Restoring biodiversity on our whenua is an environmental, social, cultural and economic issue that affects all businesses, in some way. Priority One has joined with Bay Conservation Alliance to create the Partnering with Nature programme, which aims to connect businesses to key biodiversity work in our region.  We spoke to Julian Fitter, Chair of Bay Conservation Alliance, about why biodiversity is so important. 

Biodiversity in Tauranga Moana 

NZ has 80,000 native species, 80% of these are endemic, found only in Aotearoa. However, we also have some 50,000 introduced species, brought here either deliberately or accidentally by humans. “Many of these species are invasive and cause considerable ecological and financial damage,” says Julian. Think rats, stoats, possum and pampas. 

Sustainability is a key pillar for Priority One, as it’s central to the creation of a prosperous, innovative and healthy region. Julian explains: “Biodiversity is a key reason for the economic development of our region. The harbour is of significant commercial, cultural and recreation value, and The Port of Tauranga handles nearly 40% of New Zealand exports. At the same time, the lack of effective land management across surrounding catchments means the health of our harbour is compromised through issues like sedimentation. This affects the port, fisheries, cultural and recreational activities, and also significantly impacts biodiversity.” 

It’s an economic issue 

The cost of inaction is huge. Julian points to the MPI Report, Economic Costs of Pests to NZ, 2020 Update, which estimates: ‘the total economic cost of pests to New Zealand to be $9.2b in 2019/20’.  

Erosion is another major problem; Stats NZ estimates 182 million tonnes of eroded soil entered New Zealand’s rivers in 2022.  Julian says that much of this is due to poor land management. “So not only are we losing valuable topsoil, but we are also damaging our rivers and coastal areas.”  

What needs to be done on our whenua? 

“Land management is a key factor in our battle to support native biodiversity and reduce the costs to the economy of erosion and pests,” says Julian, who outlines the following key issues: 

Wetlands: We have lost around 90% of our original wetlands, which help to clean water and lower the risk of flooding. We need to restore and increase these areas. 

Endangered birds: Kiwi, kōkako, bittern and New Zealand dotterel are all endangered species found in the Bay of Plenty. 

Native plants: These are key to the survival of native invertebrates (e.g. wētā and pāua) and vertebrates (e.g. eels, tuatara and birds). They reduce flooding, prevent erosion on hillsides and dunes, and native bush can remove pollutants from the air and sequester carbon, helping to reduce the impact of climate change. 

How can businesses/groups get involved?  

Julian says to consider where you are based: “Your business may depend on the local environment, there may be environmental issues around your location, or there may be work that would support your local community, thereby giving your business a social license to operate.” Also, your employees may already be involved in volunteer work, such as conservation groups, that you can get behind. 

And the benefits of involvement are broad, including potential financial positives: increased desirability in the market, improved productivity, staff appreciation leading to improved retention, positive publicity, and attracting climate-focused investors.  

The Partnering with Nature programme aims to help businesses connect with meaningful biodiversity projects in Tauranga Moana. We invite you to come along to find out more at our breakfast event on 14 November. You’ll hear from inspiring speakers from Bay Conservation Alliance, Sustainable Business Network, as well as local businesses already involved in nature projects. 

For more details and to register for the free event, click here.