Heritage

Scheduled ecological sites

Ecological sites and areas are an important element of Auckland's natural heritage. Ecological areas, or ecosystems are collections of plants, animals and micro-organisms that interact with one another and the soil, air and water around them.

Not only do ecological areas cover large sections of the city's landscape, they also provide important environmental functions, such as reducing flooding, stabilising cliffs, filtering pollution and providing wildlife habitats for our native birds and insects.

Currently a number of sites are scheduled in the Hauraki Gulf islands. Check Appendix C - Sites of Ecological Significance in the District plan - Hauraki Gulf islands section.

Auckland City has identified ninety-four significant ecological areas within the Auckland isthmus which are proposed for scheduling and protection.

Plan change 88 has been proposed to protect Significant Ecological Areas which contribute to the ecological quality and diversity of the district, and fulfils Auckland City's obligations under the Resource Management Act 1991 for the maintenance of indigenous biodiversity.

Sites identified in the schedule have been assessed against a range of criteria including:

the natural diversity of species, natural communities and ecosystems
the importance of the area to indigenous fauna
the rarity of the ecosystem or community
the presence of threatened species
the importance of the area to maintaining water quality in freshwater and saline environments.