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Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the full variety of life — the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make Nelson such a special place. The Nelson region features a diverse natural environment of forests and wetlands to our rivers, estuaries, and coastlines, and the unique mineral belt of Dun Mountain - each species and system plays a role in keeping the environment healthy and resilient.

Strong biodiversity supports clean water, stable soils, healthy ecosystems, climate resilience, and the wellbeing of our communities. These natural systems also hold deep cultural significance, connecting us to te ao Māori values such as whakapapa, mauri, and kaitiakitanga.

Protecting biodiversity means protecting the places we live in, rely on, and enjoy.

Tui. Photo Credit: NZ Geographic

Biodiversity in Nelson

Nelson is home to a rich range of native species and habitats, including:

  • Native birds such as tūī, kererū, korimako, riroriro, and important shorebird species (species from Scott).
  • Freshwater species including tuna/eels, inanga/whitebait, kōaro, kōura/freshwater crayfish, and diverse aquatic insects
  • Reptiles and amphibians such as geckos and skinks
  • Marine and coastal species found in estuaries, dunes, rocky shores, and nearshore waters
  • Native plants from iconic forest canopy trees to wetland sedges, coastal species, and understory plants
  • Unique Dun Mountain Mineral Belt

These species and ecosystems are interconnected — when one-part declines, others are affected. Supporting biodiversity means caring for all these elements together.

Explore the pages below to learn about the native species that live here, our ecosystems and biodiversity work.

What We're Doing

Nelson City Council actively works to protect and restore biodiversity across our region. Our ongoing work includes:

  • Managing pest plants and pest animals
  • Restoring habitats through riparian, coastal, and ecological planting
  • Protecting inanga/whitebait spawning sites
  • Monitoring native birds, freshwater species, and coastal ecosystems
  • Publish State of the Environment reporting to track environmental conditions and trends and inform future management and investment
  • Supporting citizen science projects such as BioBlitz and iNaturalist
  • Providing funding and guidance for landowners and community groups through the Nelson Nature and Environmental Grants Programmes
  • Environmental Education in Nelson schools

These activities help maintain healthy habitats and support the species that live here.

NCC Water Monitoring team

Our Major Biodiversity Programmes

Nelson City Council delivers a range of biodiversity programmes that protect and restore habitats for native animals across the region. These long‑term projects focus on predator control, habitat restoration, species protection, and community partnerships.

Our major programmes include:

Organisations We Work Alongside and Support

Nelson City Council works alongside a range of local and national biodiversity organisations that protect native wildlife, restore habitats, and support community involvement. These partnerships strengthen our collective impact and help ensure long‑term protection of native species.

and the various volunteer groups that give so much energy and enthusiasm to our projects.

What You Can Do

Everyone can help support biodiversity — at home, in the community, or by joining a group.

You can:

  • Plant native species
  • Remove invasive weeds
  • Trap animal pests in your backyard
  • Join a restoration or weed‑busting group
  • Take part in planting or clean‑up days
  • Record wildlife sightings on iNaturalist
  • Care for streams, rivers, and coastal habitats
  • Protect nesting shorebirds by keeping dogs on‑lead
  • Keep cats indoors at night
  • Support healthy gardens with wētā hotels, lizard habitat, and native plantings

Learn more about ways to get involved:
What You Can Do

Mulching Day at Groom Creek Planting. Photo Credit: Marian McCay.

Resources

Useful Links

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