Key points
This indicator refers to the extent and legal protection of indigenous vegetation cover.
The native flora of New Zealand is unique, having evolved in isolation for millions of years. It is important to know how much of this native flora is protected in order to maintain it in a sustainable manner.
This indicator is currently under development as part of the Government’s Linked Indicators Project. The intention is that it will be available in the future from Ministry for the Environment. According to information on Statistics New Zealand’s website (accessed 28 April 2008), this is still under development. Environment Waikato is also developing a regional indicator.
What agencies are doing
Information currently being collated.
What you can do to help
Information currently being collated.
More information
More detail on this indicator, including how and where this information is collected, is available here.
What we want to achieve
The community outcomes we are seeking to achieve by increasing protected native vegetation areas are:
- The iconic landscapes and natural features of our environment define and sustain us. We respect and celebrate them as taonga.
- Our natural environment is protected and respected. Its ecological balance is restored, its air, soil and water quality is improved and its native biodiversity is enhanced.
- The traditional role of iwi and hapu as kaitiaki is acknowledged, respected and enabled.
- Our region’s waterways have consistently high water quality.