Council will implement a programme of proactive landowner consultation to identify property and site specific options for the long term protection of indigenous vegetation and habitats within five years of the District Plan becoming operative. This consultation will establish with landowners, managers and trusts, the best process to be used for the identification and long term protection of indigenous vegetation.
Subject to the outcome of the consultation process, this will involve the preparation of a schedule and amendment to the District Plan identifying those parts of Opotiki District where indigenous vegetation and habitats are significant under Section 6(c) of the Resource Management Act.
When the natural heritage study for the Opotiki District is complete, Council may initiate a Plan Change to incorporate those areas that have been identified as having importance.
Landscape feature
Description
Ohiwa Harbour
Extensive harbour containing a number of island and estuarine flats. Includes land water edge, naturally occurring vegetation and wetlands.
Pataua Island
Island located within the Ohiwa Harbour and is vegetated with coastal forest. The island is a scientific reserve administered by the Department of Conservation.
Uretara Island
Island located within the Ohiwa Harbour and is vegetated with a mix of native shrub land and exotics. The island is a scientific reserve administered by the Department of Conservation.
Waiotahi Spit and River mouth
Coastal spit with open beach and dunes enclosing an estuarine river mouth with harbour beaches Contains a variety of coastal and wetland flora and fauna, the spit end contains a well preserved Pa site with a cover of pohutukawa
Waiotahi River
Estuarine mouth beginning in the Urewera Forest. Includes many areas of contiguous native vegetation or wetland.
Waiotahi Pohutukawa tunnels
Mature pohutukawa overhanging and growing to either side of State Highway 2 at Waiotahi Beach on dunes, marine cliff and adjacent terrace.
Waioeka River
Estuarine mouth to point of entry into Waioeka Gorge. Includes many areas of contiguous native vegetation or wetland.
Otara River
Estuarine mouth to point of entry into Urutawa Conservation Area. Includes many areas of contiguous native vegetation or wetland.
Makeo
Conical landform rising from the flood plain of the Waiaua River that is largely vegetated.
Tarakeha Point
Finger of ranges extending out to the coast as a vegetated headland with cliffs.
Hauere Point
Finger of the Urewera Ranges extending out to the coast as a prominent ridge and headland with cliffs.
Haumiaroa Point, Whituare Bay, Maraenui Escarpment
Extensive costal edge area from beach to coastal shelves. This area is contiguous with the Ranges area.
Motu River and river mouth
Braided river mouth with extensive gravel banks and wetland pasture. Contained by vegetated upland, particularly to the north.
Whitianga Bay to Ohae Point
Rocky bay including rocky shelves. The area is enhanced by pohutukawa and other native vegetation along its edges.
Haparapara River
Estuarine mouth to point of entry into the Raukumara Forest Conservation Park. Includes exposed and partially vegetated gravel banks.
Motunui Island and associated reefs
Small rocky island located off Okahu Point and has been identified as a Pa site and an urupa site.
Kereu River mouth
Braided river mouth to point of entry into the Raukumara Forest Conservation Park. Includes exposed and partially vegetated gravel banks.
Whanarua Bay
Rocky bay enclosed by partially vegetated headlands. Includes vegetated coastal edge, areas of contiguous native vegetation, rocky shelves, and small islands.
Raukokore River mouth
Oruaiti beach, offshore rocks and Waikanapanapana cliffs
Rock shelves and wave cut platform below partially vegetated cliffs at north end of Oruaiti Bay, it also include Oruaiti beach.
Whangaparaoa River and river mouth
Sandy river mouth to point where it enters the northern Raukumara Ranges, and includes areas of contiguous wetlands
Kopongatahi Point
Small headland at the foot of Cape Runaway which rises from rocky shelves on the coast to form a prominent knoll.
Cape Runaway
Dramatic headland with prominent ridge rising from a rocky shoreline.
The above table is incomplete and as criteria are developed and outstanding landscapes and features assessed throughout the district, a plan change may be initiated to include further features.
Source: Opotiki District Landscape AssessmentBoffa Miskell 1998
Wetlands of the Opotiki district
Wetland feature
Haparapara River and Wakakariki River
Rivers pass through steep country west of Raukumara Forest Park, with some modification of the catchment. One of the few river systems in the North Island with no introduced fish.
Motu River (that part with the Bay of Plenty)
Classified as Wild and Scenic River, one of the largest North Island rivers unaffected by hydroelectric development. Much of the catchment in Raukumara Forest Park consisting of podocarp-tawa-beech forests. Major population of blue duck found on the river and its tributaries, also an extensive population of Hochstetter's frog.
Whanarua Stream
Coastal stream entering Whanarua Bay. Forested catchment, Hochstetter's frog present. Numerous galaxiid fish species including giant kokopu.
Little Swamp
Raupo wetland with willow and manuka. Good numbers of spotless crake. Common bush and field birds.
Te Rereauirua Swamp
Raupo-flax wetland with little open water. Fernbird, and spotless crake present, bittern reported.
Papanui Road
Raupo wetland bordered by manuka. No open water. Spotless crake present.
Ngawaikui Raupo
Largest area of raupo in hills. Bittern reported.
Haupoto Stream Swamp
Manuka-sedge-raupo wetland with some artificial ponds. Grazed. A few wetland and field bird species.
Source: Proposed Bay of Plenty Regional Land Management Plan Bay of Plenty Regional Council1998
This is a list of known wetlands within the Opotiki district; there are other wetlands within the district that may also be of importance.
Assessment of Significance Criteria for Indigenous Vegetation and Habitats
Representativeness
This is based on an assessment of vegetation of present versus past extent, diversity, pattern, naturalness and size.
Diversity and pattern
The diversity of ecological and physical features, and the patterns that exist within the area under consideration.
Naturalness / Intactness
The degree to which the vegetation and habitats reflect the likely natural character. Most mainland ecosystems are modified but the degree of naturalness is an important consideration.
Rarity and distinctivenss
This is based on an assessment of the relative rarity of the features, vegetation, habitat and species at a local, regional, and may be national level.
Long term viability
The likelihood of an area remaining ecologically viable over time.
Buffering and connectivity
The degree to which the area is protected/buffered by the surrounding landscape, or provides a buffer to other areas. A site may play an important role by connecting other areas of indigenous vegetation or habitat, or providing a riparian buffer.
Importance for breeding, feeding, roosting, or loafing areas for indigenous fauna on a regular or annual basis.
Self explanatory.
Importance of contribution to the habitat requirements of rare, vulnerable and endangered indigenous flora or fauna.
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