In recognition of the successful Native Habitats Tasman Programme, Tasman District Council has taken the decision to not begin work on desktop assessments of potential Significant Natural Areas (SNA) as they await the new National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity.

Tasman Mayor Tim King said the Council has decided not to pursue a District-wide SNA mapping project as has been carried out in other parts of NZ in response to growing landowner concern around the way we go about achieving our goal to reverse declining biodiversity. “Conversations at recent landowner feedback events have highlighted the pressure that many rural landowners and businesses are facing," King said.

"We have heard from locals that uncertainty around what it will mean to have land classified as a SNA under the anticipated National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS-IB) is adding to their concerns.

“As a council, we know that to achieve good long-term outcomes for biodiversity we need to all work together. In many places across the District, there are pockets of thriving biodiversity thanks to the good work of landowners who have nurtured their properties and restored native habitats.

“We are committed to working with our iwi partners, communities, and stakeholders to help support biodiversity restoration and have therefore taken the pragmatic decision to not begin desktop and aerial assessments of potential SNA while we will await the NPS-IB,” said Mayor King.

Listen to TDC Policy Planners Mary Honey and Pauline Webby talk biodiversity in the Tasman District.

The Council will continue to work with communities on other important resource management projects as part of the Tasman Environment Plan programme. This includes progressing the Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Features and Coastal Environment Projects, natural hazards work, freshwater management, and preparing coastal communities for climate change.

Associate Minister for the Environment (Biodiversity) Hon James Shaw and Minister of Local Government Hon Nanaia Mahuta wrote to councils on 11 June 2021 regarding progress on the NPS-IB. The letter advised the gazettal of the NPS-IB has been delayed and encouraged councils to continue work to identify SNA.

TDC Environmental Policy Manager Barry Johnson said the Council’s pause on SNA work does not affect the District’s long-standing voluntary survey programme.

“Council has been working to survey land on a non-compulsory basis through the Native Habitats Tasman and wetlands programmes for years and this work is continuing.

“The Native Habitats Tasman programme involves willing landowners agreeing to have their property surveyed by an ecologist, who then provides a detailed report on the significance of the area and potential management options. Around 70% of landowners contacted by the programme take up the offer to have their land surveyed and mapped.

“Recently, Tasman District Council successfully secured $2 million through Jobs for Nature to undertake weed control in local SNA. This will support landowners of identified SNA and may serve as an incentive for others to be part of the programme,” said Mr Johnson.

Membership of the Native Habitats Tasman programme includes Tasman District Council, Department of Conservation, Forest and Bird, Federated Farmers, Friends of Nelson Haven and Tasman Bay, and Ministry of Primary Industries.