Ecosystems and Indigenous Biodiversity
Why is this important?
The Gore District is home to some rare and valuable native ecosystems. These areas support indigenous plants, birds, and lizards, some of which are threatened or endangered.
National and regional law requires councils to protect significant native vegetation and habitats. The Proposed District Plan sets out how this will be done while still allowing people to use and manage their land.
What does this chapter do?
This chapter:
- Identifies significant indigenous vegetation and habitats
- Helps maintain biodiversity across the District
- Sets limits on when native vegetation can be cleared
- Provides clarity about when a resource consent is needed
It is important to note that weed and pest control is not managed by the District Plan. It will continue to be handled by Environment Southland under the Southland Regional Pest Management Plan.
What are Significant Natural Areas (SNAs)?
Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) are places with:
- Native vegetation that is rare or threatened
- Important habitats for indigenous wildlife
Protecting these areas is a national requirement under the Resource Management Act.
Where are these areas in the Gore District?
- Two SNAs already exist at Waterfall Range and the Pukerau Red Tussock Reserve
- Updated ecological assessments (completed in 2024–2025) confirm these should continue to be protected
- Further studies identified additional areas of indigenous vegetation across the District
What does that look like in practice?
- About 4,004 hectares of indigenous vegetation have been identified
- This is roughly 2.5% of the Gore District
- Most private properties have less than 10% native vegetation cover
Indicative maps are available online to show potential areas of indigenous vegetation. These maps are for information only.
How does the Proposed District Plan manage vegetation clearance?
In most cases, clearing indigenous vegetation requires resource consent. However, consent is not required for some limited activities, including:
- Maintaining existing fences, tracks, roads, or infrastructure (within set width limits)
- Work needed to address immediate health or safety risks
- Customary Māori use carried out in line with tikanga
- Maintenance of existing improved pasture (within strict limits)
- Fire risk clearance close to existing buildings
- Work required under a National or Regional Pest Management Plan
- Activities carried out under a Biodiversity Covenant
- Indigenous vegetation deliberately planted in:
- Home gardens
- Shelterbelts or farm hedgerows
There are also small-scale clearance allowances in parts of the Hokonui Hills linked to farming and pastoral activities.
When will I need a resource consent?
You are likely to need consent if you want to:
- Clear indigenous vegetation beyond permitted limits
- Subdivide land where native vegetation is present
- Build new infrastructure or roads in affected areas
- Undertake activities involving hazardous substances near indigenous vegetation
Council planners can help confirm what applies to your site.
What’s changed from the Operative District Plan?
Under the Operative Plan:
- Only two areas were identified as SNAs
- Controls were largely limited to those sites
Under the Proposed District Plan:
- Indigenous vegetation is identified district-wide
- Clearer and more consistent rules apply
- Most clearance now requires consent unless it meets specific exemptions
What does this mean for my property?
If your land contains indigenous vegetation:
- There may be limits on clearing or development
- Existing lawful activities can usually continue
- Changes or expansion may require consent
If you want certainty, you can:
- Speak with the Council’s planning team
- Request more detailed site information
- Apply for an Existing Use Certificate if needed
If you would like to know more about the location of Significant Indigenous Vegetation Areas (SIVA) and Indigenous Vegetation Areas (IVA) on your property, please contact Environment Southland for a free ecological survey. Click on this link for more information:
Will this affect my rates?
No. Zoning and biodiversity rules do not determine rates. Rates are reviewed separately through the Council’s Long Term Plan process, which includes public consultation.
Where can I find more information?
- View maps and plan documents at XXX URL link XXX
- Talk to the Council’s planners about your property
- Detailed ecological reports are available on request
Important Note
This page provides a general overview only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the official provisions contained in the Proposed District Plan or the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991. Please refer to the Proposed Gore District Plan for comprehensive and authoritative guidance.
Details about the review, hearing process and background information, including supporting documents, reports and maps, can be found by clicking this link to the Council’s Let’s Talk website.
