Waihi North Project: Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Values & Effects 62138 WNP AEE 6 3 METHODS 3.1 ASSESSMENT METHOD The overarching approach of this analysis and reporting was to ascertain the existing ecological values at the sites: species and communities and systems; to determine the magnitude of the potential effects on those values, and to evaluate the level of adverse effects in accordance with the EIANZ Ecological Impact Assessment guidelines for use in New Zealand (Roper-Lindsay et al. 2018) (EcIAG), the level of adverse effects. Using this framework, the EcIAG provides a three-step process for undertaking terrestrial assessments as follows: Step 1: Assess the value of the area, taking into consideration species (Table 1) and other attributes of importance for vegetation or habitats (Table 2) to assign an overall ecological value (Table 3). Step 2: Determine the magnitude of effect (Table 4). This step also includes consideration of the timescale and permanence of the effect. Step 3: Evaluate the severity of ecological effect using a matrix (Table 5) of the ecological value and magnitude of effect. That analysis can then lead to an effects management regime commensurate with the level of adverse ecological effect (Maseyk et al 2019) using the mitigation hierarchy to end with a global outcome for terrestrial ecology that, as a minimum, achieves “no net loss” but more likely an overall ecological improvement in the condition and future potential for the features on the site. Table 1. Factors to be considered in assigning value to species (Roper-Lindsay et al. 2018). Determining factors Nationally threatened species, found in the ZOI1 either permanently or seasonally Very High Species listed as ‘At-Risk’ – declining, found in the ZOI, either permanently or seasonally High Species listed as any other category of ‘At-Risk’ found in the ZOI either permanently or seasonally Moderate Locally (Ecological District) uncommon or distinctive species Moderate Nationally and locally common indigenous species Low Exotic species, including pests, species having recreational value Negligible All naturally occurring (non-planted) habitats and vegetation were assessed for significance against relevant policies and guidelines in Section 7, including the Waikato Regional Policy Statement criteria to test ecological significance (where not already an SNA) (RPS, criteria 1-11, Chapter 11A, table 111), and the Hauraki District Plan. 1 ZOI (Zone of Influence) is Roper-Lindsay et al. (2018) define the Zone of Influence ( as “the areas/resources that may be affected by the biophysical changes caused by the proposed project and associated activities.”
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