Ashburton District Council has launched a new draft biodiversity strategy and is asking residents for feedback.

Our Natural Place was developed with the help of local ecological groups, iwi, landowners and other stakeholders. Group Manager of Infrastructure and Open Spaces, Neil McCann, says it aims to protect and enhance the district’s biodiversity for the next generation.

“There are still parts of Mid Canterbury with rich biodiversity, such as in the high country, but across much of the district we have very little native biodiversity remaining, so we do need to look after what we have left.”

He says that the district’s biodiversity is under pressure from a range of threats including urban intensification, land-use changes, human activity, predators and climate change.

“The good news is that there are lots of people who are already tackling the issue, from volunteers at planting days, to landowners who are protecting and maintaining wetlands on their land.

“Council has also been pitching in, through the establishment of the Biodiversity Advisory Group, supporting projects such as the Harris Scientific Reserve and employing our first full-time Ecologist and Biodiversity Advisor.”

Mr McCann says that restoring biodiversity across the district will take time and requires a long-term approach.
Actions in the draft strategy range from those that are already under way to others that could take a decade or more.

“These actions are a mix of what our stakeholders believe is important, what Council wants to do, and what we’re required to do under Government direction, such as the recently released National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity.”

Mr McCann says staff will be at the Ashburton A&P show this Friday and Saturday to discuss the draft strategy and answer any questions people might have.

“I’d encourage anyone to stop by the Council marquee and have a chat with us about our district’s biodiversity. You can grab a free Kānuka seedling for the garden and children will enjoy making their own bug hotel to take home.

“Looking after our biodiversity will require all parts of the community to work together, so we want to hear from anyone and everyone.”

The draft strategy and online feedback form can be found at ashburtondc.govt.nz/haveyoursay