184 New Zealand plant species on brink of extinction
Urgent changes in land management policies and practices are needed if the rapid decline in native plant species is to
be halted.
That's the conclusion drawn by the NZ Plant Conservation Network in a new book launched today by Minister of
Conservation Kate Wilkinson.
Threatened Plants of New Zealand, published by Canterbury University Press, is a project of the NZ Plant Conservation
Network (NZPCN) and highlights a dramatic decline in New Zealand’s native plants.
“There's been a staggering sixty percent increase in the number of critically threatened species in the last five
years,” said Network President Philippa Crisp. “There are now 184 species threatened, with more than ninety of those on
the brink of extinction, including garden favourites such as two species of kakabeak and the Chatham Island
forget-me-not.
“Practically all indicators we use to monitor the state of New Zealand’s environment are showing a looming biodiversity
crisis” said Dr Crisp. “Unfortunately, New Zealanders believe that the environment is in good condition but this could
not be farther from the truth – our native plants are heading for extinction.”
Dr Crisp said that as politicians discuss mining New Zealand’s national parks and softening the Resource Management Act
to speed up development, the government’s focus should turn instead towards changing legislation to protect indigenous
plants. Many of the threatened species have no protection at all, as they are on private land, she said.
“Territorial land management agencies must be given legislation, policies and guidelines to support them to more
effectively protect the country's natural heritage from further decline."
The book Threatened Plants of New Zealand was authored by plant scientists from the Department of Conservation, Landcare
Research and University of Canterbury and was sponsored by MWH (a private environmental and engineering company) and the
Department of Conservation.
ENDS