Hawke’s Bay Biodiversity Steering Group Takes Shape

Members of Hawke’s Bay’s newly-formed Biodiversity Strategy Steering Group met for the first time on Tuesday 5th February to start the process of developing a Biodiversity Strategy and Accord for the region.

The process has been convened by Hawke’s Bay Regional Council. The starting point was tabling a draft vision and objectives which cover community engagement and education, native habitats and native species, partnerships and the enhancement of mauri. A core working group will also develop an inventory of Hawke’s Bay’s biodiversity state.
The Biodiversity Strategy was committed to by HBRC in its 2012 Long Term Plan and this project is championed by Iain Maxwell, HBRC’s Resource Management Group Manager.

“Many groups have been working together toward a range of biodiversity objectives,” said Mr Maxwell, “but this project will tie all of those approaches together into a common set of objectives.”

The inaugural Biodiversity Strategy meeting included representation from HBRC, other councils, Federated Farmers, DOC, Fish and Game, Forest and Bird, DairyNZ, HB Forestry, QE II Covenant Trust, Te Taiao HB Environment Forum and the Animal Health Board, with apologies from some members.

Bruce Wills, National President of Federated Farmers and local to Hawke’s Bay, is a member of the Steering Group and stated his support for the project.

“Hawke’s Bay isn’t short of commitment to improve our biodiversity state,” said Mr Wills. “But we must ensure all sectors, landowners, iwi, councils and others work closely together to achieve a good outcome.”

The Steering Group met initially to work through ‘Terms of Reference’ documents for the Steering Group and Core Working Group, to establish key objectives and view an early draft regional inventory.

The Biodiversity Strategy Steering Group next meet in April, however an update on this project will be presented to HBRC’s 27 February Council meeting.