Future protection of Central Otago’s mokomoko/skinks and giant wētā on the Rock and Pillar Range are up for review under the Otago Regional Council’s biosecurity strategy.

The public is being invited to give feedback on the draft until November 31, which includes a long-term vision for the region and shorter-term goals for between now and 2040. 

ORC chair Hilary Calvert said it also contains the regional council’s approach to strengthening the collective effort of mana whenua, communities, landowners, businesses, central

government and local councils.

“It sets the course for us to deliver on our responsibilities and meet our community’s expectations to look after our unique biodiversity. The final strategy will guide our future work, but it won’t

create new rules.”

 The ORC provided direction for the draft strategy and endorsed it for public feedback, working in partnership with Kāi Tahu and in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and local councils. 

Staff received insights from both across the region and nationally, through more than 44 key stakeholder meetings and a wide range of research.

Hilary said pressure from threats like habitat loss, invasive pests, and climate change - protecting Otago’s native biodiversity will take a real team effort.

 “Across the region, mana whenua, communities, landowners, and businesses are stepping up — and in true Otago fashion, they’re already making a difference. But more is needed.”

 “ORC’s draft Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy builds on the work happening right now and what we’ve already heard from the public and brings together ORC’s work programmes and strengths: the knowledge we hold, our approach to integrated catchment management, biosecurity work, and empowering others through our catchment advisors.”

There’s also the galaxiid fish survive that take refuge in streams, as well as threatened cushion plants and native grasses, lowland podocarps, kānuka shrublands, along with rare dune systems that hold remnants of once-dominant ecosystems.

Have your say on the draft biodiversity strategy: Www.orc.govt.nz/ourbiodiversityfuture 

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