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Ecosystems and Indigenous Biodiversity

Protecting significant flora and fauna through the Napier District Plan’s Ecosystems and Indigenous Biodiversity Variation is a vital step in safeguarding Napier’s unique biodiversity.

We’re inviting feedback on the proposed Ecosystems and Indigenous Biodiversity (ECO) chapter as part of a plan variation to the Proposed District Plan (PDP). The ECO chapter’s purpose is to give effect to Section 6 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) and key elements of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB), aiming to protect and enhance Napier's indigenous biodiversity. 

Our Approach to Biodiversity Protection 

The ECO chapter introduces a tiered mapping and management strategy that: 

  • Prioritizes Protection: Focuses on protecting mapped Section 6(c) areas, recognized as significant for indigenous vegetation and habitats. 
  • Permits Low-Impact Activities: Allows certain activities that have minimal impact on ecological values without requiring resource consent. 
  • Encourages Restoration: Supports restoration efforts and designates restoration areas for valuable ecological support, even if they do not meet Section 6(c) criteria. 
  • Applies a Precautionary Approach: Addresses areas with unknown impacts by requiring additional assessments to avoid unintended harm. 

This variation is part of Napier’s wider District Plan review and has been adjusted to comply with the new NPS-IB requirements. 

Understanding the Proposed District Plan 

The Proposed District Plan provides a legal framework for land use, development, and resource management decisions within Napier. It sets out rules and policies that guide sustainable management of natural resources, protection of the environment, and balancing community needs. The ECO chapter is a critical addition to support the biodiversity goals of the Proposed District Plan. 

What is a Plan Variation? 

A plan variation updates or adds specific sections to a Proposed District Plan after it has been notified, allowing councils to address new policy requirements, like those introduced by the NPS-IB, or to refine provisions. 

Have Your Say 

This proposal aims to protect our valuable ecosystems while balancing community needs. We welcome your input on the Proposed District Plan and ECO chapter. Submissions are open from 25 November to 31 January. Your feedback is essential in shaping Napier's approach to biodiversity conservation. Thank you for taking the time to contribute! 

In your submission, please specify: 

  • Support, Support in Part, or Oppose: Indicate if you support, partially support, or oppose particular aspects of the ECO chapter. 
  • Suggested Changes: If you propose changes to any objectives, policies, or rules, please explain why and how you believe they should be adjusted. 

Submission Form

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Timeline

Submissions open

Monday 25 November

Submissions close

Friday 31 January

Council Hearings

June 2025

Book a chat

Book a huiHave questions or need a hand with your submission?

Fill out the online form below, and we’ll set up a time to chat. Our team is here to help answer your questions and talk through what this proposal means for you and Napier.

Book a chat with us here

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