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The complete design guide (PDF, 848K)

Summary

This guide aims to assist the effective establishment and long term viability in protecting natural areas. It recognizes that many natural areas are fundamental to maintaining (larger) functioning natural ecosystems, whether or not they are formally protected. The aim is to provide guidance to assist in achieving self-sustaining natural areas:

• regardless of their status (e.g. informal protection, covenant, reserve), and,
• regardless of who has management responsibility (e.g. a private land- owner, a conservation trust, a council, or the Department of Conservation).

The guide identifies a number of issues. It looks at the need to understand the significance of each area’s wider context and looks at particular design issues to be considered in protecting an area.

A key issue is identifying where a protected area’s boundaries should be extended to. The issues are noted alongside illustrated examples and include recommendations for long term sustainable management.

A summary checklist is provided as a ready reference at the end of the guide, with page references back to the issues and recommendations discussed.

The guide was put together for applicants to the Nature Heritage Fund but it will also be useful for others involved in the protection of natural areas.

Contact

Nature Heritage Fund
P.O.Box 10-420
Wellington
Phone: +64 4 471 3214
Email: nhf-admin@doc.govt.nz