Biodiversity
Wellington’s investment in nature is world renowned and enables people to thrive
10 year
investment in Capital Kiwi bringing our native bird back to the hills of Mākara
Over 110,00 plants and trees are added to the Green Network each year
100+
volunteer groups in Wellington receive support
One of the only cities in the world where bird biodiversity is increasing
Working together
Initiatives such as Predator Free Wellington, which supports community predator trapping, and native forest regeneration efforts at Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park are excellent examples of citizens' and council collaboration. Hundreds of volunteer groups actively plant native trees, with over a million planted in the past decade. The seedlings are grown from eco-stock by the council and then distributed to these volunteer groups for planting and maintenance.
Photo Credit: Predator Free Miramar
From Mountains to Sea
Wellingtonians have got behind Mountains to Sea and Love Rimurimu to create an ocean with a healthy and vibrant forest. The regeneration of our seaweed forests helps absorb carbon, improve water quality and provide habitat for thousands of marine creatures.
By collaborating with Mountains to Sea Wellington we’re connecting people to nature and helping local communities care for the environment. Mountains to sea also helps lead local restoration projects to keep our awa and oceans healthy.
Photo Credit: Kristine Zipfel
Bringing kiwi back to Mākara
Thanks to the investment of both WCC and GWRC in preditor erradication over the past decade we’ve created a safe enough environment for kiwi to return to. Our investment has enabled visionary initiatives like Capital Kiwi to succeed, bringing Kiwi back to our hills after 150 years.
As Capital Kiwi has often said, the regional council’s unglamorous but sustained biodiversity work to eradicate possums in Wellington enabled the conditions in which its brilliant vision could emerge and succeed. When Capital Kiwi sought funding from councils for the first time last year, both the city and regional councils said yes.
Photo Credit: Capital Kiwi
Wellington was named in the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize for its commitments to living with nature
“The city stands out for its steadfast dedication to conserving and restoring natural habitat in both urban and natural areas through innovative programmes.
Planting for the future
Wellington has a big opportunity - being a city where you can live in nature
Our investment in the Green Network Plan keeps us on track to be one of the only cities in the world where biodiversity is increasing. With a plan to add thousands of trees to our inner city we’re able to create shade for humans and a halo for birds. We’re not far from a future where our native birds aren’t just in our forests, but visit our city as well.
1.
Our investment in the Ōtari Landscape Development Plan will deliver a redevelopment of the area between the southern Ōtari entrance and Canopy Walkway. This is the area that encompasses the current jumble of staff nursery, propagation sheds, library, laboratory and Trust nursery behind the Leonard Cockayne Centre. Our investment in Ōtari will deliver a new plant nursery and conservation science laboratory.
2.
Wellington continues to invest in Zealandia, including the newly completed Tanglewood House, which supports the well-being of workers and volunteers dedicated to achieving the 500-year vision. We have also established partnerships, such as the Tree Planting collaboration with Victoria University, which involves leasing land for restoration efforts over the next 33 years.
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