Sustaining our environment

Planning

Regeneration project, Otaihanga

Kāpiti natural environment has been modified by several hundred years of human settlement. The most radical changes occurred after 1840, with the progressive development of the coastal plain for agriculture, forestry, roads, railways and towns. Native vegetation was cleared, wetlands were drained and waterways were channelled, transforming the landscape and dramatically reducing the area of lowland habitat for native animals.

Today, only about 1.8% of our coastal plain is still in native bush, and only a tiny fraction of our extensive wetlands remain.

We are also dealing with a large number of introduced plants and animals that have predated and replaced native species that had evolved here in isolation for millions of years.

Local government and local communities have an important part to play in ‘turning the tide’ against the loss of native species. This mandated in the Resource Management Act, 1991. The Local Government Act, 2002 also requires Councils to promote biodiversity protection.

As well as having a number of protective regulations in the District Plan the Council has a number of policies and programmes designed to protect and enhance our natural heritage.

The Council also works closely with other government agencies like the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) on a wide range of projects across the district.

How the District Plan helps protect the environment

The Council is currently undertaking a review of its District Plan. A strong and effective District Plan has the power to enhance and protect some of our precious remaining natural features and systems.

View information about the District Plan Review here.