Frequently Asked Questions

Section 6 of the Resource Management Act (RMA) highlights certain “matters of national importance,” including protecting significant indigenous biodiversity areas, such as habitats for native plants and animals. This law requires councils to recognise and provide for the protection of these critical natural resources, ensuring they remain part of New Zealand’s landscape for future generations. 

The Resource Management Act (RMA) is designed to help protect the environment by managing activities that may impact it. Under the RMA, councils are responsible for establishing rules and frameworks that guide how land use and development happen. The aim is to support landowners in a way that balances sustainable land use with the protection of biodiversity, allowing for productive use while safeguarding what makes our environment special. 

Mapping indigenous biodiversity is a way to identify and protect areas with significant ecological value, helping ensure that land use considers Napier’s unique natural heritage and supports long-term environmental health. By identifying these areas, we can take steps to safeguard and, where possible, enhance them. We also believe that mapping reduces ambiguity for landowners, making conservation requirements more straightforward.

The recent changes to the RMA have removed the mandatory criteria for mapping Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) and the national policy direction on their protection. Now, under Section 6(c), it is up to each council’s discretion to decide how these areas are identified, mapped, and protected. Previously, councils were required to follow national guidelines, but now we have the flexibility to apply our own thresholds based on local needs and ecological best practices. For this chapter, we’ve applied a high threshold aligned with Section 6(c), which has led to the removal of some sites from the draft that wouldn’t have met this criterion. Council’s mapping decisions are grounded in best practice, informed by relevant case law, and supported by ecological assessments to provide transparency and clarity for landowners. You can view the ecologist’s review reports for more insight into the criteria used in these mapping decisions.

Mapping on private land helps recognise and support existing biodiversity, aiming to preserve areas with significant ecological value across Napier. Council respects and values the work that private landowners like you have put into restoring and enhancing your land. This mapping approach is about balancing conservation efforts with practical land use, ensuring that significant areas are recognised and protected in a way that aligns with your restoration efforts. We’re here to work with landowners to maintain this balance, with the shared goal of preserving Napier's unique natural heritage. 

No, absolutely not. Mapping an area as part of an indigenous biodiversity site doesn’t affect ownership and the land remains fully yours. The purpose of mapping is simply to recognise and protect areas with important ecological value, so they’re thoughtfully considered in land-use planning to help ensure long-term protection. 

Indigenous biodiversity exists across both public and private lands, and Section 6 of the RMA calls on councils to consider and protect these areas as part of sustainable land management. Limiting protection only to Council-owned land would leave many important ecological areas unprotected and vulnerable to degradation, impacting the broader health of Napier’s ecosystem. 

Not necessarily. The rules are designed to protect the ecological value of these areas while allowing for everyday activities. Resource consent requirements only apply to certain high-impact activities that could potentially harm the ecological value. The proposed rules aim to make sure that activities like maintenance and low-impact actions won’t need consent, so you can continue to use and enjoy your land without extra burden unless a significant ecological impact is expected. 

We absolutely welcome your feedback. If you believe your property doesn’t meet Section 6 criteria or is misclassified, you can provide feedback through the public submission process. Council will carefully review all submissions, and adjustments can be made based on credible evidence and ecological assessments. Your input is an important part of the process. 

Council is committed to enhancing indigenous biodiversity on public land. In addition to regulatory protections, Council is working actively to increase indigenous biodiversity through restoration initiatives and projects focused on improving ecological resilience. These include initiatives within restoration sites and efforts outlined in the draft Reserve Management Plan. By taking these steps, we’re ensuring that our conservation efforts lead by example and support the district’s broader ecological goals.