B-7 – Area 7 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 129 The maintenance and enhancement of the life-supporting capacity of ecosystems, the mauri of natural resources and the extent and representativeness of indigenous biodiversity;204 and The promotion of greater public awareness, support for and involvement in the protection and enhancement of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna.205 The evaluation in Sections 7.5.1.3 and 7.5.1.4 of this AEE with respect to the RPS is also relevant to evaluation of the HDP provisions above. In summary: The direct effects of TSF3 on the moderate value SNA166 avoid all of the important characteristics and qualities that contribute to the area being classified as an SNA. Furthermore, the activities within Area 7 are not considered inappropriate within the surrounding modified rural environment and have been configured to ensure no significant adverse effects on landscape values, natural character and amenity;206 and The removal of 10.5 ha of SNA166 will reduce the overall SNA footprint to 82% of its current extent. A further 1.2 ha of non-SNA vegetation is also proposed to be removed. As described in Section 5.7, the moderate to low levels of effects arising from the removal of these areas will be addressed in accordance with best practice for biodiversity offsetting in New Zealand, to demonstrably achieve a net gain in biodiversity values;207 and The amenity values and environmental qualities associated with SNA166 will be enhanced as a consequence of the biodiversity restoration measures associated with the Project. With the above measures in place, there will be no net loss of indigenous biodiversity. Rather, Bioresearches (2022) conclude that the WNP will maintain or enhance the range, extent and life supporting capacity of ecosystems and with specific regard to Area 7, the restoration of part of SNA166 combined with offset planting will produce a net environmental gain. Bioresearches (2022a) have indicatively modelled an appropriate biodiversity offset as comprising 16.5 ha of revegetation planting and 26 ha of enhancement planting (i.e. pine removal and replacement native planting) to offset the loss of terrestrial ecological values associated with the encroachment of TSF3 into SNA166. 204 Objective 2, Section 6.2. Hauraki District Plan. 205 Objective 3, Section 6.2, Hauraki District Plan. 206 Objective 1, Section 6.2, Hauraki District Plan. 207 Objective 3, Section 6.2, Hauraki District Plan.
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