Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Terrestrial Ecology Values and Effects of the WUG | 22 June 2022 87 risk of an adverse effect occurring is low or very low, under the EIANZ framework there is no need for further effects management actions, beyond those already applied. However, a ‘Net Gain’ approach aligns with OGNZL’s company ethic and DOC’s demonstrated ‘protective benefit’ objective under which Wildlife Act Authorities are evaluated. Therefore, in addition to the avoidance, remediation, mitigation and offset and compensation requirements and initiatives set out above, the Project team, with OGNZL have identified opportunities to integrate and complement the mitigation and offset actions proposed. These initiatives are intended to provide a net positive benefit to address potential losses of biodiversity about which there is a high degree of uncertainty after actions to avoid, remedy, and mitigate have been sequentially applied. Net positive benefit extends further than no-net-loss to provide an unequivocal benefit over and above equivalent redress for the risk of losses at an impact site. Here we summarise these additional enhancements and comment on the benefits they provide. 8.6.2 Buffer Planting of Forest Edge Additional planting is proposed along the boundary with the Coromandel Forest Park (land administered by DOC). This planting is aimed at minimising edge effects and providing a buffer between the Forest Park and the farmland and will provide additional habitat for indigenous flora and fauna. This buffer area was identified as an opportunity to restore the original extent of the CFP as part of the WNP. The planting will comprise low-density planting of suitable native species to allow natural regeneration of species from the Forest Park. Weed control will be included in the management of this area. The forest buffer planting area amounts to some 5.5 ha of additional planting. These areas will be fenced to exclude livestock and will be subject to pest and weed management. We further recommend that fencing indigenous forest areas that border Coromandel Forest Park include pig-proof fencing to promote forest regeneration and protect fauna values. We recommend that planting and weed management in this area commences within 5 years of the start of the project. Delays in planting may result from the high number of plants required for revegetation for other parts of the WNP and the ability to ecosource and grow the plants locally. 8.6.3 Other Pest and Weed Management While the Wharekirauponga Pest Animal Management Plan referred to in Section 8.5.3 was developed specifically to address potential effects of vibrations on Archey’s frogs, pest and weed management will be planned for and implemented across all the proposed offset and landscape planting, including for all the proposed riparian planting on Willows Road Farm. 8.6.4 Waihi North Biodiversity Project The Waihi North Biodiversity Project is an initiative intended to provide a demonstrable biodiversity benefit in addition to any avoidance, mitigation, remediation or offset which might arise from the Waihi North proposal. The proposed Waihi North Biodiversity Project would involve control of stoats, possums, feral cats, goats and deer within an area of approximately 18,870 ha located on public conservation land immediately north of Waihi. Within the management area a more intensively controlled “core area” is proposed comprising approximately 1300 ha which would include all of the Otahu Ecological Area (c. 700 ha) and immediately surrounding areas. Within the core area the species listed above would be controlled as well as rats, hedgehogs, pigs and possibly mice (The Ecology Company, 2021).
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