Taranaki Regional Council media release
5 June 2009
For immediate release

Science And Sweat For Nature’s Sake

Protecting and boosting native plant and wildlife takes brains and brawn, and both were to the fore at a biodiversity forum in New Plymouth this week (Wednesday June 3).

The brains were three scientists from LandCare Research. The brawn was made up of those doing the hard yards on the ground – representatives of community groups, iwi, individuals and agencies working on a variety of biodiversity projects and programmes throughout the region.

Organised by the Taranaki Regional Council, the forum focused on LandCare Research 's studies into predator control and other measures to protect and enhance indigenous biodiversity.

Scientists John Innes, Bruce Warburton and Wendy Ruscoe explained some of the latest findings, which covered:

• The importance of protecting biodiversity on private land.

• The changes to be expected when areas are fenced and pests are controlled.

• The importance of a multi-species pest control strategy, and the biodiversity threats posed by rats.

• More efficient approaches to trapping and baiting.

Among the 40 people at the forum were representatives of the Taranaki Kiwi Trust, the East Taranaki Environment Trust, the Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust, Ngati Tama, Forest and Bird, the New Zealand Herpetological Society, private landowners working to protect native plants and wildlife on their properties, the Department of Conservation, the New Plymouth District Council and the Taranaki Regional Council.

Also present was a representative of the Government’s Biodiversity Fund, a key source of assistance for projects on private land.

It was the second biodiversity forum run by the Taranaki Regional Council, which is planning more in the future.

“This forum was a valuable opportunity for those involved in protecting Taranaki’s biodiversity to connect with researchers,” says the Council’s Director-Operations, Rob Phillips.

“Useful links were established and there are opportunities for future research programmes to be undertaken in Taranaki.”

Mr Phillips says the Council adopted a Biodiversity Strategy last year, with facilitation among the key roles identified. “Biodiversity work in Taranaki is carried out by individuals and community-based groups as well as Councils and DOC. There’s a growing realisation of the importance of co-operation and co-ordination .”

ENDS

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