Site ecology and habitats Print


Desi​gn Checklist

  1. ​The design and layout of the development protects and enhances the rich ecology and habitat of the natural environm​​ent, particularly related to Māori cultural values
​​​​​​​​​​​​​Part of the unique appeal of urban Auckland are the highly valued views of the natural environment, and the wide variety of native and exotic species.  Urban development will bring change, but this change should not lead to a permanent loss of ecosystems or habitat. ​​

Better Design Practice

Prepare a thorough analysis of the site before any design work is undertaken.
This will identify key aspects of the natural environment that should be protected and enhanced. Avoid building on or close to important habitat areas. 

Protect mature trees or other vegetation, particularly natives, and use them as features of the development. This is an effective way of integrating a new development into an existing environment.

Improve the ecology and habitat of the site as an integrated part of the development by: ​
  • riparian and other planting, including street trees;
  • treating land that has been contaminated; 
  • reducing stormwater quantity and improving stormwater quality; 
  • changing exotic plant cover to native plant cover (preferably eco- sourced);
  • ​​​pest and weed management.

Consider how stormwater can be managed on site by identifying flow paths, gullies, streams and floodplains; and by assessing the position of the site within the catchment. 

Provide biodiversity links that connect areas across urban Auckland on both public and private land. 

Engage mana whenua at the beginning of the project for guidance on how to appropriately respond to Maori cultural values
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