Waihi North Project: Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Values & Effects 62138 WNP AEE 32 5.1.3 Ecological Value at Gladstone Open Pit Representativeness. The non-pasture vegetation and habitats at Gladstone Pit are young, highly modified and are planted compositions, apart from a few naturally occurring native plants at the rock outcrop (this includes the small wetland). While indigenous species generally dominate those compositions (non-pine plantings), and are relatively typical of young, regenerating ecosystems, plant and fauna diversity is low and some expected species of flora and fauna are not present (e.g. kahikatea, swamp coprosma, rimu, puriri, kereru, bellbird). It is notable, however, that the vegetation and habitats at Gladstone Pit do support indigenous vegetation, avifauna and reptiles (at least one ‘At Risk’ species). Therefore, given that the native dominated vegetation supports common indigenous species assemblages that are representative of seral flora, reptiles and bird communities, the Gladstone Pit native vegetation and habitats are considered to have moderate ecological representativeness. This is good evidence of the success of the OGNZL revegetation programme (none of which has been required by Resource Consents) as the majority of this feature has been developed from pasture. Rarity and distinctiveness No threatened, naturally uncommon or rare species were recorded, although copper skink (‘At Risk- declining’) have ‘high’ value. While not particularly rare or distinct (the species is generally widespread, particularly in the upper North Island, and has a very large national population) the species is considered to be in chronic decline and its ‘high’ value is recognised here. The presence of planted kānuka and mānuka trees, which under their precautionary conservation status (de Lange et al. 2018), would ordinarily cause a high value to be assigned (Roper-Lindsay et al., 2018). We have not assigned ‘high’ value in this assessment (refer Section 3.2.2.1). Therefore, with consideration of the occurrence of one high value species within the planted feature, we consider the rarity and distinctiveness aspect here to be moderate. Diversity and Pattern Being mostly a selected composition of planted plants, the vegetation and habitats at the proposed Gladstone Pit site are generally of low diversity and pattern. There is no obvious pattern complex related to a range of environmental gradients (not taking account of the lower wetland). There is a riparian / wetland vegetation pattern at a small scale and a rock outcrop area, these create some pattern and complexity. However, this criterion is considered to be low. Ecological Context. The size and shape of the planted blocks may provide some resilience in terms of ecosystem integrity although the thin riparian corridor will have existing edge influence on terrestrial values. This integrity, however, is partly provided by current connectivity to the pine plantation which provides some habitat to native fauna (e.g. copper skinks, birds) and reduces some edge effects on the plantings (e.g. light, wind exposure). However, these pines are either temporary or will eventually reduce biodiversity integrity to the plantings in the long term whereby their potential spread into indigenous vegetation would suppress regeneration and natural vegetation diversity. The native plantings also provide riparian functions and wetland buffering (beyond the GOP area). It is unlikely the plantings offer any particular valuable avian food resource or nesting area or connection role, and although it contributes to part of the wider Ohinemuri River riparian vegetation, it is not in a significant way. Some common native species will utilise the planting as it progresses (e.g. silvereye, grey warbler etc). Overall, this area is predominantly planted pine and native plantings, and is considered to have a low contextual value. Conclusion
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