The botanical component of conservation in New Zealand

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Abstract
Some examples of the relevance of botany to the wider aspects of conservation are used to introduce its more obvious role in conserving New Zealand's unique and internationally important indigenous biota and ecosystems. An historical perspective of the criteria and categories recognised in the present system of protected natural areas is given to emphasise the importance of recent legislative and administrative provisions to achieve an adequately representative system. Each category is discussed. Progress with this recent redirection is assessed in relation to the differences apparent between procedures adopted by individual Government agencies, New Zealand Forest Service and Department of Lands and Survey in particular, and in relation to the widespread public support for forest conservation. The positive aspects of nature conservation are discussed. Urgency is stressed for two sectors where reserves are seriously deficient — the South Island rainshadow tussock grassland region because of recent provisions for reclassification of pastoral leases pursuant to freeholding, and the lower altitude non-forest ecosystems because of opportunities being lost through various types of development. The roles and responsibilities of botanists in the promotion of nature conservation are discussed. A flow chart aimed at expediting a satisfactory protected natural area system for New Zealand is presented.

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