44 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Terrestrial Ecology Values and Effects of the WUG | 22 June 2022 species are unlikely in this habitat based on local bird atlas records but uncommon), and kākā (Recovering) are distinctive species recorded in Wharekirauponga that may also occupy habitats within potential vent raise sites. Diversity and pattern Low Fifteen bird species were recorded during surveys. The farm environments are unlikely to support a diverse native bird fauna in the isolated habitats available within the Project Area High Bird species recorded within the Wharekirauponga catchment during baseline ecological surveys indicates a diverse bird community that is expected to be consistent with bird communities in the vicinity of potential vent raise sites. Ecological context Low Willows Road Farm does not have distinctive features in a wider ecological context and the patchy vegetation within the site is unlikely to form a corridor or link for native bird species. Very High Habitats within CFP provide secure long-term habitat for native birds. The park is large (approx. 72,000 ha) and provides continuous habitat for local species and stepping-stone habitat for transient species (e.g. kākā). Overall ecological value Low High 5.7 Indigenous Biodiversity Significance The RPS sets out the criteria for identifying areas of significant indigenous biodiversity and their characteristics as they exist at the time the criteria are being applied2223 may be specific to a habitat type including water, land or airspace or be more inclusive to address connectivity, or movement of species across habitat types. The criteria are provided in Appendix 1. The significance of ecological habitat within the proposed project footprint was evaluated using the ‘Criteria for determining significance of indigenous biodiversity’ in Section 11A of the RPS. This criteria states that “To be identified as significant an area needs to meet one or more of the criteria identified in the table below” (i.e. in Table 11-1 of the RPS (Appendix 1). 9. It is an area of indigenous vegetation or habitat that is a healthy and representative example of its type because: - its structure, composition, and ecological processes are largely intact; and - if protected from the adverse effects of plant and animal pests and of adjacent land and water use (e.g. stock, discharges, erosion, sediment disturbance), can maintain its ecological sustainability over time. The Wharekirauponga Stream catchment in CFP meets several criteria for indigenous biodiversity significance. This area provides habitat for at least two frog, two gecko, two bird and one fern species classified as ‘At Risk’. Two tree species observed in surveys are classified as ‘Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable’. Further, the Project Area is near the published southern 22 Section 11A Indigenous Biodiversity. 23 Table 11-1 Criteria for determining significance of indigenous biodiversity.
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