Protected Landscapes: Towards a New Zealand/ Aotearoa approach: A discussion with special focus on Banks Peninsula: Report presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Resource Management

Abstract

In New Zealand/Aotearoa natural values have traditionally been protected in national parks and smaller protected areas such as nature reserves. The emphasis of these regimes has been the protection of"wilderness" areas away from human settlement. This has perhaps led to a devaluing of the natural values of modified environments in which people live. These modified areas are often important to people in aesthetic, spiritual and cultural terms. Such reasons for landscape protection may not be as immediately tangible as the ecological values of primarily wild areas. Recognition that modified landscapes contain important values has led to an awareness of the need for new approaches to the protection of these areas. It is also becoming apparent that protecting small, disparate areas may be insufficient for the maintenance and enhancement of biological diversity. A new management approach is required which recognises the interrelatedness within and amongst ecosystems. The concept of "Protected Landscapes", as examined in this report, is capable of addressing the protection of both natural and cultural values within the landscape. It represents an alternative approach to landscape management which could be utilised in this country.