Managing native vegetation clearance in the Waikato region - case for change and options analysis

Report: TR 2020/21

Authors: Nancy Willems, Angus McKenzie and Hannah Palmer (Place Group)

Place Group Limited was engaged by Waikato Regional Council to analyse the key issues associated with managing native vegetation clearance activities in the Waikato region and to explore potential options for addressing these issues.

This report includes analysis of: 

• key problems associated with native vegetation clearance in the Waikato
• the current management system (regulatory and non-regulatory) for controlling native vegetation clearance and incentivising restoration and enhancement within the Waikato region, including analysis of areas where the system is not delivering on key biodiversity outcomes.
• the options proposed for addressing deficiencies in managing native vegetation clearance to reduce and ultimately prevent ongoing losses of biodiversity within the Waikato region.