Trout, Salmon & Wildlife
Trout, salmon, wildlife and game is a factor listed in section 17(2)(c)(i) of the Act. This factor applies where a property has significant habitats of trout, salmon, other wildlife or game.
Wildlife includes animals protected under section 3 of the Wildlife Act 1953, and game as defined in section 2(1) of that Act.
Habitats considered sensitive to ongoing management and sustainability of New Zealand's populations of sports fish and wildlife include:
- freshwater waterways used by migratory fish and upstream catchments that hold non-migratory species of fish
- wetlands visited by game birds such as swans and ducks
- scrubby habitats that hold pheasants and quail, and
- all habitats containing protected wildlife.
Applicants for overseas investment in sensitive land can demonstrate their intention to protect or enhance the habitats of trout, salmon, and protected wildlife present on the property by:
- agreeing appropriate access to areas that hold sports fish, wildlife, and game birds
- undertaking pest and weed control programmes to protect areas that hold wildlife such as native birds
- preventing stock and contaminants from entering waterways
- protecting natural wetlands from stock and from being drained, and
- restocking waterways.
Report
The OIO requires a report detailing the proposed mechanisms for protecting or enhancing existing areas of significant habitats of trout, salmon, wildlife and game, including:
- a description of the existing areas of significant habitats of trout, salmon, wildlife and game on the land
- the extent to which the proposed mechanisms will protect or enhance that trout, salmon, wildlife and game
- a conservation plan detailing the measures to be undertaken
- the capital expenditure (if any) required
- any uncertainties or contingencies relating to the achievement of the benefits claimed under this factor, and
- the timeframe within which the measures are to be put in place.
The report should also detail how the applicant will provide, protect, or improve walking access to those habitats by the public or any section of the public.
