Restoration prioritisation of riverine environments: an evaluation of regional councils in New Zealand

Abstract

Restoration of rivers and streams requires the determination of actions and decision making due to the limited time and resources that are available. Site selection for conservation and restoration efforts cannot be treated equally due to this lack of funds and decisions must be made to maximise the efforts and ecological function. Restoration and enhancement work is carried out on a local, regional and national level. This study chose to investigate this work on the regional level due to regional councils in New Zealand having a responsibility for natural resources. Nine regional councils in New Zealand were researched and interviewed to discover the priority methods and actions they take for restoration of streams or riverine environments. The results showed the main roles that were carried out, common to all councils, were of funding, support and assistance with restoration projects. The approach used was shown to be a mixture of council initiating restoration projects by targeting areas and also a community based approach. The main approach to restoration was a community initiated approach through site selection of areas the community wished to have restored. The community involvement and willingness to participate was shown to be a main influence in the decision making process, for which priorities were made, rather than the use of ecological priorities. A more consistent decision making approach between regions, in selecting sites and methods used is discussed.