūtai (mussels) on Mitimiti Beach. Photo: Papa Taiao Earthcare
Young people caring for nature

Papa Taiao Earthcare is a sustainability and ecological restoration training organisation that enables
young people to lead enterprising social, cultural and environmental projects while gaining National
Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) qualifications and earthcare skills.
Pyura is a biosecurity threat in Aotearoa New Zealand and is smothering kūtai (mussel) beds on Mitimiti
reef in the Hokianga. Kūtai is an important mahinga kai (traditional food source) for the community.
When the Papa Taiao class of year 12 and 13 taiohi (young people) from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o
Panguru learned about the situation, they got angry. They demanded “What are you gonna do about
it?” The Papa Taiao facilitator's response was, “This is your place, what are you going to do about it?”
The students’ first response was “Let’s get rid of it!” But after a couple of hours of picking pyura off
the rocks and still only having 20 kg in the bucket, the students declared “This is useless! How can you
do it better?” We turned the question back on them, “How can you do it better?” This stimulated the
students to come up with the idea of a competition that inspired their community to help clean up the
reef. Students raised $800 to give away as prize money. Of the approximately 100 people in the Mitimiti
community, 68 participated and managed to clear half a tonne of pyura from the reef in one day.
Next, the student group researched how to make fertiliser from the pyura. They sold a few bottles,
made a few dollars and then received an order for 1000 litres, earning them thousands of dollars.
The project not only gave the students a sense of success through problem-solving but also linked in
enterprise, encouraging them to think about how they can make money through doing positive work
for their environment.

3.3 Key gaps and issues with the current system and
management approaches
The biodiversity system is the structure that provides methods for maintaining and managing Aotearoa
New Zealand’s biodiversity on behalf of all New Zealanders. However, several aspects of our current
biodiversity system, including decision-making and regulatory processes, act as barriers to protecting
and restoring biodiversity.
3.3.1 The current system is complex

People, organisations and
The current biodiversity system includes legislation,
agencies involved in the
governance and leadership, science and monitoring,
biodiversity system include:
and a range of players, including those with
y Whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori organisations statutory roles and responsibilities, such as central
and Treaty partners. and local government, as well as the community,
industry and NGO organisations, iwi and hapū,
y Members of society, including individuals,
and individuals – i.e. everything and everyone that
community conservation and recreation
delivers something for biodiversity.
groups, kaitiaki rōpū (conservation
guardianship groups), landowners, and The system delivers:
environmental organisations working in y On-the-ground action
rural, urban and coastal areas.
y Policy and strategy
y Industry, including productive land or
sea users, the tourism sector, electricity y Science, data and knowledge
generators and the mining sector. y Tools and support
y Government and statutory bodies, y Monitoring, reporting and stories

including the Department of about biodiversity
Conservation, Ministry for the
y Regulation and legislation
Environment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and Trade, Ministry for Primary Industries However, the current biodiversity system
(including Te Uru Rākau, Fisheries New isn’t working as well as it should be, as it is
Zealand and Biodiversity New Zealand), failing to tackle issues at the scale needed to
Land Information New Zealand, New address the ongoing and cumulative loss of
Zealand Fish and Game Council, Game indigenous biodiversity.
Animal Council, Māori statutory bodies
As can be seen in the table of roles and
and Treaty settlement entities.
responsibilities of those who are involved in the
y Local government, including local, biodiversity system presented in Appendix 1, the
territorial, regional and unitary councils. current system has no single, overarching point of
governance, leadership or coordination. Because
See Appendix 1 for further details on the roles
of the vast number of players (each with their own
and responsibilities of these players.
governance and leadership structures), strategic
policy, planning and implementation are for the
most part carried out independently. This also
means that there is no overarching accountability
for any of the players, or at least no single body that
actively monitors and polices the system and those
in it. In any system, all players must play their roles

effectively for the whole to be effective. Therefore, Māori are not recognised or reflected in decisions
the challenge in the first instance is to try to link about resource use in land, freshwater and marine
these structures. environments, biodiversity is more likely to be
negatively impacted.
3.3.2 Our regulatory and policy These trade-offs will only be resolved with more
frameworks for biodiversity accurate valuing of biodiversity and ecosystem
are also complex services and the social, cultural, economic and
environmental benefits they provide to people.
Legal protection, such as public conservation Finding ways to work together and achieve win-
land and marine reserves, is an important tool for wins for biodiversity and prosperity will mean
managing some of the pressures on biodiversity. that protecting and restoring biodiversity doesn’t
A number of Māori tools, such as rāhui (temporary need to come at a cost to wellbeing
prohibitions), can also be used to put temporary and sustainable livelihoods.
bans or prohibitions in place to protect the
environment. However, legal protection doesn’t
solve all of the problems within these areas. For
example, introduced invasive species and external
impacts (such as water extraction, excessive
nutrients and sediment, and direct human
impacts) cause significant damage to indigenous
ecosystems and habitats even in protected areas.
The regulatory and policy frameworks we have in

place for protecting biodiversity in Aotearoa New
Zealand have been criticised for being inconsistent,
disjointed, under-resourced and poorly enforced,
resulting in a failure to achieve many biodiversity
outcomes. There is no clear and universal mandate
to protect or manage species or ecosystems across
all environments, and there are inconsistencies
in how species and habitats are managed under
different legislation. See Appendix 2 for a list of key
current legislation relating to biodiversity.
3.3.3 Competing interests and values

can affect biodiversity
There are a wide range of values and interests
around biodiversity, some of which compete.
People making decisions about land/sea and
resource management have to consider difficult
trade-offs and costs, especially when considering
the possible effects of productive land, sea or other
resource uses on indigenous habitats.
Our decision making and economic systems often

fail to account for the value of nature – both in
terms of money and other benefits, such as the
physical, cultural or social wellbeing of people.
If the full value of biodiversity and mātauranga

4.1
Ngā hononga i waenganui
i te ao tūroa me te tangata
Connections between nature and people
People can only thrive if the natural world is thriving, as nature
is essential for our health and cultural and economic wellbeing.
4.1.1 Nature and health 4.1.2 Nature and cultural wellbeing

Many different types of plants, animals and smaller As well as its life-giving qualities, many people
organisms inhabit the natural environments of admire aspects of nature for its rarity, beauty,
Aotearoa New Zealand and are our mauri. Without wonder, complexity, and scientific, historic or
biodiversity, we wouldn’t have the food, clear air and spiritual significance. Valuing something for what
clean water we need to live. Biodiversity loss puts it is rather than what it can provide is often referred
the health of nature, people and living indigenous to as intrinsic value.
knowledge systems (such as mātauranga Māori)
Our home is made up of a wide range of places,
in danger.
from the rohe of whānau, hapū and iwi and the
There is growing recognition that access to wild coastlines, glaciers, high mountain peaks
nature is vital for our mental and social wellbeing. and ocean depths to the rivers that run through
Spending time in nature can provide physical towns, cities and farmland and our own backyards.
activity, create social bonds with others who Nature in Aotearoa New Zealand is the inspiration
share the same space and improve our mental for our national icons and helps to define the ‘kiwi’
health through relaxation and restoration. A high character. It also contributes to our increasingly
proportion of people in Aotearoa New Zealand live multi-cultural society’s sense of national identity.
in urban areas, so it is important that people can Each culture experiences different ways of viewing,
access nature in or close to towns and cities. appreciating and relating to nature.
People living in Aotearoa New Zealand take

advantage of the huge range of recreational
activities available in our great outdoors, from
sightseeing, boating, tramping and fishing to
mountain biking and skiing. We also experience
nature through hearing birdsong in the cities we
live in, being involved in community projects to
restore streams or the bush, visiting the beach,
catching fish and many other ways. For many of us,
the time we spent in nature as children has shaped
our memories.
In Māori culture, nature and people are entwined

through whakapapa, te reo (the Māori language),
tikanga (customs), the arts, food, rongoā (medicine)
and spirituality. This relationship flows both ways
– people are kaitiaki of the natural world and the

A thriving biodiversity means increased populations of indigenous species in urban areas. Photo: Rob Suisted
A snapshot in time
Tēnei te ruru te koukou mai nei

Moa were once present at Ōtākou. Munro (1844); “for some hours after sunrise, the woods resounded
with the rich and infinitely varied notes of thousands of tūi and other songsters”.† Trees lined the inner
harbour, leaves drooping into the sea at high tide, kiwi roamed the hills and whales frequented the
harbour. HK Taiaroa (1880); “... the rich fishery and many fixed customs and reasons for settlements
by the sea river ‘Ōtākou’.‡ M Karetai (1915); “… weka were a local food source” ¶. In the 1950s; the ruru
(morepork) call could be heard, īnanga and tuna were available in season, the harbour would froth
with schooling maka (barracoota) and seasonally teem with krill, flounders speared night or day, finfish
and kaimoana (seafood) were varied and plentiful. Today, the moa, kūkupa (New Zealand pigeon), kiwi,
weka, ruru are absent, visits by whales are rare and there is a greatly reduced presence of tūī, īnanga,
tuna, maka, pātiki (flounder) and kaimoana, while the toroa (albatross), hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin)
and kororā (little blue penguin) persist.
Traditional lifeways at Ōtākou intersected with ngā hua of Tane and Tangaroa and customary harvest,
and at times rāhui prevailed – a kinship connection based on reciprocity and recognition of the primal
function of mauri. A localised knowledge originating from Māori ancestors, framed in the Māori world
view and perspectives, creativity and cultural practices developed. Expressed in everyday practices,
descriptions for weather, seasons, tides and in place names, waiata (songs), whakaara, pepeha
(proverbs) and pakiwaitara (narratives) – for example, ‘kai te haere’ was coined for the months between
potato digging and storing.
A scenario repeated across Te Waipounamu (the South Island), an erosion of taonga species that may
seem imperceptible during a lifetime, but calamitous when measured over several generations, and
alienating for whānau, hapū and the associated mātauranga.
An account narrated by Edward Ellison, Ōtākou, Ngāi Tahu.
†
Munro, D., Notes of a Journey Through a Part of the Middle Island of New Zealand in the Nelson Examiner in several
parts from July to October 1844
‡
Section 88, Kaawa Moana (Seafood areas), Ngāi Tahu 1880, Hori Keri Taiaroa
¶
Personal diary of Maaki Karetai
natural world is kaitiaki of people. The loss 4.1.3 Nature and economic wellbeing
of biodiversity and the growing distance between
whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori communities and Treaty Although biodiversity underpins our economy, the
partners and what remains are making it harder value of nature is often not fully incorporated in our
to sustain relationships, responsibilities and decision making. In addition to the benefits nature
practices. For example, mātauranga-ā-iwi, provides through ecosystem services to support
mātauranga-ā-hapū, mātauranga-ā-whānau primary industries, its cultural, social and human
(local place-based knowledge that is held within health benefits also need to be recognised and
tribal groupings) relating to particular taonga considered as part of its value.
(treasured) species can only survive if kaitiakitanga Our primary industries – agriculture, forestry,
can be carried out for those taonga – which in turn fisheries and horticulture – are all closely linked with
requires exercising rangatiratanga. the natural environment. They provide incomes and
opportunities for many regional communities, with

primary sector exports having reached a record sees our country as one of natural beauty and
$46.4 billion in the year ended June 2019. 11 wonder, with breathtaking places to visit and
explore. Tourism is traditionally one of our top
Our activities on coasts and in oceans, such
export earners and is likely to continue to be a
as fishing, aquaculture, shipping and coastal
significant sector of our economy. 12
development, also provide economic value and
support growth. In 2017, New Zealand’s marine Many landowners, farmers and rural communities
environment was estimated to add at least $7 have recognised the value of biodiversity and are
billion to our economy. working to enhance biodiversity on their land.
Improving biodiversity on productive land and
There are also many opportunities for nature-based
in catchment areas can have benefits for both
employment through primary industries, tourism,
indigenous species and farming. For example,
recreation and conservation. Nature supports our
planting indigenous trees as a shelterbelt provides
recreational activities and visitor-based economy.
habitat and food for indigenous birds and insects,
Much of our domestic tourism is based on people
while also providing shade or warmth for livestock
who live in Aotearoa New Zealand wanting to
and preventing soil erosion.
experience nature, and the rest of the world also
National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020

The third iteration of New Zealand’s National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020 (NPOA) was published
in 2020. It represents the culmination of three years’ work by government agencies (Department of
Conservation and Fisheries New Zealand) and the Seabird Advisory Group. The Seabird Advisory Group
was established in 2013 and includes members from environmental organisations, the fishing industry,
Te Ohu Kaimoana and the recreational fishing sector. The multi-sector Group worked constructively to
provide valuable advice to Government during the review and development of the NPOA-Seabirds 2020.
It will continue to play an important role in monitoring and implementation of the new NPOA.
The NPOA-Seabirds 2020 sets out the Government’s commitment to reducing fishing-related captures.
It acknowledges that while significant progress has been made since the first NPOA was published in
2004, we can do better. The focus of the new NPOA is on supporting all fishers, commercial, recreational
and customary, to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge they need to avoid catching seabirds.
The plan recognises that New Zealanders are naturally innovative and encourages development of new
solutions to seabird mitigation.
The NPOA-Seabirds 2020 takes a risk-based approach to the management of interactions between
commercial fishing and seabirds. It is underpinned by the seabird risk assessment, which is a model
that assesses risk from fisheries to seabird populations. The outputs of the risk assessment are used to
prioritise management actions. For example, efforts can be focused on specific seabird species, fishing
methods or areas that have been identified as having elevated risk levels. The plan also recognises that
New Zealand’s seabirds forage globally, and sets out objectives to promote the management of seabird
captures beyond New Zealand waters.
The Department of Conservation and Fisheries New Zealand will report on a range of performance
measures to ensure that the NPOA-Seabirds 2020 will have positive outcomes for marine biodiversity
and achieve its goals.
Ministry for Primary Industries 2020: Situation and outlook for primary industries. www.mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/
11
economic-intelligence-unit/situation-and-outlook-for-primary-industries/
12
Ministry for the Environment & Stats NZ (2019). New Zealand’s Environmental Reporting Series: Our marine environment
2019, p5.

Karen and Bob Schumacher’s forest covenant in eastern Taranaki. Photo: Nick Graham
The Schumachers’ Inglewood Kiwi Haven

In the rugged hills of eastern Taranaki, Karen and Bob Schumacher registered their first forest covenant
with QEII National Trust to protect kiwi on their farm in 2004.
“We always wanted to have bush that we could put a QEII National Trust covenant on and give a bit
back. It’s all very well talking but you have to give.”
In 2009, the Schumachers worked with QEII to protect another two covenants of remnant tawa-
podocarp forest on their home farm south of Inglewood. These forest remnants together with other
small lowland forest fragments provide a larger habitat for a range of native bush birds. They are a
corridor between the forest on Mount Taranaki and the hills to the east. Their fourth covenant expands
on the Otunahe forest and was added in November 2017.
The Otunahe forest is home to native bird species such as fernbird, whitehead, North Island robin, North
Island brown kiwi, New Zealand falcon and the threatened long-tailed bat. It is also home to bellbird,
tūī, and kererū. Of particular botanical interest in these blocks is swamp maire (Threatened – Nationally
Critical) which although not uncommon in Taranaki is now threatened by myrtle rust.
The Schumachers’ private land protection and stewardship work in Inglewood, Taranaki, has expanded
to many neighbouring farms. It is now included as part of the Pūrangi Kiwi Project. This predator-
controlled area is cared for by the East Taranaki Environment Trust (ETET). The ETET is a group of
landowners dedicated to creating a safe habitat for kiwi, long-tailed bats, North Island robin and New
Zealand falcon by managing pests across 13,000 hectares.
Predator control includes stoat, rat, possum and feral goats. Because of these efforts, kōkako were
recently released into a core area with suitable habitat. Kiwi numbers have grown to over 500 pairs
thanks to the Trust’s work controlling predators. Members of the public can visit the reserve or book a
guided walk.

In the marine environment, efforts have been made can help to strengthen social bonds as well as
to support the recovery of protected species and to improving the environment.
reduce the impacts of fishing on the wider ecosystem.
Individuals make a significant contribution to
protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s biodiversity
4.1.4 Nature and community through activities such as trapping pests and
conservation predators in their own backyards, contributing
to citizen science projects, and planting more
Many of the people who live in Aotearoa New
indigenous species.
Zealand are dedicated to improving nature, and this
brings benefits both for nature and to the people Local organisations provide free advice and
who take part. Community conservation has been guidance on which species will best support
increasing in recent years, with many volunteers local environments. Councils also provide
playing their part in restoring and protecting environmental advice, as well as funding for
nature in their neighbourhoods and local areas. local environmental education and protection
Involvement in community conservation groups programmes through grants.
Guardians of Pāuatahanui Inlet –

19 years of counting cockles to monitor water health
The Guardians of Pāuatahanui Inlet was founded in 1991 by a group of local residents who were
concerned about the environmental health of the inlet, which forms one of the two arms of Te Awarua-
o-Porirua Harbour. Since 1992, the Guardians have been counting hundreds and thousands of tuangi
(cockles) every 3 years.
Why are cockles key to the health of the inlet?

Cockles are essential to the water quality of the inlet, helping to keep the water clear by removing
plankton and minute particles of organic debris. Indeed, cockles in the inlet filter up to one-third of the
incoming tidal volume through their gills.
As a keystone species, any changes in the cockle population can be a useful indicator of the biological
health of the inlet – the more cockles, the healthier the inlet.
Monitoring the health of the inlet

Cockle surveys are carried out every 3 years by the Guardians, with help from other agencies and
community volunteers. Scientists at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)
helped to establish this research programme and the associated survey transects and methodologies
and also analyse the results of each survey.
In 2019, about 90 people of all ages gathered at Pāuatahanui Inlet, donning gumboots, to take part in
the tenth cockle count. The event seemed to take longer this time than previously, prompting optimism
that this was due to increasing numbers of cockles in the inlet.
The survey results have just been announced and there is good news – the cockle population has
increased by 41% since the last survey in 2016, representing the highest population size since 1976,
and the cockle density is also above that recorded in the previous two surveys.
Lindsay Gow, Chairperson of the Guardians, says “the cockle count is probably the longest running
citizen science programme in New Zealand, and it’s heartening that it continues to make a valued
contribution to understanding the health of the Pāuatahanui Inlet ecosystem”.

Excellent progress in removing bamboo and reusing it for terrace wall by the Street Guardian's group. Photo: Tomorrow Inc
Kaipātiki Project involvement in Te Ara Awataha & restoration of the Jessie

Tonar Scout Reserve
Kaipātiki Project had the privilege of working with mana whenua and members of the community
alongside Panuku Development Auckland to regenerate the Awataha Stream as part of Te Ara Awataha
greenway project. Following a mauri indicator framework developed by mana whenua, Kaipātiki Project
is piloting the use of a whole systems approach to community restoration. This framework will boost
the mauri of the stream, improve its water quality, and allow it to become a habitat for birds, insects and
tuna (eels) once more. It will also reconnect the community with this lost environmental taonga.
Kaipātiki Project has also co-created a regeneration plan for the Jessie Tonar Scout Reserve following
the same mauri indicators framework. To encourage engagement with the immediate neighbours
and locals, monthly working bees have been established at the site, the initial focus of which is on
the removal of a large stand of running bamboo. In addition, corporate groups, local schools and
community groups have been brought in. One of the highlights for Kaipātiki Project members has been
working regularly with Street Guardians in conjunction with City Mission and Tomorrow Inc. Charity.
Another significant highlight was the recent finding of tuna for the first time after a year of monitoring,
confirming that they are returning to the stream to continue their life-cycles.

4.1.5 Non-indigenous species are
also a part of nature
As well as the unique biodiversity found in Aotearoa
New Zealand, there are also more recent arrivals.
Many species have been introduced to Aotearoa
New Zealand over the last 800 years. These include
livestock and crops, trees that make up the forestry
industry, garden plants, animals and fish that are
hunted for sport or food, and many more.
Many of these species are critical to our everyday

lives and to the primary sector, while others provide
recreational and commercial opportunities and
avenues for conservation efforts – and some are
considered mahinga kai by Māori. These species
are considered valued introduced species. However,
a number of introduced species can threaten
indigenous species, valued introduced species and
ecosystems through predation, browsing, disease,
competition and habitat degradation.
Reaching a balance to ensure that valued

introduced species continue to provide the benefits
they are valued for, while also ensuring that
indigenous biodiversity thrives, is a key challenge
for Aotearoa New Zealand.
To maintain such a balance, it is important that our

biosecurity system works to reduce the number
of new species arriving and becoming established
in Aotearoa New Zealand, while also eradicating
or managing the impact of priority introduced
invasive species.
A hunter in Fiordland National Park. Photo: Rob Suisted

An angler fishing for trout in the Okuru River, South Westland. Photo: Fish & Game New Zealand
Trout and the complexity of modern biodiversity

Trout were first introduced to New Zealand in 1867, when three brown trout ova (eggs) brought from
Britain via Tasmania hatched in Christchurch’s botanical gardens. Having been brought to New Zealand
by British settlers as a source of food and recreation, trout in many ways embody the complexity of our
modern biodiversity.
To many thousands of New Zealanders and international tourists, trout represent a hugely valued
introduced species that provides food and recreation alongside many associated mental, physical and
nutritional health benefits. To others, trout are a threat to indigenous fish and should be controlled to
support indigenous biodiversity.
The value placed on trout provides an avenue for strong habitat conservation advocacy. Many keen
trout anglers, as well as those who hunt other game species, also spend time taking part in protection
and restoration projects to keep freshwater resources and wetlands healthy through involvement in
community conservation groups or initiatives led by organisations such as Fish & Game New Zealand.
To date, Fish & Game has secured 12 out of 15 Water Conservation Orders, including one in the Nevis
River to explicitly protect the indigenous Gollum galaxias, and has also undertaken countless cases
under the Resource Management Act to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s freshwater environments.

4.2 Mātauranga Māori Te Mana o te Taiao recognises the importance
and its important

of mātauranga-ā-iwi, mātauranga-ā-hapū and
mātauranga-ā-whānau as culturally specific
relationship place-based knowledge that is held within tribal

groupings, as well as the interwoven relationship
with biodiversity these knowledge bases have with biodiversity.
All waves of human settlement and colonisation

in Aotearoa New Zealand have had an impact on
Māori culture and language evolved in the
our unique biodiversity. Colonisation in the 19th
ecosystems and landscapes of Aotearoa New
century and the resulting environmental impacts
Zealand. Generations of Māori people lived as
and biodiversity losses caused by these new settlers
an integral part of the natural world, forming an
had wide-ranging effects on the relationship that
interwoven relationship with nature.
whānau, hapū and iwi had with biodiversity.
The collective understanding and ways of knowing
One of these impacts has been the loss of
of these generations is preserved through
mātauranga in relation to those species that have
mātauranga Māori, which is unique to Aotearoa
vanished. It only takes one generation to lose such
New Zealand. Mātauranga is a complete indigenous
mātauranga. Hence, Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS
scientific knowledge system that is drawn from
actively seeks to support the regeneration and
the relationship Māori have with all natural
continuation of mātauranga Māori through the
environments.
enhancement and regeneration of biodiversity.
Just as this relationship was essential to the
The loss of some indigenous species over time
creation of Māori culture before colonisation, it
has led to some whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori
is still essential today as it enables Māori culture
communities developing relationships with
to flourish.
non-indigenous species, which act as a proxy for
maintaining their active relationship with the
“Growing up, I would often hear kaumātua environment. In some cases, these non-
talk about the connection between the Manu indigenous species play a significant role for
and our reo. In preparation for whaikōrero, whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori communities and
young men were told to copy the Tūī. The Tūī Treaty partners in maintaining both connection
learns songs from other birds in the forest and mātauranga Māori.
and uses it to make a unique song of its own.
So young men were told to go out and listen
to as many whaikōrero as possible to make a
style that was unique to ourselves.”
(Tame Malcolm)

5.1
Te whakawhanaketanga
o Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS
Development of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS was developed with input from a wide range of parties and based on
learnings from the previous strategy. He Awa Whiria, the concept of braided river systems,
has been adopted as an approach to implementing and understanding it.
5.1.1 Approach to developing Local government plays an important role in

carrying out vital biodiversity work across Aotearoa
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS New Zealand. Therefore, regional and local councils
The development of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS also contributed expertise to ensure that biodiversity
was led by the Department of Conservation on management will be effective on the ground.
behalf of Aotearoa New Zealand. It was built on the
advice and ideas of Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, 5.1.4 Biodiversity in Aotearoa –
iwi, Māori organisations, communities, individuals, companion report
stakeholders, NGOs, industry organisations, and
central and local government – i.e. all those who To enable the country’s unique biodiversity and
will be vital to its success. taonga to be protected and restored, it is important
that we understand the state they are in, the trends
5.1.2 Input from the public at play and the many pressures they face, all of
which can be informed by the complementary
Public consultation and Treaty partner hui perspectives, histories and world views of
(meetings) on Te Koiroa o te Koiora,13 a discussion mātauranga Māori and science. The companion
document on the Biodiversity Strategy, was held report to Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS, Biodiversity
between August 2019 and February 2020. The in Aotearoa,15 provides the evidence base for this
Discussion Document Summary of Submissions 14 strategy by summarising the present state, as well
provides more details of the process and the as trends and pressures on Aotearoa New Zealand’s
input received. plants, animals and ecosystems on land, in fresh
water and at sea.
5.1.3 Input from experts
Three reference groups appointed by the Minister
of Conservation also provided valuable input and
support throughout the development of this strategy.
These groups contributed te ao Māori expertise,
science expertise and stakeholder perspectives.
13
Department of Conservation 2019: te Koiroa o te Koiora: our shared vision for living with nature. Department of
Conservation, Wellington. 70 p. www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/protecting-and-restoring/
biodiversity-discussion-document.pdf
14
https://www.doc.govt.nz/anzbs-summary-submissions
15
https://www.doc.govt.nz/anzbs-biodiversity-report
Page 34
5.1.5 International links 5.1.6 What we’ve learned from
Aotearoa New Zealand is a party to the international the last New Zealand
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). 16 The Biodiversity Strategy
CBD’s current strategic plan has a vision that
people are living in harmony with nature by 2050 The last New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy set
and includes three objectives: a direction of ‘halting the decline’ of indigenous
biodiversity loss by 2020. It was reviewed after being
y The conservation of biological diversity
in place for 5 years and an updated action plan was
y The sustainable use of its components released in 2016. This previous strategy made some
progress, but biodiversity is still declining today.
y The fair and equitable sharing of the benefits
arising from the utilisation of genetic resources To make sure that we are learning from the past,
the review of the last strategy has informed the
Each country that is party to the CBD is required
development of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS. Some
to have a national biodiversity strategy and action
missing aspects that could have strengthened
plan. New Zealand’s previous national strategy
that strategy included carrying out regular reviews
(New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2000 17) and
and reporting on progress, setting time-bound
action plan (New Zealand Biodiversity Action Plan
and measurable actions, prioritising actions
2016–2020 18) expired in 2020.
more effectively, setting out clearer roles and
responsibilities for all those involved, and obtaining
ongoing targeted funding.
More details on the lessons learned from the

previous strategy can be found in the lessons
learned paper. 19
16
www.cbd.int/convention/
17
Department of Conservation; Ministry for the Environment 2000: New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy. Department of
Conservation and Ministry for the Environment, Wellington. 146 p. www.doc.govt.nz/nature/biodiversity/nz-biodiversity-
strategy-and-action-plan/new-zealand-biodiversity-strategy-2000-2020/
18
Department of Conservation 2016: New Zealand Biodiversity Action Plan 2016–2020. Department of Conservation,
Wellington. 58 p. www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/conservation/new-zealand-biodiversity-action-plan-2016-2020.pdf
19
https://www.doc.govt.nz/anzbs-lessons-learnt

Many species, like the Fiordland Crested Penguin, have continued to be under pressure since
the last Biodiversity Strategy. Photo: Andrew Walmsley (andrewwalmsleyphotography.com)
Braided rivers are found in only a few places in the world. In Aotearoa New Zealand
they provide habitats for many indigenous species. Photo: Dave Murray
5.1.7 Our approach to implementing streams of a braided river, to generate new

approaches and ways of understanding.
and understanding Te Mana o
te Taiao – ANZBS 5.1.8 He Awa Whiria and Te Mana
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS adopts the He o te Taiao
Awa Whiria approach to implementing and
He Awa Whiria, in the context of Te Mana o te
understanding the strategy. He Awa Whiria refers to
Taiao, acknowledges both mātauranga Māori and
braided rivers, which are made up of multiple and
other scientific disciplines and ways of seeing
interconnecting channels of water. The size and
and understanding the world as equally valid,
shape of a braided river is continually changing as
distinct and separate knowledge systems in
channels shift and the water finds new paths.
biodiversity management.
In Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS, He Awa Whiria is
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS sets a direction
used as a cross-cultural conceptual framing tool.
for active protection of the unique role that
He Awa Whiria brings together all peoples, across
Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori
all cultures, sectors and knowledge paradigms in
organisations play in biodiversity and mātauranga
Aotearoa New Zealand to contribute to realising
regeneration both as rangatira and kaitiaki, and in
the strategy.
partnership with the Crown.
Developed by Māori scholars through Māori
He Awa Whiria also acknowledges the roles
research methods, the He Awa Whiria approach
different people, groups and sectors have in
has been used across a range of disciplines as a way
biodiversity protection and restoration and their
to recognise the Treaty partnership between the
respective worldviews and values. We use this
Crown and Māori, as well as to draw from multiple
metaphor as a way to be inclusive of all forms of
scientific disciplines and ways of seeing and
knowledge and peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand
understanding the world, including mātauranga
while ensuring that the Treaty partnership is
Māori. 20 This approach:
honoured and mātauranga Māori is elevated to
y Recognises these as stand-alone and equally equal standing with other forms of knowledge.
valid knowledge systems, much like how two
He Awa Whiria shines a light on the areas where
different sources can feed the waters of a
the river braids – joining mātauranga Māori with
braided river.
other knowledge systems to support actions and
y Identifies where these knowledge systems innovations that result in thriving biodiversity.
mingle and mix, like the ever-changing
20
Macfarlane, A., Macfarlane, S. and Gillon, G. (2015). Sharing the food baskets of knowledge: Creating space for a blending of
stream. In: A. Macfarlane, S. Macfarlane and M. Webber, ed., Sociocultural Realities: Exploring New Horizons. Christchurch:
Canterbury University Press.

6.1
Ngā āheinga ki te whakarerekē
i te āhua o tā tātou mahi
Opportunities to shift the way we work
Despite our best efforts to turn the tide, biodiversity loss is still happening in Aotearoa New Zealand. We now
have the opportunity to be bold and make some big changes to how we interact with nature and biodiversity.
“[It] is not too late to make a difference, but

6.1.1 Recognising nature as at the
only if we start now at every level from local heart of our economy
to global. Through transformative change,
Aotearoa New Zealand, along with the rest of the
nature can still be conserved, restored and
world, will be on a pathway to economic and social
used sustainably.”
recovery for many years to come following the
(IPBES global assessment 2019)21 Covid-19 crisis. Recognising that nature is at the
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS provides direction heart of our economy and the way we do business
on how to respond to the pressures and issues will be key to our successful recovery.
facing biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand. We Achieving this will include looking at economic
will start by strengthening the biodiversity system, tools that promote the protection and restoration
empowering action for all those involved, and of biodiversity, and how the impacts of economic
putting steps in place to improve the protection activities on biodiversity can be reduced. Protecting
and restoration of nature (see the strategic and restoring nature will have direct benefits
framework on page 43). for our economic wellbeing and prosperity. Our
With a new strategy comes the opportunity to international brand and domestic tourism, our
make improvements or changes to the ways we resilience to climate change, the health of our
work. The problems and challenges we face with fisheries, forests and productive soils – these are all
the current biodiversity system can be addressed dependent on the ecosystem services provided by
by putting nature at the heart of our economy and healthy nature. There are also cultural, social and
strengthening our ability to work in partnerships, human health benefits that need to be recognised
commit to action, create connections and be and considered as part of the value of nature.
flexible. This will provide a strong foundation that Nature-based jobs present an opportunity to
enables everyone to help achieve the vision of Te stimulate regional economies by providing labour-
Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao. intensive, practical and meaningful work that will
upskill people and deliver long-term economic
benefits – including jobs, skills, mental and physical
health, and training for future employment.
21
https://ipbes.net/global-assessment

Restoring indigenous biodiversity and habitat, 6.1.3 Committing to action
including wetlands, planting on private and public
conservation land and along waterways, stabilising There is growing awareness and concern in both
riverbanks and providing for fish passage, and society and the Government about the state of
undertaking pest control and eradication are nature and our duty of care to ensure it is thriving.
examples of what these new nature-based jobs We’re on the right path – we have recognised the
will achieve. Ecosystem restoration can also impacts of plastics, pollution and climate change
simultaneously bring both mitigation and adaptation on the environment and the importance of
benefits, making it a powerful tool for mitigating or sustainability in our everyday lives. We now have an
avoiding catastrophic climate change impacts. opportunity to give the protection, restoration and
sustainable use of biodiversity the same recognition
6.1.2 Partnerships across Aotearoa and commitment to action.
New Zealand 6.1.4 Creating connections

Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS has been designed
Biodiversity is just one part of Te Mana o te Taiao
for all of us who live in Aotearoa New Zealand to
– ANZBS, and the causes of biodiversity loss are
own and implement. There is a place for everyone
multiple and complex. Biodiversity loss is a cross-
to be involved, no matter how big or small their
cutting issue that impacts our environment, society,
contribution. By working together towards
cultures and economy.
common goals, we can achieve much more than
we would alone. There are many related pieces of work in
biosecurity, urban planning, primary production,
Upholding the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
climate change planning, energy and resources,
is an essential part of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS.
education and many other sectors. Te Mana o
Working together in partnership towards a shared
te Taiao – ANZBS will enable connections and
vision for biodiversity will ensure that rangatira and
collaboration to occur across these. Some of the
kaitiaki obligations, as well as mātauranga Māori,
work that is already underway includes:
are actively protected.
y Carrying out major reforms of the resource
Regulatory and non-regulatory tools can help to
management system, including freshwater
achieve the outcomes and goals of Te Mana o te
and biodiversity management
Taiao – ANZBS, but they alone will not solve the
biodiversity crisis. Actions to address biodiversity y Establishing a whole-of-government
loss need to involve everyone in the biodiversity framework on climate change to support our
system – whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori communities, transition to a low-emissions economy and
organisations, environmental NGOs, central and help us to build resilience and adapt to the
local government, businesses, industry, and every impacts of a changing climate
individual. This means people will need to work y Increasing our focus on the marine
alongside each other to actively manage threats environment and the health of fresh water
to biodiversity and take proactive and positive – for example, work to reform our approach
measures to protect and restore biodiversity. to marine protection and to strengthen
By using the He Awa Whiria approach, in which freshwater regulations
the braided river metaphor represents diverse y Putting considerable effort into landscape-
perspectives and knowledge systems, including scale ecological restoration, community-driven
te ao Māori and multiple scientific disciplines, we projects and pest management initiatives such
can make sure that diverse players with differing as Predator Free 2050
interests and values in biodiversity can work
together to implement the strategy.

y Promoting wider recognition of the need to 6.1.5 Heading for the same
shift to more sustainable farming, forestry,
aquaculture and fisheries practices
destination, but experiencing
y Developing Te Pae Tawhiti, an all-of-
different journeys along
government approach to address the issues the way
raised by the WAI 262 claim and the Waitangi
The causes of biodiversity loss vary from place
Tribunal report Ko Aotearoa Tēnei 22
to place, depending on the natural environment
y Facilitating the transition to a low-emissions and how natural resources are managed and
economy via renewable energy generation and used. Therefore, different solutions are needed
providing access to the necessary resources depending on the situation, location and context.
to support this transition, as set out in the Even though our collective actions as Aotearoa New
Minerals and Petroleum Resource Strategy. 23 Zealand are contributing to the same vision and
goals, how this is achieved can look different across
See Appendix 3 for related international, national,
places and regions – and this will be one of the keys
regional and local plans, strategies or agreements.
to our success.
22
Waitangi Tribunal 2011: Ko Aotearoa Tēnei: a report into claims concerning New Zealand law and policy affecting
Māori culture and identity. Te Taumata Tuatahi (Waitangi Tribunal report). Waitangi Tribunal, Wellington. 268 p.
https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/WT/wt_DOC_68356054/KoAotearoaTeneiTT1W.pdf
23
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment 2019: Responsibly delivering value. A Minerals and Petroleum Resource
Strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand: 2019–2029. Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Wellington. 47 p.
www.mbie.govt.nz/assets/nzpm-resource-strategy-multi-agency.pdf

Kahikatea forest in Arahaki Lagoon. This forest type once covered large areas of New Zealand’s lowlands.
Photo: Craig Potton / Photo New Zealand
7.1
He pou tarāwaho mō te mahi
Framework for action
The strategic framework for Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS
shows the steps we need to take to achieve the vision.
Three pillars or pou will weave together to make the transformational change needed to reach
the strategy outcomes – Tūāpapa (getting the system right), Whakahau (empowering action)
and Tiaki me te Whakahaumanu (protecting and restoring).
The strategic framework for Te Mana o te Taiao – LONG-TERM VISION

ANZBS sets out how the different components of Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao
the strategy work together to achieve the long-
term vision of Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao. See
Fig. 4 for the strategy flowchart and Fig. 5 for the
2050 OUTCOMES
strategy framework on pg. 43.
There are five outcomes, which together describe

what we are aiming to achieve by 2050.
Central to our work between now and 2050 are the WHAKAHAU
pou (pillars) Tūāpapa, Whakahau and Tiaki me te Empowering
action
whakahaumanu, each of which represents a step
towards the 2050 outcomes. Pou were originally
placed in the environment to guide people to key TŪĀPAPA TIAKI ME TE
WHAKAHAUMANU
locations, and these pou will guide us towards Getting the
Protecting and
transformational change. system right
restoring
What we need to do in order to succeed is set

out in 13 objectives, and time-bound goals sit
beneath these to provide milestones along the
way. Implementation actions will focus on making
progress towards these goals.
Implementation Plan
Developing and implementing an agreed set 5-year actions
of national indicators is one of the goals within
Tūāpapa (getting the system right). These national
indicators will be used to measure and report on
strategy outcomes, objectives and goals. Potential
indicators are detailed in Appendix 4.
Monitor and Review and
evaluate adapt actions
progress and goals
Figure 4.
Flowchart showing the pathway from the vision to the
implementation plan.

Te Mana o te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy 2020
The vision Why this is important The problem
Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao People are part of nature and nature supports life and human activity. All aspects of our wellbeing, We are in a biodiversity crisis - Papatūānuku, Ranginui and their offspring are in serious trouble, and we urgently need to do a better job at
physical, cultural, social and economic, are dependent on nature and the services that it provides. looking after them. Nature in Aotearoa New Zealand, and across the rest of the world, is declining, and directly under threat from pressures,
The mauri of nature is Natural wellbeing underpins our lives, lifestyles and livelihoods. Nature is valuable for its own sake including changes in land, freshwater and sea use, introduced species, exploitation for food and resources, pollution, and the increasing
vibrant and vigorous (intrinsic value) and is linked to our identity as New Zealanders. Our vision for a future with nature threat of climate change. Indirect pressures, such as not having the right ‘systems’ in place, people not having enough knowledge or
that has thriving, vibrant, vigorous mauri will result in thriving wellbeing for the people of resources to act, and a disconnect between people and nature, are causing and contributing to these direct pressures. Here in Aotearoa
Aotearoa New Zealand. New Zealand, we are already successfully taking action to protect and restore nature, and this strategy sets out how we can expand and
build on the strong foundation we have already built to allow our natural world, and the people in it, to thrive.
What we are aiming to achieve by 2050
Outcome 1 Outcome 2 Outcome 3 Outcome 4 Outcome 5

Ecosystems, from mountain tops to Indigenous species and their habitats across People’s lives are enriched through their Treaty partners, whānau, hapū and iwi are Prosperity is intrinsically linked
ocean depths, are thriving Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond are thriving connection with nature exercising their full role as rangatira and kaitiaki with a thriving biodiversity
› The mauri of ecosystems is thriving › The mana of taonga species is restored › Everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand is connected › Resilient biodiversity enables cultural › Thriving biodiversity provides the services that
› A full range of indigenous ecosystems are › All indigenous species are protected and s with nature, and supports and actively practices and mahinga kai, contributing to the underpin our prosperity
protected and secured for future generations ecure, and none are at risk of extinction due contributes to its protection and restoration regeneration of mātauranga Māori › Biodiversity resources are managed sustainably
› The health, integrity and connectivity of to human activities › Connection with nature is improving people’s › Restored nature uplifts mana to provide ongoing economic benefits
ecosystems have been maintained and/or restored, › Species’ populations are healthy, genetically physical, spiritual and mental health and quality › Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori › Economic activity has neutral or beneficial
including in human-dominated areas diverse and have increased resilience to future of life organisations are central to the biodiversity impacts on biodiversity
threats including climate change › Future generations inherit restored, system and recognised as leaders › Thriving biodiversity plays a central role in our
› Migratory species and their habitats are secured thriving nature approach to mitigating climate change
across international boundaries
Central to our work between now and 2050 are three pou (pillars) which provide direction and focus to guide us towards the
transformational change needed to achieve the strategy outcomes. Objectives are identified within each pou.
TŪĀPAPA WHAKAHAU TIAKI ME TE WHAKAHAUMANU

Getting the system right Empowering action Protecting and restoring
We need the right systems in place to tackle the biodiversity crisis. We need all New Zealanders to help to protect and restore our biodiversity. These cross- We need to address the direct pressures causing a decline in biodiversity, ensure the
These cross-cutting objectives set out how we will ensure this. cutting objectives set out how we will ensure that everyone is empowered to act. sustainable use of biodiversity, and restore biodiversity in areas where it has been lost.
These objectives set out what we will do to ensure biodiversity is resilient and secure.
What our 2050 objectives are: What our 2050 objectives are:
1. Governance, legislation and funding systems are in place and enable delivery of the 7. All New Zealanders have the skills, knowledge and capability to be effective What our 2050 objectives are:
strategy outcomes 8. Resourcing and support are enabling connected, active guardians of nature 10. Ecosystems and species are protected, restored, resilient and connected from
2. Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori organisations are rangatira and kaitiaki 9. Collaboration, co-design and partnership are delivering better outcomes
mountain tops to ocean depths
3. Biodiversity protection is at the heart of economic activity 11. Management ensures that Biological threats and pressures are reduced
through management
4. Improved systems for knowledge, science, data and innovation inform our work
12. Natural resources are managed sustainably
5. Mātauranga Māori is an integral part of biodiversity research and management
13. Biodiversity provides nature-based solutions to climate change and is resilient to
6. Aotearoa New Zealand is making a meaningful contribution to biodiversity globally
its effects
Implementation Measuring success: How we work together:

Each of the objectives has measurable and time-bound goals. The goals are set at 2025 Progress towards the strategy outcomes will be regularly assessed. Progress reporting We all have roles to play in protecting and restoring the mauri of nature. The strategy
for Tūāpapa and Whakahau and at 2025, 2030 and 2050 for Tiaki me te whakahaumanu. will focus on both the delivery of implementation actions (output monitoring) and has a set of underlying values and principles to guide how we work together to make
The cross-cutting goals in these first two priority areas will enable us to achieve the progress towards the outcomes (outcome monitoring). A progress review will take place decisions and deliver action. These will form the basis of implementation planning.
longer-term goals detailed in Tiaki me te whakahaumanu. Implementation planning will every 5 years, and this will be followed by a review and update of the strategy and the
set actions for achieving the goals for the shorter term. Progress on actions and goals development of the next 5-yearly implementation plan. A full set of indicators to measure
will be evaluated, and the actions and goals will be reviewed and revised to ensure we progress will be developed as part of the initial phase of implementation. A table of
are on track to achieving the outcomes. potential indicators for the five outcomes is provided in Appendix 4.
Figure 5.
The strategic framework for Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS sets out how the different components of the strategy work together to achieve the long-term vision of Te Mauri Hikahika o te Taiao. Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Page 43
7.2 Values to guide in protecting taonga species, regulating bio-
Te Mana o te Taiao
prospecting and ensuring the protection of
Māori cultural and intellectual property.
y Intergenerational equity – Future generations

We all have roles to play in protecting and restoring of people living in Aotearoa New Zealand
the mauri of nature. If we think about and use the are part of a natural environment that has a
following values, we will be able to achieve Te Mana healthy and thriving biodiversity in the same or
o te Taiao – ANZBS: an improved condition to the present status.
y Kaitiakitanga – We enable kaitiakitanga of y Creating change – Everyone can be a change-

our natural environment by Treaty partners, maker, with the power to influence the future
whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori organisations. state of biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand
and encourage the transformative shifts
y Mahi whaipainga – We care about making a
needed for success.
difference for nature in Aotearoa New Zealand.
y Intrinsic value – Species and ecosystems are
y Ngākaunui – We are passionate and
valuable in their own right and have their own
enthusiastic about the work ahead.
right to exist and be healthy and thriving now
y Mahi tahi – We work together towards a and in the future, regardless of human use
common purpose, particularly at a and appreciation.
regional level.
y Whakapapa – We recognise inter-connections 7.3.2 Integrated implementation

and have an intergenerational view. approaches
y Tohungatanga – We recognise expertise and
y Ki uta ki tai – A whole of land and seascape
pursue new knowledge and ideas.
approach is taken, focusing on understanding
y Manaakitanga – We build trust and and managing interconnected resources and
inclusiveness through our actions with others. ecosystems from the mountains to the sea.
Everyone is connecting, sharing and aligning
7.3 Guiding principles projects across systems.
y Ecologically sustainable use – The protection

and restoration of indigenous biodiversity
The following guiding principles have been is a priority but does not preclude use or
established for those involved in implementing activities that would affect them where this is
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS. ecologically sustainable.
7.3.1 Stewardship principles 7.3.3 Decision making in

y Treaty partnership – The relationship biodiversity management
between the Crown and Māori as reflected
y Indigenous biodiversity – We recognise and
in the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles
prioritise the special responsibility we have
are given effect to in the conservation and
towards indigenous species, while still recognising
sustainable use of biodiversity, including
the recreational, economic and cultural
kawanatanga, tino rangatiratanga, kaitiakitanga,
benefits of valued non-indigenous species.
customary use and mātauranga Māori.
y Involvement in decision making – Roles and
y WAI 262 – Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS
responsibilities are clear, transparent and
recognises the important role that biodiversity
effectively undertaken, and everyone has the
management plays in meeting the aspirations
support, knowledge and networks they need
of Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori
to help make informed decisions that protect
organisations in regard to WAI 262, as well as
and restore biodiversity.

Restoration projects are one way to increase biodiversity in an area. Photo: DOC
y Knowledge – Decisions are evidence-based,

transparent and informed by the best available
information, including mātauranga Māori
and science.
y Precautionary approach – Action and

innovation to improve indigenous biodiversity
outcomes are encouraged and are not delayed
due to a lack of complete information. A
precautionary approach is taken where actions
could cause significant or irreversible damage
or where species are at risk of extinction.
y Internalising environmental costs – Where

an activity imposes adverse effects on species,
habitats or ecosystems, the costs of mitigating
or remedying those impacts should be borne
by those benefitting from the activity.

7.4 Thriving nature and thriving people:
end-state outcomes
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS sets out five outcomes Each outcome has a number of parts that
for 2050. The first two are about restoring a describe what achieving it will look like, with the
healthy nature and embedded within these are understanding that fully achieving these outcomes
three outcomes focused on thriving people. This may take 30 years or longer. Each outcome will
reflects the fact that in order for people to thrive, have a set of indicators so that we can measure
nature needs to be thriving (see Fig. 6). A healthy progress along the way.
biodiversity will ensure that our social, cultural and
Three pillars or pou have been identified to help
economic needs are met.
achieve the outcomes, within each of which
We will know we have been successful in achieving objectives for 2050 and goals for 2025 have
the vision when we have achieved these outcomes. been identified.
Thriving nature
Ecosystems, from mountain tops to
ocean depths, are thriving
Indigenous species and their habitats
across Aotearoa New Zealand and
beyond are thriving
Thriving people
People’s lives are enriched through their
connection with nature
Treaty partners, whānau, hapū and iwi
are exercising their full role as rangatira
and kaitiaki
Prosperity is intrinsically linked with
thriving biodiversity
Figure 6.
2050 outcomes: thriving nature and thriving people.

Close up of kauri bark. Photo: Rob Suisted
7.5 Tūāpapa / getting the system right

This strategic priority is about having the right y Equity in Treaty-based collaboration is
systems, processes and enabling conditions in recognised as the key to success, and
place to tackle the biodiversity crisis. biodiversity is at the heart of decision making
at all levels of society.
We will know we’ve made progress towards this
strategic priority when: y Through the growth and weaving of
mātauranga Māori, science, data and other
y The foundation for action has been built.
forms of knowledge, we have the information
y Systems that support the running of Aotearoa and tools we need to manage biodiversity well.
New Zealand, from the Treaty partnership to
The goals for this strategic priority have been set
the Government to the economy, have been
to be achieved by 2025 to ensure that we have the
set up to protect and restore biodiversity.
systems in place to enable us to address pressures
y Everyone has the knowledge, science and data on biodiversity. The next set of goals for 2030 will be
they need to manage biodiversity effectively, and set at the first strategy review after 5 years.
innovation is continually delivering new tools.

TŪĀPAPA / Getting the system right
OBJECTIVES
1. 2. 3.
Governance, legislation and Treaty partners, whānau, Biodiversity protection

funding systems are in place hapū, iwi and Māori is at the heart of
and enable delivery of the organisations are rangatira economic activity
strategy outcomes and kaitiaki
2025 GOALS
1.1 Cross-stakeholder 2.1 Te ao Māori perspective is 3.1 A nature-based brand

biodiversity system implementation being embedded throughout is central to the economy of
group(s) are in place to develop, the biodiversity system, including Aotearoa New Zealand and is
monitor and report on through the use of cultural increasing support for nature
implementation plans practices and tools
3.2 Economic tools are
1.2 Biodiversity system 2.2 Innovative Treaty promoting the protection and
governance, in partnership with partnership approaches have restoration of biodiversity for its
Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, been developed and are leading intrinsic value, as well as for the
iwi and Māori organisations the delivery of many biodiversity economic benefits it provides
and informed by multi- restoration projects
stakeholder involvement, is in 3.3 Economic activities that
place and providing leadership, 2.3 Treaty partners, whānau, have the most significant adverse
accountability, and inclusive and hapū, iwi and Māori organisations impacts on biodiversity have
transparent decision making are better able to practice their been identified, their impacts
responsibilities as rangatira and have been quantified and active
1.3 Current natural resource kaitiaki, including leading and measures are in place to reduce
legislation has been reviewed partnering with the Government these impacts
to ensure it is effective and in decision making about taonga
comprehensive, recognises 3.4 Nature-based jobs are
species and the whenua, awa and
cumulative effects, and ensures providing significant employment
moana with which they associate
ongoing biodiversity protection, and delivering benefits for
including climate resilience 2.4 Māori cultural and biodiversity in all regions and on
intellectual property rights and both public and private land
1.4 The costs and value of data sovereignty regarding
restoring indigenous biodiversity indigenous biodiversity are
have been quantified and are being upheld
being actively used to inform
decision making
1.5 Sufficient ongoing resource

and funding have been secured
from multiple sources to
implement the strategy

OBJECTIVES
4. 5. 6.
Improved systems for Mātauranga Māori is an Aotearoa New Zealand

knowledge, science, integral part of biodiversity is making a meaningful
data and innovation inform research and management contribution to
our work biodiversity globally
2025 GOALS
4.1 A national, agreed set 5.1 The use, development 6.1 Aotearoa New Zealand is
of indicators and an effective and restoration of mātauranga influencing international policy
environmental monitoring and Māori is being invested in and and meeting commitments to
reporting system are informing supported and has equal mana to international biodiversity-related
biodiversity management and knowledge gained through other agreements and conventions,
decision making scientific disciplines and ways of including the Convention on
seeing/understanding the world Biological Diversity
4.2 National, agreed common
data standards and open data 5.2 Traditional and customary 6.2 Treaty partners, whānau,
agreements are ensuring practices, including mahinga hapū, iwi and Māori organisations
that everyone has access to a kai, are increasing, and the are making informed contributions
federated repository of biodiversity intergenerational transfer of to developing Aotearoa New
information mātauranga is underpinning the Zealand positions for international
work of rangatira and kaitiaki conversations, and the Treaty
4.3 A framework for identifying
partnership and collaboration is
and prioritising high biodiversity 5.3 Treaty partners, whānau,
recognised globally
value areas has been developed hapū, iwi and Māori organisations
and agreed on are making decisions based 6.3 Aotearoa New Zealand
on the best knowledge from is recognised for providing
4.4 The research, science
multiple scientific disciplines leadership in international
and innovation system is investing
and ways of seeing/ conservation knowledge and
in and collaboratively delivering
understanding the world, delivery through international
research and rangahau (research)
including mātauranga Māori collaboration and capacity
in alignment with an agreed
building, especially in the
integrated set of biodiversity
Pacific region
science priorities that cover
ecological, biophysical, social,
cultural, economic and other areas
4.5 Innovative solutions to

biodiversity issues, including
the development of new tools
and technologies, are being
collaboratively developed and
actively sought from a range
of sources and deployed on
the ground

7.6 Whakahau / empowering action
This strategic priority recognises that we need all y Everyone has the support, knowledge and
of Aotearoa New Zealand to help to protect and networks they need to take effective action
restore our biodiversity. We will know we have and make informed decisions that protect and
made progress towards this strategic priority when: restore biodiversity.
y Restoring biodiversity is second nature and All of the goals in this strategic priority are to be
easy to do. achieved by 2025 to ensure that collective action
is taking place so we can address the pressures on
y People feel connected with nature and are
biodiversity. The next set of goals for 2030 will be set
inspired to protect its awe and wonder.
at the first strategy review after 5 years.
y Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori
organisations are leading the way as rangatira
and kaitiaki and are ensuring the restoration of
mātauranga Māori.
Tree planting in Hokitika. Photo: Richard Rossiter

WHAKAHAU / Empowering action
OBJECTIVES
7. 8. 9.
All New Zealanders have the Resourcing and support are Collaboration, co-design and
skills, knowledge and capability enabling connected, active partnership are delivering
to be effective guardians of nature better outcomes
2025 GOALS
7.1 Education and campaigns are 8.1 Treaty partners, whānau, 9.1 The values of Treaty partners,
ensuring that all New Zealanders hapū, iwi and Māori organisations whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori
are aware of the current biodiversity as rangatira and kaitiaki are organisations are being actively
crisis and the importance of nature sufficiently supported and used in collaboration and co-
and are encouraging people to resourced to protect and manage design approaches
take action to protect and restore
nature and ensure sustainable use
7.6 Page 52 -
biodiversity, particularly taonga
species, in their place
9.2 Collaboration and co-design
processes that foster collective
7.2 An analysis of gaps and future Word doc table
8.2 Nature is part of the everyday ownership and delivery through
needs, training, capacity-building life and identity of New Zealanders, the consideration of multiple
and job creation are ensuring that and individuals are motivated, values in decision making are
enough people have the right skills supported and, where appropriate, recognised as the key to success
to protect and manage biodiversity incentivised to make decisions
into the future 9.3 Well-connected networks
that ensure sustainable use, reduce
of relevant people, including
negative impacts, and restore and
7.3 Research is improving urban and rural communities,
protect indigenous biodiversity
our understanding of societal stakeholders, industry and
values, norms and beliefs, as well 8.3 Community action central and local government,
as the motivators, barriers and groups are resourced, growing, are effectively working together
enablers of action to support connected and coordinated and in partnership and enabling
biodiversity management and also have access to knowledge, collective action and successful
decision making expertise and information to implementation of the strategy at
actively manage biodiversity and national, regional and local scales
other natural resources and act as
environmental stewards
8.4 Landowners, businesses,

resource users/owners and
industry are supported and,
where appropriate, incentivised
to contribute to protecting and
restoring indigenous biodiversity
as standard practice

7.7 Tiaki me te Whakahaumanu / protecting and restoring
This strategic priority area is focused on addressing y Taonga species have recovered enough that
the direct pressures that are causing a decline mahinga kai can be practiced, enabling the
in biodiversity, ensuring the sustainable use of endurance of cultural practices.
biodiversity and restoring biodiversity in areas
The goals for this strategic priority are set for
where it has been lost.
2025, 2030 and 2050, reflecting and recognising
We will know we have made progress towards this the larger amount of time that will be required
strategic priority when: to make significant progress ecologically and the
fact that achievement/progress of many of the
y Biodiversity is increasingly protected, restored
2025 goals in the other strategic priority areas
and resilient.
is needed to enable delivery of the Tiaki me te
y Backyard trappers, kaitiaki rōpū and whakahaumanu goals. Many actions will need to
community groups are finding new ways to be completed by 2025 and these will be set as part
help because there are no predators or pests of implementation planning. Progress towards the
left to trap. Tiaki me te whakahaumanu goals will be measured
y We see a return of petrels to the mainland at the first strategy review after 5 years, at which
mountains and bats to town parks. time the goals will be reviewed to ensure they are
still aspirational and achievable.
y We are taking no more than we need from
the land, fresh water and seas, ensuring that
resources are kept for future generations.
Checking a stoat trap. Photo: Sabine Bernert

TIAKI ME TE WHAKAHAUMANU / Protecting and restoring
OBJECTIVES 2025 GOALS 2030 GOALS 2050 GOALS
10. 10.1.1 Prioritised research is improving baseline information 10.1.2 Improved baseline information, comprehensive mapping, 10.1.3 Comprehensive baseline information integrated with spatial
and knowledge of species and ecosystems and improved knowledge of species and ecosystems and causes information and knowledge about effective management is
Ecosystems and species are
of their decline are informing management informing the adaptive management of species and ecosystems
protected, restored, resilient
and connected from mountain 10.2.1 The cumulative effects of pressures on biodiversity are 10.2.2 Management at different scales and across domains is 10.2.3 The cumulative effects of pressures on biodiversity
tops to ocean depths better understood reducing the cumulative effects of pressures on biodiversityı have been reduced to a level that does not have significant
detrimental effects on biodiversity
10.3.2 There has been no loss of the extent or condition of 10.3.3 An interconnected series of indigenous land,
indigenous land, wetland or freshwater ecosystems which have wetland and freshwater ecosystems have been restored to a
been identified as having high biodiversity value ‘healthy functioning’ state and are connected to marine and
coastal ecosystems
10.4.1 Significant progress has been made in identifying, 10.4.2 No loss of the extent or condition marine and coastal 10.4.3 An interconnected series of marine and coastal
mapping and protecting coastal ecosystems and identifying habitats which have been identified, mapped and designated as ecosystems have been protected and restored to a ‘healthy
and mapping marine ecosystems of high biodiversity value having high biodiversity value functioning’ state and are connected to indigenous land, wetland
and freshwater ecosystems
10.5.1 A framework has been established to promote 10.5.2 Significant progress has been made in protecting marine 10.5.3 (2035) Marine and coastal biodiversity is managed within
ecosystem-based management, protect and enhance the habitats and ecosystems of high biodiversity value environmental limits so that there is no net loss in the extent or
health of marine and coastal ecosystems, and manage them condition of marine and coastal ecosystems
within clear environmental limits
10.6.1 A protection standard for coastal and marine ecosystems 10.6.2 Significant progress made in establishing an effective 10.6.3 (2035) An effective network of marine protected areas
established and implementation underway network of marine protected areas and other protection tools and other tools, including marine and coastal ecosystems of
high biodiversity value is established and is meeting the agreed
protection standard
10.7.1 There have been no known human-driven extinctions of 10.7.2 Populations of all indigenous species known to be at risk of 10.7.3 Indigenous species have expanded in range, abundance
indigenous species extinction are being managed to ensure their future stability or an and genetic diversity and are more resilient to pressures,
improving state including climate change
10.8.1 The viability of current and future mahinga kai and 10.8.2 Mahinga kai and cultural harvest of a wider range of 10.8.3 Resilient biodiversity ensures that Treaty partners,
cultural harvest of indigenous species has been assessed to indigenous species is being practiced, with no adverse impacts on whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori organisations can practice mahinga
guide future use ecosystems and species kai and cultural harvest
11. 11.1.1 The impacts of introduced browsers, including valued 11.1.2 Introduced browsers, including valued introduced species, 11.1.3 Introduced browsers, including valued introduced species,
introduced species (pigs, deer, tahr and chamois), on are actively managed to reduce pressures on indigenous have been removed from high priority biodiversity areas and
Biological threats and
indigenous biodiversity have been quantified, and plans biodiversity and maintain cultural and recreational values threatened ecosystems and are under ongoing management
pressures are reduced
for their active management have been developed with elsewhere to maintain functioning ecosystems and cultural and
through management
Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori organisations recreational values
and stakeholders
11.2.1 Introduced predators (ferrets, weasels, stoats, possums 11.2.2 Introduced predators (ferrets, weasels, stoats, possums and 11.2.3 Aotearoa New Zealand is free from ferrets, weasels, stoats,
and rats) have been suppressed across 1 million hectares of rats) have been eradicated from one inhabited island, one city possums and rats
mainland and eradicated from all uninhabited offshore islands or town, and 10 000 hectares of rural production land, and their
eradication in 10 large mainland sites is underway
11.3.1 New and emerging biosecurity threats, including weeds, 11.3.2 The highest priority biosecurity threats, 11.3.3 Introduced biosecurity threats, including weeds, animal
animal pests and diseases (e.g. introduced invasive plants, including weeds, animal pests and diseases (e.g. introduced pests and diseases (e.g. introduced invasive plants, algae,
algae, mammals, fish, invertebrates and micro-organisms), invasive plants, algae, mammals, fish, invertebrates and micro- mammals, fish, invertebrates and micro-organisms), in all
in all domains are actively identified and managed early organisms), in all domains have been identified and are being domains have been eradicated or are being managed to reduce
through improvements in decision making, Treaty partnership managed based on current and potential future impacts on negative impacts in areas of high biodiversity value
approaches, skills and technology indigenous biodiversity
Te Mana o te Taiao Page 53

TIAKI ME TE WHAKAHAUMANU / protecting and restoring
OBJECTIVES 2025 GOALS 2030 GOALS 2050 GOALS
12. 12.1.1 Environmental limits for the sustainable use of 12.1.2 Marine fisheries are being managed within sustainable 12.1.3 Marine fisheries resources are abundant, resilient and
resources from marine ecosystems have been agreed on limits using an ecosystem-based approach managed sustainably to preserve ecosystem integrity
Natural resources are
and are being implemented
managed sustainably
12.2.1 The number of fishing-related deaths of protected 12.2.2 The direct effects of fishing do not threaten protected 12.2.3 The mortality of non-target species from marine fisheries
marine species is decreasing towards zero for all species marine species populations or their recovery has been reduced to zero
12.3.1 Environmental limits for the sustainable use of resources 12.3.2 Freshwater fisheries are being managed sustainably 12.3.3 Freshwater fisheries are not negatively affecting high-
from freshwater ecosystems have been agreed on, and plans to ensure the health and integrity of freshwater species and priority biodiversity areas and threatened ecosystems and
for the active management of fisheries have been developed ecosystems while retaining cultural and recreational values, are under ongoing management in other places to maintain
with Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, iwi, Māori organisations including for valued introduced species functioning ecosystems and cultural and recreational values,
and stakeholders including for valued introduced species
12.4.1 The potential for different sectors to contribute 12.4.2 Sustainable use practices that include benefits for 12.4.3 Sustainable use practices are providing benefits for
to improved indigenous biodiversity is understood, and indigenous biodiversity are standard practice for biodiversity indigenous biodiversity and maintaining ongoing economic and
sustainable use practices that include benefits for indigenous resource users (including tourism and recreation) and primary wellbeing benefits for people
biodiversity are becoming more widespread industry (including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture
and horticulture)
12.5.1 The most appropriate places for the protection and 12.5.2 Implementation of an integrated spatial plan for land, 12.5.3 The connectivity of indigenous ecosystems has been
restoration of indigenous biodiversity and areas that are freshwater and marine use has ensured no net loss of areas of improved through targeted restoration from mountain tops to
suitable for other uses have been identified high biodiversity value ocean depths (ki uta ki tai)
12.6.1 Indigenous vegetation planting is standard practice 12.6.2 Infrastructure and urban planning include indigenous 12.6.3 Infrastructure and urban design are delivering increasing
in urban areas, riparian zones, agricultural buffers, transport biodiversity as standard practice, including through green benefits for indigenous biodiversity
corridors and other areas infrastructure, green spaces, ecological corridors and
environmentally friendly design elements, and nature-based
solutions for issues, such as improving water quality and natural
hazard protection (e.g. flooding, landslips)
12.7.1 The most ecologically damaging pollutants (e.g. excess 12.7.2 The amount of pollution entering the environment has 12.7.3 Pollution has been reduced to a level that does not have
nutrients, sediment, biocides, plastics, light and sound) and significantly decreased significant detrimental impacts on biodiversity
pollutant sources have been identified, and an integrated plan
for their management is in place
13. 13.1.1 The potential for carbon storage from the restoration of 13.1.2 Carbon storage from the restoration of indigenous 13.1.3 Carbon storage from the restoration of indigenous
indigenous ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and coastal ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and coastal and marine ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and coastal and marine
Biodiversity provides nature-
and marine ecosystems (blue carbon), to contribute to our net ecosystems (blue carbon), contributes to our net emissions targets ecosystems (blue carbon), is a key contributor to achieving net-
based solutions to climate emissions targets is understood zero emissions for Aotearoa New Zealand
change and is resilient to
its effects 13.2.1 The potential for indigenous nature-based solutions is 13.2.2 The restoration of indigenous ecosystems is increasingly 13.2.3 The restoration of indigenous ecosystems is mitigating
understood and being incorporated into planning being used to improve our resilience to the effects of climate the effects of climate change and natural hazards (e.g. flooding)
change, including coastal protection against rising sea levels
13.3.1 Potential impacts from climate change have been 13.3.2 Risks to biodiversity from climate change, including 13.3.3 Adaptive management is addressing the impact of
integrated into ecosystem and species management plans cascading effects (e.g. increases in introduced invasive species, climate change on biodiversity, including cascading effects, and
and strategies, and a research and rangahau strategy has water abstraction, fire risk, sedimentation) have been identified is building resilience to future risks
been developed to increase knowledge and understanding of and assessed, and indigenous ecosystems, habitats and species
climate change effects are being managed to build resilience where possible
7.8 How Te Mana o te co-manage or co-govern the whenua in their rohe,
Taiao – ANZBS will

which will require adequate resourcing to allow
for local-level Māori and iwi leadership on what
be implemented is important.
WAI 262 and settlement deeds present a range

of direction or obligations for government
A strategy is only as good as the action it delivers. agencies and regulators with regard to biodiversity
Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS provides the vision and management. These will need to be considered at
strategic direction of where we want to get to, but all levels of implementation of the strategy and will
we also need a plan for how we will get there. also need to be adequately resourced.
The goals are ambitious and can only be met by The He Awa Whiria model will inform the approach
working collectively. Many people and organisations to implementation. The weaving together of
will need to be involved in implementing Te Mana mātauranga Māori and scientific disciplines in the
o te Taiao for it to be successful, and we will also delivery of the strategy will be crucial in achieving
need to learn and adapt as we go. Our thinking the goals.
needs to be innovative, inclusive and responsive to
new knowledge. 7.8.3 Implementation will occur at
Because of this, the process for implementation multiple scales
has been designed to be collaborative, adaptive
and responsive. The strategy will need to be implemented at
national, regional and local levels. Those actions
7.8.1 Collaboration and partnership that need to be implemented nationally will often
be led by agencies or national organisations.
will be at the heart of Regional biodiversity strategies, which have already
implementation been produced for some regions, will be a key part
of regional and local implementation., as these have
Partnerships at all levels will be a core approach for
been collaboratively designed and implemented
delivering this strategy.
by those who know their region best – the councils,
We all need to work together to make the strategy’s iwi/hapū, landowners and users, communities,
vision a reality. A broad range of perspectives and and local people on the ground. Thus, they will be
expertise is needed to plan and implement the next an important tool for creating linkages between
steps, including from iwi, hapū and whānau, central ecosystems and the people involved.
and local government, industry, science, NGOs,
The national strategy is also intended to provide
and communities.
strategic direction for sectors and groups to
A core implementation group will be convened that implement independently. For example, an
includes Treaty partners, regional councils and the industry body could align its environmental or
Crown to co-develop the national implementation biodiversity strategy to Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS,
plans for delivering this strategy. and community organisations could use both Te
Mana o te Taiao and their regional strategies to
7.8.2 Treaty partners, whānau, hapū guide their activities. This will ensure that we are
all pulling in the same direction and optimising
and iwi will be partners in outcomes for biodiversity.
implementation
During consultation on this strategy, Treaty
partners, whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori
organisations have stated that partnering to deliver
the strategy should include the ability to manage,

7.8.4 An adaptive approach to monitoring to inform the development of the next
5-year implementation plan. At the same time,
implementation will be needed the strategy will be reviewed to ensure that it is
The strategy’s implementation is intended to be still fit for purpose and will be updated if required.
dynamic, adapting to new information, tools and Other reviews may be needed when appropriate
methods as they arise. The long-term outcomes – for example, to ensure alignment with the
and objectives of the strategy are not likely to Convention on Biological Diversity Post-2020
change, but our understanding of the most Global Biodiversity Framework. 24
appropriate goals and the best methods and
approaches to get there will change over time 7.8.6 Implementation plans
as new knowledge and tools become available. will include goals, actions,
For this reason, implementation planning will accountabilities
focus on 5-year time frames, with a review of
progress over the previous 5 years informing the
and indicators
development of a new implementation plan Each implementation plan will include:
every 5 years.
y Goals – Additional goals that build on the
The initial implementation planning process will 2025 and 2030 goals included in Te Mana o te
differ slightly, in that a 2-year initial implementation Taiao – ANZBS will be developed as needed,
plan will be developed that focuses on setting in including goals for 2035, 2040 and 2045. This
place the systems needed to deliver the strategy, will ensure that there are always milestones to
followed by a plan for a further 3 years. The 5-year track progress and that goals can be iteratively
cycle of planning will then commence after the first developed, building on new knowledge,
5-yearly review in 2025. approaches and progress to date.
This approach allows us to keep the strategy live y Actions to progress towards the goals –
and to respond to changes and new knowledge Actions to deliver on each of the goals will be
and approaches. identified, with multiple actions potentially
being required in some cases.
7.8.5 Transparent monitoring
y Responsibility for the delivery of the goals
of progress will keep us – Responsibility will also be assigned, a key
accountable and part of which will be an assessment of the
resourcing required for delivery.
moving forward
y Indicators to measure progress – A full suite
We heard during strategy development that it of indicators and measures will be developed
will be important for monitoring and progress to enable progress towards the strategy’s
reporting to be independent and transparent. outcomes and goals to be tracked. Measuring
Progress against the strategy and implementation these indicators will be a key part of the
plan will be regularly assessed and publicly 5-yearly progress reviews. As new goals are
reported on. Regular reviews will ensure that the developed over the course of the strategy’s life,
strategy remains fresh, relevant and influential new indicators may also need to be developed.
and that we are measuring and accounting for As part of implementation, a process will be
our progress. undertaken to identify an integrated set of
Monitoring Reporting will occur at the end of biodiversity science priorities that cover biophysical,
each 5-year implementation cycle to allow that social, cultural, economic and other needs.
24
www.cbd.int/conferences/post2020

7.8.7 The first
implementation plan Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS
released
Following release of this strategy, a collaborative
implementation planning process will begin.
2020 Implementation planning
structures established
The initial implementation plan that is developed

through this process will cover a period of 2 years
(2021–2022). This initial plan will focus on establishing Initial Implementation
plan released for
the systems and processes needed to support
the effective delivery of this strategy, as well as 2021 2021–2022
making progress on those actions that can begin

immediately. This will include aligning work that
has already begun or is ready to begin with the Initial Implementation
plan reviewed
2023
strategy direction. This initial plan will be developed
in late 2020 and is intended to be completed by Second implementation plan
developed for 2023–2025
early 2021 so that work can start immediately.
A small review of progress will take place prior to

development of the next plan, which will cover the First 5-year progress review
2025
subsequent 3 years (2023–2025). The regular cycle of 5-year implementation plan
5-yearly reviews and implementation planning will
then begin with the 2025 implementation plan
(see Fig. 7).
A wealth of knowledge and ideas for Second 5-year

progress review
implementation have been captured during the
development of this strategy that will be drawn
2030 5-year implementation plan
from to help inform this process.
2050 Continued and 5-yearly

reviews and development of
implementation plans
Figure 7.
Implementation cycles.

Kuputaka
Glossary
Glossary of te reo terms
atua God, supernatural being, deity.
awa River, stream, creek.
hākari Meal, feast, celebration.
hapū Kinship group, clan, tribe, subtribe.
he awa whiria Braided rivers.
hui Gathering, meeting.
ihi Essential force, thrill, personal magnetism.
iwi Extended kinship group, tribe, nation.
kaimoana Seafood, shellfish.
kaitiaki Guardian, trustee, minder.
kaitiaki rōpū Conservation guardianship groups.
The obligation to nurture and care for the mauri of a taonga; ethic of
kaitiakitanga
guardianship, protection.
kaumātua Elderly person, a person of status within the whānau.
kaupapa Topic, policy, initiative.
ki uta ki tai From mountain tops to ocean depths.
mahi tahi To work together, collaborate, cooperate.
mahi whaipainga Beneficial work.
mahinga kai Garden, cultivation, food-gathering place.
mana Prestige, authority, control, personal charisma.
mana whenua Territorial rights, authority over land or territory.
manaakitanga Hospitality, kindness, generosity, support.
manu Bird, winged creature.
Māori knowledge; the body of knowledge originating from Māori ancestors,

mātauranga Māori including the Māori world view and perspectives, Māori creativity, and
cultural practices.
mauri Life principle, life force, vital essence.
moana Sea, ocean.
ngā hua The benefits.
ngākaunui Eager, enthusiastic, kindly disposed towards.
pakiwaitara Legend, story, fiction, narrative.

Papatūānuku Earth, Earth mother.
pepeha Tribal saying, tribal motto, proverb.
pou Post, upright, support, sustenance.
rāhui To put in place a temporary ritual prohibition, closed season, ban, reserve.
rangahau Research, survey.
rangatira Chief, supervisor, employer.
rangatiratanga Chieftainship, right to exercise authority, sovereignty, self-determination.
Ranginui Atua of the sky, sky father.
rohe Boundary, district, region, territory, area.
rongoā Remedy, medicine, treatment, solution (to a problem).
taiohi Youth, adolescent, young person.
Treasure, anything prized; applied to anything considered to be of value, including

taonga
socially or culturally valuable objects, resources, phenomena, ideas and techniques.
taonga kai Prized food.
te ao Māori The Māori world; a Māori perspective / world view.
te pae tawhiti The distant horizon.
te reo [Māori] The [Māori] language.
te taiao Natural world, environment, nature.
te Tiritiri o Waitangi The Treaty of Waitangi.
Te Waipounamu The South Island of New Zealand.
tiaki Protect, conserve, look after.
Custom, practice, correct protocol; the customary system of values and practices
tikanga
that have developed over time and are deeply embedded in the social context.
tino rangatiratanga Self-determination, sovereignty, autonomy, self-government.
tohungatanga Expertise, proficiency, competency.
waiata Song, chant.
wānanga To meet and discuss, deliberate, consider.
wero Challenge.
whaikōrero To make a formal speech, formal speech making.
whakaara To raise, initiate, instigate.
whakahau To encourage, urge, direct.
whakapapa Genealogy, genealogical table, lineage, descent.
whānau Extended family, family group.
whenua Land.

Glossary of technical terms
Note: The definitions provided here are intended to guide interpretation of the goals and narrative of this
strategy. They do not replace the definitions of terms as set out in legislation.
At Risk species Species assessed according to the New Zealand Threat Classification System
as being likely to become ‘Threatened’ should pressures on their populations
worsen. Includes four subcategories: ‘Declining’, ’Recovering’, ’Relict’ and
‘Naturally Uncommon’.
biodiversity Biological diversity or the variability among living organisms from all sources,
including land, marine and freshwater ecosystems and the ecological complexes
of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species (including genetic
diversity), between species and of ecosystems (based on the definition of the
Convention on Biological Diversity).
bio-prospecting Searching for plant and animal species from which medicinal drugs and other
commercially valuable compounds can be obtained.
biosecurity The exclusion, eradication or management of pests and diseases that pose a risk to
the economy, environment, or cultural or social values, including human health.
blue carbon Carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere by the world’s coastal
ocean ecosystems.
browsers Herbivorous animals that generally feed on high-growing plants rather

than grasses.
bycatch Species not targeted by a fishery but caught incidentally during

fishing operations.
Once caught, they can be landed, discarded or released.
catchment Area of land in which rainfall drains towards a common watercourse, stream, river,
lake or estuary.
climate change Changes in global or regional climate patterns that are evident over an
extended period (typically decades or longer). May be due to natural factors or
human activities.
conservation ‘The preservation and protection of natural and historic resources for the
purpose of maintaining their intrinsic values, providing for their appreciation and
recreational enjoyment by the public, and safeguarding the options of future
generations’ (Conservation Act 1987).
cumulative effects Changes to the environment caused by the combined impacts of past, present
and future human activities and natural processes.
customary or The traditional practice of taking natural resources. These are mostly indigenous
cultural harvest/use birds, fishes and plants, but also include other traditional materials, such as bone
and stone.
Data Deficient Species for which there is so little information available that an assessment
species through the New Zealand Threat Classification System is not possible.

domain (ecological) The freshwater domain comprises fresh water in all its physical forms. This
includes fresh water in rivers, lakes, streams, wetlands and aquifers.
The land domain comprises the soil, the underlying rock and what is on the land
surface, such as vegetation and human-made structures.
The marine domain extends from the seashore to the outer limits of Aotearoa New
Zealand’s exclusive economic zone and includes the continental shelf.
ecological corridor An area of habitat connecting wildlife populations that have been separated by
human activities or structures.
ecological integrity The full potential of indigenous biotic and abiotic features and natural processes,
functioning in sustainable communities, habitats, and landscapes.
ecosystem health Ecosystem health describes the fundamental physical and biological state of
an ecosystem in relation to its ability to support services. A healthy ecosystem
is stable and sustainable, maintaining its organisation and autonomy over time
and its resilience to stress. Ecosystem health can be assessed using measures of
resilience, vigour and organisation.
ecosystem A community of plants, animals and microorganisms in a particular place or area

interacting with the non-living components of their environment (e.g. air, water
and mineral soil).
ecosystem services The benefits obtained from ecosystems. Examples include:
a) Supporting services (e.g. nutrient cycling, soil formation, habitat creation)

7.7 UPDATE
b) Provisioning services (e.g. food, fresh water, wood, fibre, fuel)
c) Regulating services (e.g. water purification, climate regulation, flood

regulation, disease regulation)
d) Cultural services (e.g. aesthetic, spiritual, educational, recreational)
endemic species Indigenous species that breed only within a specified region or locality and are
unique to that area. Aotearoa New Zealand’s endemic species include birds that
breed only in this country but may disperse to other countries in the non-breeding
season or as sub-adults.
erosion The wearing away of land by the actions of water, wind or ice.
eutrophication The excessive build-up of nutrients in a body of water, frequently due to run-off
from land, which causes the dense growth of periphyton.
extinction (species) The loss of a species. The moment of extinction is generally considered to be
marked by the death of the last individual of that species.
full range A comprehensive and representative range of natural habitats and ecosystems
(ecosystems) that reflects the known diversity of habitats and ecological communities
remaining in Aotearoa New Zealand.
green prescription A health professional’s written advice for a patient to be physically active as part of
that patient’s health management.
habitat A combination of environmental factors that provide the food, water, cover and
space that a living thing needs to survive and reproduce.
indigenous The diversity (or range) of indigenous species. This includes diversity within and
biodiversity between species.

indigenous species Species that occur naturally in Aotearoa New Zealand.
intensification An increase in the stocking rate of animals, or an increase in the level of production
(agriculture) from a given area of land.
intrinsic value The value placed on something for what it is rather than what it can provide.
introduced species Plant or animal species that have been brought to Aotearoa New Zealand by
humans, either by accident or design. A synonym is ‘exotic species’.
invasive introduced Non-indigenous species whose introduction or spread threatens biodiversity, food
species security, and/or human health and wellbeing.
maintain (species/ Prevent a reduction in the:

habitat/ecosystem)
a) Size of populations of indigenous species
b) Occupancy of indigenous species across their natural range
c) Properties and functions of ecosystems and habitats
d) Full range and extent of ecosystems and habitats
e) Connectivity between and buffering around ecosystems
f) Resilience and adaptability of ecosystems
The maintenance of indigenous biodiversity may also require the restoration or

enhancement of ecosystems and habitats.
migratory species A species that moves from one habitat to another to complete its life cycle.
nature A holistic term that encompasses the living environment (te taiao) – i.e. all living
organisms and the ecological processes that sustain them. By this definition,
people are a key part of nature. This strategy uses the term ‘biodiversity’ to refer to
biological diversity and ‘nature’ when considering the wider processes, functions
and connections of the natural environment, of which biodiversity is a part.
nature-based Solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, cost-effective, and
solutions simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help
build resilience.
New Zealand Threat The system used to assess the conservation status of Aotearoa New Zealand’s
Classification native species. Categories include At Risk, Data Deficient, Not Threatened and
System Threatened (also defined in this glossary).
non-indigenous Species that have been brought to Aotearoa New Zealand by humans, whether
biodiversity/species intentionally or unintentionally. A synonym is ‘introduced species’.
Not Threatened Species that have been assessed under the New Zealand Threat Classification
species System and do not fit any of the other categories.
pathogen A bacterium, virus or other microorganism that can cause disease.
predator An organism that feeds on another living organism (its prey).
primary production The production of goods and services from the primary sector, such as agriculture,
horticulture and forestry.
private land Land in private ownership – that is, land not managed by the Department of
Conservation or any other public body.

protected area A geographically defined area that is protected primarily for nature conservation
purposes or to maintain biodiversity values, using any of a range of legal mechanisms
that provide long-term security of either tenure or land use purpose. It may be publicly
or privately owned.
protection Looking after biodiversity in the long term. This involves managing all threats to secure
species from extinction and ensuring that their populations are buffered from the
impacts of the loss of genetic diversity and longer term environmental events such as
climate change. This includes, but is not restricted to, legal protection.
resilience Species definition: The ability of a species, or variety or breed of species, to respond and
adapt to external environmental stresses.
Ecosystem definition: The ability of an ecosystem to recover from and absorb

disturbances, and its capacity to reorganise into similar ecosystems.
restore The active intervention and management of modified or degraded habitats,

(ecology) ecosystems, landforms and landscapes in order to reinstate indigenous natural
character, ecological and physical processes, and cultural and visual qualities.
sediment Particles or clumps of particles of sand, clay, silt, or plant or animal matter carried
in water.
sedimentation The process of settling or being deposited as a sediment.
species A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals that are capable of freely
exchanging genes or breeding. In this strategy, we use the term to include subspecies
and varieties.
sustainability ‘The use of components of biological diversity in a way and at a rate that does not lead
/ sustainable to the long-term decline of biological diversity, thereby maintaining its potential to
use meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations’ (Convention on
Biological Diversity).
Threatened Species assessed according to the New Zealand Threat Classification System as facing
species imminent extinction (or a reduction to just a few small, safe refuges, which makes them
highly susceptible to stochastic events) because of their small total population size
and/or rapid rate of population decline. This includes three sub-categories: ‘Nationally
Critical’, ‘Nationally Endangered’ and ‘Nationally Vulnerable’.
valued Introduced species, including sports fish, game birds and animals and species
introduced introduced for biocontrol, which provide recreational, economic, environmental or
species cultural benefits to society.
WAI 262 A Waitangi Tribunal claim that considered who is entitled to make or participate in
decisions affecting indigenous flora and fauna, the environment, Māori culture, and the
products of Māori culture. The accompanying Ko Aotearoa Tēnei report discusses many
of these kaupapa (topics) and lays down a wero (challenge) for the Crown and Māori to
advance their relationship as Treaty partners in a positive and future-focused way.
weed A plant that is considered to be unwanted or a nuisance. The term is often used to
describe native or non-native plants that grow and reproduce aggressively.
wellbeing The health, happiness and prosperity of an individual or group. In this strategy,
wellbeing is discussed in terms of material wellbeing (income and wealth, jobs and
earnings, and housing), health (health status and work–life balance), security (personal
security and environmental quality), social relations (social connection, subjective
wellbeing, cultural identity and education), and freedom of choice and action (civic
engagement and governance).

Āpitihanga 1
Appendix 1
People, organisations and agencies involved in the
biodiversity system
The table below outlines some of the key people, organisations and agencies that are involved in the
biodiversity system. It should be noted that many others also have roles in biodiversity management or
responsibilities for managing activities that have the potential to impact on biodiversity.
SOCIETY
Individuals Many people are interested in conservation and contribute towards it in a variety
of ways – e.g. backyard trapping or weeding, educating others, donating money
or time.
Community Hundreds of conservation groups around the country are working independently
conservation groups or with others on a range of projects – from restoring forests, coasts and wildlife
to managing huts, tracks and historic places. Many of these groups have large-
scale restoration and biodiversity recovery as their aims, while others are focusing
on a particular endangered species.
Rōpū kaitiaki Several conservation guardianship groups have been formed by

Māori communities.
Landowners Many landowners have indigenous habitats on their land and wish to maintain
or restore biodiversity.
Environmental There are several independent organisations that advocate for conservation
organisations – e.g. Forest and Bird, the Environmental Defence Society, the New Zealand
Conservation Authority.
INDUSTRY
Productive land/sea These include members of the agriculture, horticulture, forestry, commercial
users fishing and aquaculture industries, many of which are supported by
advocacy organisations.
Tourism In Aotearoa New Zealand, tourism relies heavily on the draw of our
natural environments.
Electricity generators Some power schemes and mines are located in conservation areas and other
and mining locations with high biodiversity value.

GOVERNMENT AND STATUTORY BODIES
Department of Responsible for conserving the natural and historic heritage of Aotearoa New
Conservation Zealand on behalf of and for the benefit of present and future New Zealanders.
Ministry for the Responsible for advising the Government on policies and issues affecting
Environment the environment and for developing and providing a national environmental
management system, including laws, regulations, national policy statements and
national environmental standards.
Ministry of Foreign Responsibilities include representing Aotearoa New Zealand in global talks on
Affairs and Trade the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, including the preservation of
threatened species and habitats. Plays an active role in negotiations to improve the
conservation and sustainable use of the world’s oceans and fisheries.
Ministry for Responsible for growing and protecting Aotearoa New Zealand by maximising
Primary Industries export opportunities for the primary industries, improving sector productivity,
increasing sustainable resource use and protecting the country from biological risk.
Te Uru Rākau (Forestry New Zealand) supports the planting of exotic and
indigenous forests, sustainable forest management, programmes such as the
Emissions Trading Scheme, and forestry grants.
Fisheries New Zealand works to ensure that fisheries resources are managed to
provide the greatest overall benefits to New Zealanders.
Biosecurity New Zealand leads the biosecurity system, which includes our efforts to
prevent pests and diseases from arriving and eradicating or managing those that
do arrive or have been here for some time.
Land Information Responsible for land titles, topographical information, managing Crown property
New Zealand and a variety of other functions.
Regional councils Have a general function to maintain biodiversity under the Resource Management
Act (RMA) and accompanying powers to regulate land use, the discharge of
contaminants to land and water, the damming, diversion and abstraction of water,
and discharges to and occupation of the coastal marine area.
They also have powers under the Biosecurity Act (BSA) to regulate and/or carry out
operations (pest management) to achieve biodiversity outcomes through plans
prepared under that Act.
They can secure a mandate through the Local Government Act (LGA) to expend
financial resources to carry out pest management operations or other non-
regulatory methods (regardless of whether a pest or project is provided for in a plan
prepared under the BSA).
Territorial Under the RMA, territorial authorities have the role of controlling the effects of
authorities the use, development and protection of land, including for the purpose of the
maintenance of indigenous biological diversity.
New Zealand Fish Manages, maintains and enhances sports fishes and game birds in the recreational
and Game Council interests of anglers and hunters. Manages the sports fishery to ensure that Aotearoa
New Zealand’s freshwater resource is healthy and that all species that live within it
are flourishing.
Game Animal Represents the interests of the hunting sector, and aims to improve the
Council management of hunting resources while contributing to positive
conservation outcomes.

Āpitihanga 2
Appendix 2
Key legislation relating to biodiversity
Biosecurity Act 1993 Marine Mammals Protection
The Biosecurity Act provides regulation relating Act 1978
to the exclusion, eradication and effective
The Marine Mammals Protection Act regulates the
management of pests and unwanted organisms.
protection and management of marine mammals
It includes provisions relating to the import of
in Aotearoa New Zealand and its fisheries waters,
risk goods, surveillance for and response to pest
including the exclusive economic zone.
incursions (including establishing government/
industry agreement for readiness or response),
enforcement and penalties, and pest management Marine Reserves Act 1971
– including pest management plans and pathway
management plans. The Marine Reserves Act preserves areas containing
underwater scenery, natural features or marine life
of such distinctive quality, or so typical, beautiful or
Conservation Act 1987 unique, that their preservation for scientific study is
in the national interest.
The Conservation Act underpins the governance,
administration and management of Aotearoa New
Zealand’s public conservation land and sports fish National Parks Act 1980
and game resources. It establishes the Department
of Conservation, the New Zealand Conservation The National Parks Act preserves in perpetuity areas
Authority and conservation boards, the New that are so beautiful, unique or special that their
Zealand Fish and Game Council, and regional fish preservation is in the national interest. These areas
and game councils. It governs the administration of are preserved for their intrinsic worth and for the
other conservation legislation and provides for the benefit, use and enjoyment of the public.
management of the majority of public conservation
land, including stewardship land.
Native Plants Protection Act 1934
Under the Native Plants Protection Act, native plant
Fisheries Act 1996 species can be declared protected, which prohibits
The Fisheries Act provides for the utilisation of them from being taken from Crown or public land.
marine and freshwater fisheries resources, while
ensuring sustainability (including maintaining
the potential of fisheries resources) and avoiding,
Queen Elizabeth II National Trust
remedying or mitigating any adverse effects of Act 1977
fishing on the aquatic environment.
The Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Act
establishes a national trust to encourage
Forests Act 1949 and promote the provision, protection and
enhancement of open space. A key role of the Trust
The Forests Act includes provisions that promote is to partner with private landowners to protect
the sustainable forest management of indigenous natural and cultural heritage sites on their land
forest land. with covenants.

Reserves Act 1977 Work is currently underway on a proposed National
Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity.
The Reserves Act governs the administration and This will include objectives and policies to help
management of local authority and other reserves, guide the way in which local authorities work
as well as those managed by the Department of with landowners and communities to protect
Conservation. Its overall purpose is to protect areas indigenous biodiversity.
of special value, including for recreation and for
access to and along waterways and the coast.
Trade in Endangered Species
Resource Management Act 1991 Act 1989
The Trade in Endangered Species Act implements
The Resource Management Act (RMA) is New
the International Convention on the Trade in
Zealand’s primary legislation outlining how to
Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna
manage the environment. The purpose of this
(CITES). It controls New Zealand’s import and export
Act is ‘to promote the sustainable management
of species listed in schedules 1–3 of the Convention.
of natural and physical resources’. Under the Act,
local authorities have responsibility for managing
activities on land, on water, in the air and in the Wild Animal Control Act 1977
coastal marine area, many of which have an effect
on biodiversity. The Wild Animal Control Act provides for the
control of animals listed in the Sixth Schedule of the
The RMA provides several mechanisms, including
Wildlife Act to manage their effects on vegetation,
policy statements, environmental standards
soils, waters and wildlife. This Act covers wild animal
and planning standards, that are developed
control plans, concessions for wild animal recovery
at a national level to provide direction to local
operations and the granting of permits for hunting
authorities on how to achieve the purpose of
on public conservation land.
the Act (including the protection of biodiversity).
Other mechanisms also include regional policy
statements, regional plans and district plans. Wildlife Act 1953
Some of the key instruments currently in place that
The Wildlife Act regulates the keeping and killing of
specifically provide for the protection of biodiversity
wild birds and other animals, including some fishes
include the:
and invertebrates but excluding marine mammals.
y New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement All species are protected unless scheduled as game,
2010 (NZCPS), which includes direction unprotected or subject to the Wild Animal Control
on national priorities for biodiversity in the Act. The Act’s jurisdiction covers all of Aotearoa New
coastal environment Zealand’s fisheries waters, including the exclusive
economic zone.
y National Policy Statement for Freshwater
Management 2014 (NPSFM), which directs
regional councils to safeguard the life-
supporting capacity of freshwater and
associated aquatic ecosystems
y National Environmental Standard for

Plantation Forestry 2017 (NESPF), which
includes requirements around the protection
of specific indigenous biodiversity and habitats
within or close to plantation forestry activity

Other Acts
Other relevant Acts include the:
y Crown Minerals Act 1991
y Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998
y Environmental Reporting Act 2015
y Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental

Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012
y Game Animal Council Act 2013
y Hazardous Substances and New Organisms

Act 1996
y Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000
y Kaikoura (Te Tai o Marokura) Marine

Management Act 2014
y Local Government Act 2002
y Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana)

Act 2011
y Māori Fisheries Act 2004
y Treaty Settlement Legislation (various)

Āpitihanga 3
Appendix 3
Related strategies and policies
Local policy Some of the key international agreements
and intergovernmental bodies relating to
y Iwi environmental management plans biodiversity include:
y Farm plans y Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses

and Petrels (ACAP)
y District plans
y Convention on International Trade in
y Fisheries plans
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES)
Regional policy y Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species (CMS)
y Regional biodiversity strategies
y International Union for Conservation of
y Regional policy statements and plans
Nature (IUCN)
y Conservation management strategies
y International Whaling Commission (IWC)
y Pest management strategies
y Secretariat of the Pacific Regional
y Sports fish and game management plans Environment Programme (SPREP)
y Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of

National policy International Importance especially as
Waterfowl Habitat
y New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy
y Regional fisheries management organisations
y Deeds of settlement (RFMOs)
y National policy statements, such as the y United Nations Convention on Biological
proposed National Policy Statement on Diversity (CBD)
Indigenous Biodiversity and the National Policy
Statement on Freshwater Management y United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD)
y Predator Free 2050 Strategy
y United Nations Convention on the Law of the
y Biosecurity 2025 Sea (UNCLOS)
y United Nations Framework Convention on

International policy Climate Change (UNFCCC)
y Aotearoa New Zealand is a party to the y World Heritage Convention

international Convention on Biological
Diversity and several other international
agreements relating to the protection of
biodiversity (see below for a list of some key
international agreements).

Āpitihanga 4
Appendix 4
Potential indicators for measuring progress towards
the strategy outcomes
Monitoring the state and trends of biodiversity and measuring progress against the outcomes and goals
of this strategy will be a crucial part of the implementation process. The first step will be developing and
implementing an agreed set of national indicators to measure and report on the strategy outcomes.
This work will be a priority as part of the initial implementation planning.
The table below shows some potential indicators that could be used, including relevant indicators that
are currently used for environmental reporting by Statistics New Zealand and the Ministry for the
Environment. This is not a comprehensive list, so further work will be needed to develop and agree on
a full set of indicators.
OUTCOMES POTENTIAL INDICATORS
Outcome 1
Ecosystems, from mountain tops to ocean depths, are thriving
The mauri of ecosystems y 'Mauri meter’ and Kaupapa Māori Environmental
is thriving Assessment tools
A full range of indigenous y Wetland extent

ecosystems are protected and y Protection in the marine environment
secured for future generations
y Indigenous cover and protection in land environments
The health, integrity and y Ecosystem health and function measures, including:
connectivity of ecosystems y Representation of plant functional types
has been maintained and/or
y Demography of widespread animal species
restored, including in human-
y Pressure index
dominated areas
y Land pests
y Freshwater pests
y Extent of potential range occupied by focal taxa
y Land cover
y Proportion of vegetation (indigenous and all types) in urban areas
y Freshwater health indicators, e.g. cultural health index,
macroinvertebrate community index (MCI)
y Marine primary productivity
y State of fish stocks
y Commercial catch, seabed and coastal seabed dredging
and trawling
y Marine trophic index
y Marine non-indigenous species

Outcome 2
Indigenous species and their habitats across Aotearoa New Zealand and
beyond are thriving
The mana of taonga species y Reports on progress in taonga species management by
is restored Treaty partners
All indigenous species are y Changes in the conservation status of indigenous species
protected and secure, and none y Bird species on public conservation land
are at risk of extinction due to
y Pest impacts on indigenous trees
human activity
y Bycatch of protected species
Species’ populations are y Changes in the conservation status of indigenous species

healthy, genetically diverse y Human-caused threats to marine environments
and have increased resilience
y Freshwater fish communities
to future threats, including
climate change
Migratory species and their y Changes in the conservation status of indigenous species
habitats are secured across y Percentage of migratory species’ habitats under
international boundaries legal protection
Outcome 3
People’s lives are enriched through their connection with nature
Everyone in Aotearoa New y Indigenous species in urban and developed spaces
Zealand is connected with y Number of people involved in conservation and kaitiaki
nature and supports and activities that deliver conservation outcomes
actively contributes to its
y Participation of Treaty partners, whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori
protection and restoration
organisations in revitalising mātauranga, te reo and tikanga
y Number, activities and impacts of community groups
y Number of volunteers participating, including in
citizen science
Connection with nature is y Connection with nature in children and adults

improving people’s physical, y Access to indigenous green spaces and blue (freshwater,
spiritual and mental health coastal and marine) spaces
and quality of life
y Frequency/time spent in nature
y Green prescriptions
y Number of people spending time in nature
Future generations inherit a y Baseline status of ecosystems and species

restored and thriving nature y Education system delivering environmental education

Outcome 4
Māori are exercising their full role as rangatira and kaitiaki
Resilient biodiversity enables y Customary use of biodiversity
cultural practices and y Increase in taonga kai (prized food) at hui (meetings) and
mahinga kai, contributing hākari (celebrations)
to the regeneration of
y Māori cultural and intellectual property agreements in relation
mātauranga Māori
to biodiversity
Restored biodiversity y Intergenerational transmission of te reo (the Māori language)

uplifts mana in households / Māori communities
y Rangatira (leadership) and kaitiaki (guardianship) participation
in biodiversity activities
Treaty partners, whānau, y Role of mātuaranga Māori (Māori knowledge) in

hapū, iwi and Māori management decisions
organisations are central to,
and recognised as leaders in,
the biodiversity system
Outcome 5
Prosperity is intrinsically linked with a thriving biodiversity
A thriving biodiversity provides y Measures of key services, e.g. soil carbon, pollination, natural
the services that underpin our pest control, carbon sequestration
prosperity y Performance of sectors most linked to indigenous biodiversity
Biodiversity resources are y Environmental economic accounts, including the health of

managed sustainably to provide fish stocks
ongoing economic benefits
Economic activity has neutral y International brand identity and perception

or beneficial impacts on y Primary industry value per product
biodiversity
y Investment in environmental services
A thriving biodiversity plays a y Carbon sequestration from native forests

central role in our approach to
mitigating climate change

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ENGLISH

COVER: Giant Kauri tree (Tane Mahuta), illuminated by

Editing and design:

Composed by Puke Timoti

Page 4 Te Mana o te Taiao

Last summer I helped to launch the consultation on

Takiri mai ko te ata kōrohi te manu

Ka Pō! Ka Āo! Ka Awatea!

Indigenous biodiversity is found not only on public

The strategic plan, called Te Mana o te Taiao, is a

Page 6 Te Mana o te Taiao

3.1 Ngā raru kei mua i te aroaro o te ao tūroa

4.1 Ngā hononga i waenganui i te ao tūroa me te tangata

5.1 Te whakawhanaketanga o Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS

Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Page 7

7.1 He pou tarāwaho mō te mahi

Page 8 Te Mana o te Taiao

Some key te reo terms

Mana is prestige, authority, control or personal charisma.

Mauri is the life principle, life force or vital essence.

Rangatiratanga means chieftainship, the right to exercise authority, sovereignty or self-determination.

Taonga refers to a treasure or something that is prized.

Te Mana o te Taiao is the mana of the living environment.

Whakapapa means genealogy, genealogical table, lineage or descent.

Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Page 9

(Poai Nelson; Mātauranga o te Tuawhenua 2011, translated from Māori, Ruatāhuna)1

Page 10 Te Mana o te Taiao

2.1.1 The world is in a There are many causes of biodiversity decline.

(IPBES global assessment 2019)2

Page 12 Te Mana o te Taiao

2.2 Scope of Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS

'Sustainable use means the use of

(Convention on Biological Diversity)

Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Page 13

Page 14 Te Mana o te Taiao

Who is involved in Te Mana o te Taiao – ANZBS?

Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Page 15

3.1.1 Current state of Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique biodiversity

Proportion of New Zealand indigenous species found nowhere else on Earth

72% 84% 81%

Page 16 Te Mana o te Taiao

Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Page 17

Around 43% of Aotearoa Many species are in decline. Population

Biogenic marine habitats (created by living

Page 18 Te Mana o te Taiao

y Invasive microorganisms pose significant

y As well as the invasive species that are already

Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Page 19

y Changes in the hydrological regimes of

y Increased coastal development causes habitat

3.2.4 Direct exploitation of

Marine ecosystems are vulnerable to the effects of

Page 20 Te Mana o te Taiao

Young people caring for nature

Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (ANZBS) Page 21

3.3.1 The current system is complex

generators and the mining sector. y Tools and support

y Government and statutory bodies, y Monitoring, reporting and stories