Conserving New Zealand

By: Molly Schuler

Here in New Zealand, conservation is extremely important. We have some of the most unique species in the world, and these need to be protected. New Zealand broke away from Earth’s supercontinent, Gondwanaland, much earlier than other continents and as a result, our values differ from many of those overseas. A lot of New Zealand culture is based in nature, which is considered taonga (treasure). In New Zealand, nature is usually perceived as ‘pristine’ or ‘untouched’, but it is not always left this way. Our land isn’t as ‘clean and green’ as it is often thought to be.

Water and soil pollution exist in many forms. Many of our waterways, rivers and lakes are contaminated with unnatural amounts of chemicals, sediment, and illness-causing pathogens. Pollution causes degradation to the health, mauri (life essence), and wairua (spirit) of waterways which can make it unsafe for drinking water, recreation, and cultural activities. Soil is contaminated too, mostly from industrialisation and farming. The use and manufacturing of pesticides causes chemicals to leach into soils. Contaminated soils can damage our health, as well as limiting the use of land, causing corrosion threatens building constructions, and reduces the value of land. 
Not only do these forms of pollution affect human health, but the health of our nature.
Nature is at risk from land clearing, pest invasions and invasive species overgrowth. New Zealand flora and fauna is unique, over 80% of our species cannot be found anywhere else. With the arrival of Polynesian and European settlers over 800 years ago came pests like invasive plant species like Gorse and Scotch Broom. The spread of these pests threatened New Zealand’s once pristine nature and populations of native animal species to decline. Other species like the possum feed on native plants, which provide a food source for native fauna. New Zealand’s fauna consists mostly of birdlife, whose food sources and habitat are predominantly among these threatened native plants. Reduced levels of fowl affect other systems: birds’ dispersion of seeds through droppings help the reproduction of plants. Populations declined due to predation, hunting and loss of habitat. Many species still remain under threat from past and ongoing human activities. 
There are many ways to protect and help nature in New Zealand, and all the species that are a part of it. Four easy steps of conservation to help species thrive include:

1. Pest eradication
   
2. Weeding
   
3. Planting Natives 
   
4. Not feeding wild species.
   

First of all, pest eradication includes trapping, baiting and excluding introduced species. These include rats, mice, possums, stoats, wild cats and other mammalian species. Getting rid of these species would enable native plants and animals to live without threats of predation, food competition or habitat destruction.
Weeding is another method of pest eradication, but for plants, instead. Along with introduced mammalian species, introduced plants can cause harm too! Ensuring that these are removed from reserves, parks and sanctuaries but also our own backyards and gardens would mean that seeds won’t spread and the species would cease to reproduce. Ridding weeds would mean that native plants can thrive without being taken over or have nasty experiences from poisonous or nutrient depleting plants.​

The most fun way to help preserve New Zealand, where you can get your hands dirty, is planting natives. This provides more plants in the wild and creates stability for the ecosystems that thrive or play part in native flora’s existence. Not only are New Zealand native plants beautiful, but they provide important benefits for the whole New Zealand ecosystem.
Last but not least, it is very important to not feed native species. This is because feeding them unusual foods can make them quite sick, similar to being gluten intolerant or even diabetic, the effects can be quite nasty! In some cases, feeding birdlife or other species has caused birth defects in growth, like beak dysfunctions and at worst, death. Letting the animals find their own food allows them to form their own skills so they can thrive without the help of humans.
All of this information is important in New Zealand, but is equally significant across the globe! Look after our nature, it's good for mental and physical wellbeing, as well as the health of the planet.