A recent field trip of the Waipa District with staff from the Waipa District Council illuminated several matters for us. Tony Roxborough, Project Manager for Biodiversity discussed the extensive habitat change that has occurred in the District and demonstrated how very little original habitat remains. As in many parts of Aotearoa, large scale conversion of lowland forest, to agriculture and horticulture has shaped landscapes of production. In the Waipa this conversion has been particularly extensive.
Consequent to this change are impacts with which local authorities must now grapple such as loss of biodiversity, habitat loss and modification, threats from introduced species and water and air quality issues. Much of this is documented in The State of the Waipa District Report 2008/2009, available at: http://www.waipadc.govt.nz/NR/rdonlyres/8A519E52-1917-4A1A-BB95-240B71CD4621/66967/13817SoDReport.pdf
Terrena Kelly and Fiona Hill, planners with the council, updated us on the strategic planning front. In terms of planning for the future, Waipa has embarked upon a forward planning exercise to plan and manage growth within the district for the next 40 years. Known as Waipa 2050 a District Growth Strategy is underway. For information about this project and an opportunity to view the draft strategy, examine town concept plans and proposed future development patterns visit: http://www.waipa2050.co.nz/ShowPage.aspx?PageID=6c3fb44c-fab0-4f0e-ae68-603be6069357
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