Where do you stand on the island's biodiversity?
Jan
Candidate Answers
Candidate
Answer
Awaiting response
The Waiheke Unesco Biosphere Reserve proposal is all about biodiversity. The core area of any biosphere reserve is an area dedicated to biodiversity. Following discussions with key people on the Island, this would seem to be Whakanewha through to the Forest & Bird Reserve at Onetangi, but also westward to Te Mataku and the Goodwin Ave reserve.
Surrounding this core area is the whole of the western end of the island. The best way to support biodiversity, I hav ebeen told, is to support the various weed and pest control programmes in this \'buffer zone\'. If resources are available, this is probably where they should be directed at present.
My active advocacy for the Biosphere Reserve is the best way, I beleive, that the Local Board can add its support to the biodiversity work currently under way on the Island.
As in all things, I believe in first consulting those with expert knowledge and then identifying a constructive project for the immediate future.
- Colin Beardon
Hi Jan,
I support the enhancement of our Island\'s biodiversity. It is an important measure of the health of our environment. By encouraging and creating biodiversity we will ensure a better future.
There are many ways in which this can be achieved. I understand how things are interconnected and how to look for opportunities to support ecological linkages. I will seek to do this as a member of the Waiheke Local Board.
Thanks for the question.
Marijke
Awaiting response
Hi Jan
I believe that we need to protect the island\'s biodiversity and ensure that our significant ecological sites are protected and enhanced
hope that helps
Charissa
As an environmentalist, a scientist with a Zoology honours degree, a past park ranger of 15yrs, a past worker for DoC for 7 years developing conservation management strategies, I am a strong advocate for enhancing biodiversity. I was part of organising the release of Bellbirds this year onto Waiheke Island. I have helped with releasing skinks on Crusoe Island. I have spent years encouraging weed and pest control and have planted many thousands of trees at Whakanewha Regional Park.
Hi Jan,
I don't believe we can afford to lose a single species, and not just species themselves but viable populations. It is of little value to have species teetering on the edge of extinction, so healthy strong populations of the greatest diversity of native flora and fauna is crucial.
Thank you for your question,
Millie Watkins
