Biodiversity and Biosecurity Supporting native ecosystems and safeguarding our flora and fauna from pest plants and animals

As an island nation, New Zealand’s ecosystems are both precious and highly vulnerable. The councils of Te Uru Kahika play a critical role in biosecurity and biodiversity, safeguarding the country’s unique environment, agriculture, and cultural heritage from invasive pests, diseases, and other threats.

This work is essential not only to protect our natural treasures but also to deliver significant economic, social, and cultural benefits.

Collaborative and Proactive Protection

Biosecurity and biodiversity management in Aotearoa is an extensive effort requiring collaboration across government, communities, and agencies. Regional councils’ responsibilities include:

• Preparing and administering pest management strategies for harmful animal and plant species, conducting surveillance, and implementing control measures.
• Monitoring entry points such as ports to prevent the introduction of invasive species.
• Coordinating rapid responses to biosecurity incursions in partnership with agencies like the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the Department of Conservation (DOC).
• Managing ecosystems to halt biodiversity decline and restore degraded habitats.
• Empowering communities and mana whenua through education, funding, and collaborative projects to support local biodiversity goals.

The Value of Biosecurity and Biodiversity

Effective biosecurity and biodiversity efforts protect agriculture and forestry from invasive species, securing livelihoods, preserving export markets, and reducing the long-term costs of pest control.

New Zealand's native biodiversity also has significant cultural value. Mana whenua have deep connections to the whenua, wai, and taiao. Supporting Māori-led initiatives and integrating mātauranga Māori ensures culturally appropriate stewardship of the land.

Restoring ecosystems enhances native biodiversity, strengthens resilience to climate change, and provides co-benefits like carbon sequestration and flood mitigation.

Community-Centric Approaches

A significant portion of councils’ work in biodiversity and biosecurity is community-focused and non-regulatory. Initiatives like wilding pine removal, wallaby control, and marine pathway management engage communities as active partners. Councils also support local kaitiaki and environmental groups with resources and training to build capacity and deliver projects on the ground.

This grassroots approach fosters collective responsibility for looking after the environment.

Challenges and Opportunities

Climate change and resource constraints put biodiversity and biosecurity efforts under pressure. Councils are actively advocating for long-term funding, legislative reform, and research into transformative technologies to enhance biosecurity management.

Te Uru Kahika's BioManagers Strategy outlines a vision for:

• Clear roles and responsibilities within the biosecurity and biodiversity system.
• A proactive focus on emerging risks, including climate impacts on pest distribution.
• Enhanced capacity and capability to deliver on-the-ground results.
• Sustainable funding to support priority programs and community initiatives.

Regional and unitary councils are committed to maintaining New Zealand’s position as a global leader in biosecurity and biodiversity. By integrating science, community collaboration, and cultural values, collectively the councils are well-placed to supporting opportunities to protect ecosystems, agriculture, and communities.