Nelson Biodiversity Forum

How the Nelson Biodiversity forum works

The Nelson Biodiversity Forum meets quarterly to share information, build connections, and support the implementation of the Nelson Biodiversity Strategy. The Strategy brings together existing initiatives and actions under a shared vision, while also introducing new actions to address priority biodiversity issues in the region.

The Forum provides a space for members to discuss challenges, share expertise, and identify opportunities to work more collaboratively on biodiversity protection and restoration across Nelson.

A marine sub‑group meets three to four times a year, focusing on marine and coastal biodiversity matters.

In 2023–24, the Forum reviewed the actions within the Biodiversity Strategy. This review led to the development of the Nelson Biodiversity Forum Action Plan 2024, which was approved in March 2024 and guides the Forum’s current work programme.

Highlights since the formation of the Forum

• A combined meeting in October 2025 with Tasman Biodiversity Forum, Nelson Tasman Climate Forum, iwi, key agencies and stakeholders, to share expert knowledge and discuss what climate change means for terrestrial biodiversity in our region (event hosted by Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council). Event Summary and Presentations.
• A meeting held at Whakatū Marae in September 2023.
• The formation of a Marine sub-group which is increasingly well attended by those interested in marine issues in the whole of Tasman Bay, and the wider top-of-the-south.
• The creation of Nelson Nature and Healthy Streams, Nelson City Council’s coordinated biodiversity and freshwater programmes
• The successful implementation of Project Maitai, NCC’s programme to restore the health of the Maitai/Mahitahi River
• The development of the Waimea Inlet Strategy and Action Plan and formation of the Waimea Inlet Forum
• The creation of a Living Heritage Guide
• The Biodiversity Forum also has a strong drive to raise the awareness and profile of Nelson’s biodiversity to the wider community.

Nelson Biodiversity Forum Members

• Nelson City Council
• Department of Conservation
• Nelson Tasman Forest and Bird
• Brook Waimārama Sanctuary Trust
• Kaitiaki O Ngahere
• The Boathouse Community Trust
• Tasman Bay Guardians
• Tasman Environmental Trust
• Friends of the Nelson Haven
• Nelson Tasman Climate Forum
• QEII National Trust
• Tasman Pine Forests Ltd
• Wildlife Management International Ltd
• Port Nelson Ltd
• One Forty One
• Artecology
• National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Ltd (NIWA)
• Te Uru Rakau - Forest Advisory Service
• Mosaic Aotearoa
• Kūmānu Environmental
• Waimea Inlet Forum and the Tasman Environmental Trust.
• Nelson Marlborough Conservation Board
• Te Uru Rakau NZ Forest Service