Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet

Transcription

1 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Volcanic cones land type Geology (including geopreservation sites) Unit name PARAKIORE VOLCANIC CONE Comment The unit is a recognizably volcanic landform of considerable scale. It displays a variety of different characters and levels of naturalness which vary depending on the location from which it is viewed. Kerikeri Volcanics dacite dome. Identified in the Geopreservation Inventory as a feature of regional importance with two peaks. It is one of two dacite domes in the Whangarei area. Soil Types Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) The unit is characterised by a complex mix of similar soils including Maungarei clay, Maungarei clay with large boulders and Parakiore steepland clay soils, stony clay loam. Waipu clay is present on the northern fringe. Waiotu friable clay and Maungarei clay is present on the southern fringes. This Level 1 site is identified as Q06/16 in the Whangarei Ecological District PNAP report. It comprises a large mosaic of partially fragmented shrubland and forest and adjacent riverine forest associated with the Waikoropupu Stream (a total of 27.7 ha in forest and 80 ha in shrubland). The PNAP report states that the area of mamuku-towai shrubland on hillslope, kahikatea-totara forest on toeslope and totara-towai forest on hillslope are all representative vegetation types. In addition, totara riverine forest on alluvium is an uncommon vegetation types in this district. The habitat supports a remnant population of NI brown kiwi. Archaeological sites Heritage Landscapes Archaeological sites and sites of significance to Maori illustrate the heritage and cultural values of Kamo and the unit. Recent archaeological excavations have revealed settlement dating back to AD in the Kamo area. None known Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) Parakiore is a highly visible and familiar feature on the northern approach to Kamo and Whangarei. It is located to the west of State Highway 1 at Springs Flat and, on its eastern side rises steeply to a high point of 91 m. It is the eastern face that is visible from the State Highway when heading south and the precipitous vegetation clad slope, with exposed rock features forms a dramatic gateway to the northern edge of the city. Unlike Maungatapere or Hurupaki, Parakiore displays less of a characteristic cone form, although from some directions the peaks are visible and hint at the volcanic origins of the feature. Parakiore has been subject to some modification and the naturalness of the feature varies depending on the direction from which it is viewed. From the east, as described above, the vegetated eastern face presents a strongly natural appearance, although the presence of a number of dwellings near the crest of the slope diminishes this perception. The unit also presents a natural character when viewed from the west, from Pipiwai and Crane Roads Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

2 from where one of the peaks is visible, clothed with native vegetation. From this direction though, rural residential development has encroached on the lower slopes, and is orientated to benefit from views over the Hikurangi Swamp. From the north, south / south west Parakiore appears more modified, with, on the northern side, highly visible earthworks cut up the pastured slopes. On the southern and south western sides the feature is seen with the golf course as a foreground, and the pastured slopes with scattered dwellings on the upper slopes. It is on this south western side that access to the feature is provided by Parakiore Road. Numerous dwellings are located on the upper part of the feature, including a Buddhist monastery, and a cluster of telecommunications masts. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. The cones within the Whangarei volcanic field are important features, which typify and lend identity to the area. Whilst a number are unknown or lesser known due to their scale or lack of prominence, some including Parakiore are widely known. This cone clearly represents a member of the family of volcanic cones and is widely recognised as such. Whilst a number of cone features exist within the Whangarei, Far North and Kaipara Districts, on a national scale these features are relatively rare. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. 2 The Parakiore cone has been modified as a result of vegetation clearance, the planting of exotic trees, and construction of buildings and infrastructure. Despite this it retains a moderate level of coherence particularly from some quadrants. This is a consequence of the shape of the feature, and the contiguous character of the remaining vegetation. Where native vegetation has been retained, its complexity is evident and reflects the variations in underlying soils, the aspect, gradient and level of exposure and indicates a good level of diversity. The form of the feature, when viewed from the west appears complex and adds to its interest. The scale and form of the feature, in relation to the surrounding gently undulating rural landscape tends to emphasise the contrast between the it and its immediate context. The view of the feature from the State Highway to the east is particularly striking and memorable, as is the view of its distinctive form along Pipiwai Road near Matarau to the west, where Parakiore is seen along the axis of the road. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. 2 The appearance of the feature has been significantly modified over time, particularly with regard to the construction of buildings along Parakiore Road and near the summit of the feature. Parakiore retains a measure of naturalness when viewed from locations to the west, and to a lesser extent to the east, from where the vegetation-clad slopes provide the illusion of a lack of modification. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

3 Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. 2 From locations to the west and east the feature appears reasonably intact. Viewed from other quadrants however, the level of modification is evident. The telecommunications masts on the summit tend to diminish the scale of the feature by providing a yardstick against which its height can be gauged. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. 2 The form of the feature clearly demonstrates its origin and formative processes. The form of the cone and its highly visibility and prominence contribute to the sensory quality of the feature. The impact of views to south bound travelers on the State Highway is of particular importance. Views from the summit of the feature are extensive and impressive. Limited evidence of transient values evident, although changes in light angle and light conditions resulting from temporal and climatological changes are of importance. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. 2 The cone is a relatively small scale feature within a highly modified and occupied rural / semi urban area. Access to, and development on the summit has eroded any sense of remoteness. The cone is a widely recognised feature and is highly visible due to the proximity of Kamo. It characterizes, the nearby settlement and forms part of the wider linked family of cones within the Whangarei field. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Final Version following Council decisions February 201

4 Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Photographs of unit Parakiore from Pipiwai Road Parakiore from Pipiwai Road Final Version following Council decisions February 201

5 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Bays and headlands land type Low coastal escarpment land type Bays and headlands land type Reefs and islands land type Unit name PAREPAREA BAY TO WHANANAKI INLET Comment This combination of land types creates a rugged and dramatic landscape that reflects the exposed and wild character of the coast. The cliffs and escarpments are punctuated by bays enclosed by headlands, rocky shelves and reefs. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Soil Types Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) Te Rearea Pa/Tauranga Kawau Point are coastal headlands of Waipapa Terrane greywacke. Mimiwhangata Beach/Pareparea Bay are sand beaches backed by low foredunes. Moutara Point is a steep coastal headland of Waipapa Terrane greywacke. The predominant soil type along the coastal edge within the unit is Marua brown clay loam with Whakapara mottled clay loam present in the gully bottoms. The unit contains a number of sites identified within the Whangaruru Ecological District PNAP report. These are as follows: Q06/07 (Te Rearea Pa/Tauranga Kawau Point Coastal Remnants) This Level 1 site comprises 29 ha of forest, and 1 ha of shrubland. It includes ecological types, being; pohutukawa coastal forest on headland and hillslope, pohutukawa puriri totara coastal forest on hillslope, kanuka/manuka coastal forest on hillslope, and harakeke grass sp. coastal association on headland/island. The site is of significance due to the presence of a threatened snail species, and examples of a nationally rare forest type. It is a representative site for type pohutukawa puriri totara coastal forest, and the only record of this vegetation type in the Ecological District. Q06/09 (Mimiwhangata Beach/Pareparea Bay) This Level 1 site comprises 2 ha and includes three ecological units; spinifex grassland on foredunes, spinifex buffalo grass knobby clubrush coastal association on foredunes, buffalo grass spinifex grassland on foredunes The site is of significance due to the presence of dune vegetation which includes pingao (Gradual Decline), Austrofestuca littoralis (Gradual Decline) and coastal tussock (Range Restricted). A number of fauna species of significance are also present, including reef heron (Nationally Endangered), northern little blue penguin (Gradual Decline), Caspian tern (Nationally Vulnerable), northern NZ dotterel (Nationally Vulnerable), pied shag (Sparse), variable oystercatcher (Regionally Significant), black katipo (Serious Decline), and the snail Succinea archeyi (Serious Decline). Northern NZ dotterel and variable oystercatcher breed in this area, and pateke are found in the streams behind the beaches. It is a relatively unmodified example of a rare habitat type in the Ecological District and is a representative site for type (a) spinifex grassland. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

6 Q06/0 (Motutara Point Coastal Forest Remnants) This Level 1 site comprises 12 ha and includes the following ecological units; pohutukawa puriri coastal forest on hillslope, kanuka/manuka ti kouka pohutukawa coastal forest on headland, and pohutukawa coastal forest on steep hillslope. The site is of significance as a diverse coastal forest featuring a regionally significant plant (Tawapou (Regionally Significant).. It is an example of coastal forest, which is a nationally rare forest type. The site is representative site for all ecological units. Archaeological sites Pa sites are evident on prominent headlands. Heritage Landscapes None known. Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) This unit is notable for its rugged and dramatic coastline, which includes rocky outcrops, small islets, and steep coastal banks. Pronounced headlands separate small scalloped beaches. Within the smaller more enclosed bays, the complex indented coast, and steep coastal banks, often vegetated with pohutukawa and other coastal associations create an intimate and attractive character, particularly on calm days whilst the larger beaches such as those at Otamure Bay and Moureeses Bay have a more open and more populated feel. In elevated locations, such as on the headlands, or on the lips of the coastal bank there is a sense of exposure which is heightened by the views to the breaking waves on the rocky shoals and islets. These larger beaches, which are generally served by Rockell Road, often include scattered baches. Whilst this development is generally situated on the flats to the rear of the beach, at the northern end of Moureeses Bay a cluster of dwellings have become established. This coast is backdropped by hills clad with forest and from the ocean the contiguous ribbon of vegetation on the skyline provides a strength which mitigates, to some degree the more fragmented vegetation, areas of pasture and scattered built development on the lower slopes. Historically residential development has not occurred on the mid or upper slopes, although recent subdivision inland from Moureeses Bay has provided for dwelling sites in elevated and sensitive locations. In places, fingers or larger areas of bush extend seaward from the inland forested hills to link with the coast. This flow contributes to the structure of the landscape and enhances its coherence. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. The sequence of elements including rocky headlands, vegetated coastal slopes and beaches, with limited and localize pockets of built development is very characteristic of the eastern northland coast. The concentration of vegetation, including pohutukawa on the coastal flank is a powerful contributing theme and highly representative. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

7 Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Although this land type is common locally, it is rare in the national context. The unit displays a moderate level of coherence, with elements such as the vegetated coastal slope, the backdrop of forest and the linking flow of vegetation down to the coast enhancing the coherence. The coastal elements such as the pattern of rocky headlands, shoals and islets, and the interplay between these elements and the ocean displays a high level of coherence. The intrusion of built development onto prominent locations such as headlands or elevated mid and upper slopes has resulted in the diminishing of coherence, as has the progressive erosion of vegetation patterns. Bush remnants, coastal vegetation and dune vegetation displays a high level of diversity and complexity. In addition, the coastline displays a complexity and diversity whilst also maintaining a high level of coherence. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. The indented rocky coastline, beaches and framing islets, along with the colour of the sea is particularly memorable and are highly symbolic of the area. Although the coast maintains a high level of visual absorption capability a consequence of the complexity of the coastal edge and landform, strong landscape patterns and vegetation patterns, modification resulting from agricultural practices and building development is evident along the coastal margin. This modification creates the representative Northland coastal character, however at the same time it diminishes the influence of natural (ecological) processes and ecological patterns. For the most part however, this only applies to the coastal hinterland whilst the coastal margin retains a high level of naturalness. With the exception of pockets of development, the coastal margin retains a high level of intactness. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. The coastal margin clearly demonstrates the formative and ongoing coastal processes. Final Version following Council decisions February 201

8 Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. Visually the unit is very striking, but as with the appreciation of the smell and sound of the coast, the visual qualities are dependant on weather conditions. This said, the unit does offer very distinctive sensory opportunities. The coastal character of the unit, and its exposure to prevailing winds means that its character and qualities vary with the seasons, and weather. The flowering of pohutukawa is also a notable transient value. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. Although it is possible to gain a sense of remoteness within the smaller bays, the proximity of Rockell Road and built development reduces the sense of remoteness. The eastern Northland coast possesses a distinct character and quality that is valued by the wider community and attracts holiday-makers and tourists during throughout the year. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. The coast is highly valued by the community for recreation and this can translate to a spiritual affinity. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Final Version following Council decisions February 201

9 Photographs of unit View to Tauwhara and Moureeses Bay Moutara Point on the northern entrance to the Whananaki Inlet Final Version following Council decisions February 201

10 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Volcanic cones land type Northern and eastern dissected hills; moderate to high relief land type Unit name PARIHAKA AND ASSOCIATED FOREST Comment The unit is a recognisably volcanic feature which forms a focus from within the city, and contains the city on its eastern side. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Parahaki Subgroup rhyolite dome. Soil Types Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) The upper part of the unit comprises Pukekaroro steepland clay loam, whilst the southern end of the unit, Piroa clay and Pukenamu silt loam predominates. Pockets of Riponui clay and sandy clay are present in the north east. The lower western slopes are characterised by Hukerenui sandy loams and Ruatangata friable clays. The Whangarei Ecological District PNAP report identifies this Level 1 site as Q07/018 and states that it comprises 179. ha of forest and 10.8 ha of shrubland. The majority of the feature is clad with native vegetation and includes mature kauri-rimu forest, a vegetation type that is rare in this Ecological District. The site is representative for all the vegetation types listed and the PNAP report identifies a number of significant flora and fauna including, king fern Marattia salicina (Declining), fern Loxoma cunninghamii (Regionally significant species). In terms of fauna the report lists a remnant population of NI brown kiwi (Category A threatened species), kukupa (Category B threatened species) and NI tomtit (Regionally significant species), Auckland green geko (Regionally significant species), banded kokupu (Category C Regionally threatened species), inanga, long-finned eel and koura are also present in the streams. Archaeological sites Parihaka is a former pa site, and is said to have been home to more than two thousand people. It contains visible remains of house sites, storage pits and defences along the km of ridgeline and includes the remains of over 100 terraces and 00 kumara pits. The mountain is one of the most significant mountains for Māori in Northland. A battle and massacre took place in the area in the 1700 s. Heritage Landscapes None known Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) Whangarei city is contained on its eastern and western sides by forested hills. The Western Hills and Pukenui crowd in on the western side whilst to the east it is Parihaka that dominates the view and is arguably the more important feature in terms of its form, and recreational use. Parihaka is also a site of extreme cultural and historical significance to Maori in the region Although the feature as a whole is relatively modified, the parts of Parihaka that are visible from the downtown and inner suburbs are clothed with native forest and form a strong backdrop to the urban area. Parihaka forms the focus of the view along James and John Street in the centre, and similarly Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

11 along Nixon Street in Kensington. The undeveloped and vegetated western slopes of the unit are a consequence of the gifting of these portions of Parihaka to the city as public parks by early residents such as George Drummond, Douglas Ross, Gilbert Mair, and Herbert Dobbie. The eastern side of the hill, is owned by Whangarei District Council and has historically been planted in pine trees. In 1997, the Council passed a resolution that, following harvesting of the pines, the forest would be returned to native vegetation. This area is currently used as a mountain bike park and, visually separate from the area to the west has the appearance of a cut over pine block and is less memorable than the western slopes. Built development is separated from the slopes of Parihaka at the northern end of the western slopes by the Hatea River. At the southern end, residential development within the Riverside suburb has encroached on ridges to gain views across the city from the lower and mid slopes. Memorial Drive climbs the main ridge from the south to provide access to the summit of the feature from where views across the city are available. Views from the summit include all of the main volcanic cones within the Whangarei field, as well as the Tangihua Range. Also located on the summit is a war memorial, and a telecommunications mast. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. The location of Parihaka so close to the city, and its function as a focus and backdrop, as well as an important recreational resource, means that the feature has become highly representative of the City. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. The feature is considered to be rare due to its cultural, recreational and ecological values. The western slopes display a high level of coherence, with vegetation patterns strongly reflecting the underlying topographical form. The most visible parts of the feature display few signs of modification nor built development. The eastern side of Parihaka, by contrast is highly modified, as is the southern end of the unit. The unit displays a high level of ecological diversity and complexity, with a variety of vegetation types reflecting the topography, drainage patterns and slope aspect. The unit is widely recognised across the community by virtue of its scale, vegetated character and other associations. As a feature taken in isolation however, the unit only displays a moderate level of vividness. The unit possesses a high level of naturalness with little evident built development or infrastructure services. The contiguous forest cover contrasts with the rural character of the surrounding landscape and this heightens the perception of its naturalness. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

12 Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. The PNAP report indicates that natural processes and ecological patterns are strong and in good health. Parihaka forms a large area of forest with a range of vegetation types. The contiguous vegetation, although modified in the past for logging, displays a high level of intactness with aesthetically coherent vegetation patterns. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. The landscape displays a high level of legibility in terms of the hydrological processes that have shaped the valleys and ridges. The complexity and spatial arrangement of vegetation reflects the underlying topographical form of the ranges. Primarily limited to the smells and sounds of the forest, with occasional views to the wider landscape from high points within the forest. Strongly influenced by light and weather conditions. Seasonal influences of the blooming of trees and shrubs. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. 2 The network of walking trails through the unit, and its proximity to residential areas limits the sense of remoteness. Parihaka is widely valued and recognised through the community as a visual, recreational, cultural and ecological resource. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. The unit forms a backdrop to Whangarei and has significant cultural and spiritual values and is valued by the community. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Final Version following Council decisions February 201

13 Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Photographs of unit View of Parihaka looking south east Final Version following Council decisions February 201

14 View of the eastern side of Parihaka with the city in the background Final Version following Council decisions February 201

15 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Low escarpment land type. Bays and headlands land type. Reefs and islands land type. Sand dune land type. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Unit name PARUTAHI BEACH TO MIMIWHANGATA BAY Comment This combination of land types creates a rugged and dramatic landscape that reflects the exposed and wild character of the coast. The cliffs and escarpments are punctuated by bays enclosed by headlands, rocky shelves and reefs. Oakura Bay comprises a sandy beach with a small estuary at the southern end. Eight coastal remnants on cliffed coastal headlands in Waipapa Terrane greywacke. Cliffed islet of Waipapa Terrane greywacke. Soil Types Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) The predominant soil type along the coastal edge within the unit is Marua light brown clay loam and Marua clay loam with Whakapara mottled clay loam, Otonga peaty clay loam and Whananaki Sand present in the gully bottoms This linear unit includes a number of individual PNAP sites, as follows: Q0/022 (Oakura Bay Coastal Habitat) This Level 1 site comprises 9 ha of duneland, and ha of estuary) and is of significance due to the presence of threatened and regionally significant bird species (northern NZ dotterel (Nationally Vulnerable), variable oystercatcher (Regionally Significant)). Q0/02 (Helena Bay Remnants) This Level 1 site comprises 7 ha of estuary, and 28 ha of forest). This site is notable as it contains a good example of coastal forest featuring a diversity of forest types including kauri. It is also of significance due to the presence of threatened and regionally significant species including king fern (Serious Decline) and Fuchsia procumbens (Sparse) is found in the forest at the north end of Ngawai Bay. In addition, The upper Ngawai Bay estuary is a very important roost site for pateke (Nationally Endangered). Bird species which utilise the estuary include pied shag (Sparse) and variable oystercatcher (Regionally Significant). Matuku (Nationally Endangered) have been reported from the estuarine area in the past. The threatened snail Schizoglossa worthyae (Sparse) is reported to be present within the site. Q0/02 (Oakura Bay Remnants) This Level 1 site comprises 28 ha of forest, and ha of shrubland and the site consists of several small coastal remnants adjacent to Oakura Bay. It is of significance as the coastal forest remnants of the area are an important landscape feature, and are a nationally rare forest type. Q0/06 (Moanarua Island) This site comprises 2 ha of forest, and ha of shrubland. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

16 It is an example of a nationally rare habitat type. Presence of a threatened plant and animal species including coastal tussock (Range Restricted) and pied shag (Sparse) Q0/066 (Motuhi And Parerangi Islands) These islands are ha in area. Substantial areas of Motuhi Island consist of bare rock. The vegetative landscape includes harakeke which is common and pohutukawa, kanuka, taupata, Coprosma sp. and Hebe sp. are frequent. The sites are of significance due to the presence of threatened fauna species on both islands. Presence of a threatened plant and fauna species including coastal tussock (Range Restricted), reef heron (Nationally Endangered), white-fronted tern (Gradual Decline), pied shag (Sparse). Archaeological sites Pa sites are evident on prominent headlands. Heritage Landscapes None known. Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) This varied and rocky coast features a number of prominent headlands and rocky outcrops with small islets. To the north lies the sheltered Whangaruru Harbour, whilst to the south the unit is defined by the Mimiwhangata peninsula. The scale of the bays differs from the coast to the south, with enclosed larger bays such as Mimiwhangata, Helena, and Oakura Bays, separated by exposed and rocky headlands, with smaller more intimate coves within the bays sheltered by rocky promontories. The larger headlands are extensions of ridges that trend to the east from the elevated hills associated with Russell Forest inland and are occupied by numerous pa sites such as Pukehuna pa on Otara Point, and Otorewa, Araiteuru, Puatamaroa and Takapurua and Mahingutu Pa on the headland between Mokau and Oakura. In contrast to the coast to the south, the hills are closer to the coast, particularly at the northern end of the unit and, in places, the forest extends down the hill slopes to the coastal margin. Generally however, the landscape adjoining the coastal margin is characterised by a mosaic of native and exotic vegetation with pasture, although vegetation patterns tend to reflect the underlying landform. As is a feature of this coast, the steep coastal slopes and cliffs are largely vegetated with pohutukawa and other native coastal shrubland associations. The beaches have extensive back flats across which streams meander before flowing into the ocean. In most cases, settlements have become established on these flats, served by Old Russell Road. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. The sequence of elements including rocky headlands, vegetated coastal slopes and beaches, with limited and localize pockets of built development is very characteristic of the eastern northland coast. The concentration of vegetation, including pohutukawa on the coastal flank is a powerful contributing theme and highly representative. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

17 Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Although this land type is common locally, it is rare in the national context. The unit displays a moderate level of coherence, with elements such as the vegetated coastal slope, the sometimes immediate backdrop of forest and the linking flow of vegetation down ridges to the coast enhancing the coherence. The coastal elements such as the pattern of rocky headlands, shoals and islets, and the interplay between these elements and the ocean displays a high level of coherence. Built development has tended to focus on flats behind beaches, but where it has intruded onto prominent locations such as headlands or elevated mid and upper slopes, or where tracks have been cut across steep eroding slopes this has resulted in the diminishing of coherence, as has the progressive erosion of vegetation patterns. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Bush remnants, coastal vegetation and dune vegetation displays a high level of diversity and complexity. In addition, the coastline displays a complexity and diversity whilst also maintaining a high level of coherence. The indented rocky coastline, beaches and framing islets, along with the colour of the sea is particularly memorable and are highly symbolic of the area. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. Although the coast maintains a high level of visual absorption capability a consequence of the complexity of the coastal edge and landform, strong landscape patterns and vegetation patterns, modification resulting from agricultural practices and building development is evident along the coastal margin. This modification creates the representative Northland coastal character, however at the same time it diminishes the influence of natural (ecological) processes and ecological patterns. For the most part however, this only applies to the coastal hinterland whilst the coastal margin retains a high level of naturalness. With the exception of pockets of development, the coastal margin retains a high level of intactness. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. The coastal margin clearly demonstrates the formative and ongoing coastal processes. Final Version following Council decisions February 201

18 Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. Visually the unit is very striking, but as with the appreciation of the smell and sound of the coast, the visual qualities are dependant on weather conditions and the sense of exposure can be experienced particularly on the larger headlands. This said, the unit does offer very distinctive sensory opportunities. The coastal character of the unit, and its exposure to prevailing winds means that its character and qualities vary with the seasons, and weather. The flowering of pohutukawa is also a notable transient value. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. 2 Although it is possible to gain a sense of remoteness within the smaller bays, the proximity of Russell Road and built development reduces the sense of remoteness. Northland s eastern coast possesses a distinct character and quality that is valued by the wider community and attracts holiday-makers and tourists during throughout the year. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. Numerous pa sites are evident particularly on the larger headlands. The coast is highly valued by the community for recreation and this can translate to a spiritual affinity. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Final Version following Council decisions February 201

19 Photographs of unit View to Taiwawa and Okurekureia Bays View to Mimiwhangata Bay Final Version following Council decisions February 201

20 View to Mokau Bay and Oakura including Otorewa, Araiteuru, Puatamaroa and Takapurua and Mahingutu Pa Final Version following Council decisions February 201 6

21 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet Unit name PUKENUI FOREST DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Volcanic plateau: moderate to high relief land type. Comment The unit forms an island of elevated and vegetated land which influences the character of the landform when viewed from the north on Three Mile Bush Road, or from the south on State Highway 1. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Dissected fault block of Torlesse Terrane greywacke and argillite. Soil Types The unit comprises mainly Marua clay loam with small pockets of Whareora clay loam on the northern fringes. The unit includes a soil site of regional importance, containing a moderate range of little modified soil / vegetation associations. It also contains good examples of Kara soils which are uncommon because most have been developed for dairying (Arand et al. 199). Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) Pukenui Forest is identified within the Whangarei Ecological District PNAP report as Q07/022. This Level 1 site comprises 19 ha of forest, 0 ha of shrubland, ha of wetland. The PNAP report also includes the 2 ha Whau Valley dam. The site comprises a large area of forest containing a high diversity of vegetation types including some unmodified areas. The forest is the largest area of forest in the Whangarei Ecological District and is one of the two sites in the Ecological District where king fern has been recorded. It contains significant plant species such as hard beech, kawaka, Metrosideros carminea and the fern Loxsoma cunnunghamii. Significant fauna includes NI brown kiwi, NI kaka, kukupa, kakariki, NI tomtit, tui, morepork, shining cukoo, fantail, silvereye, grey warbler, Australisian shoveler, NZ scaup, grey duck, mallard, paradise duck, little shag, Long tailed bat and banded kokupu. The site is of significance due to its size and the high diversity of vegetation types, supporting several threatened species. The site has 2 different vegetation types, the second highest diversity in the Ecological District. There are large areas of mature, unmodified forest and the logged areas are showing vigorous regeneration with a high density of podocarps. It is the largest remaining area of forest left in the Whangarei Ecological District. The site is habitat for several threatened and regional significant bird, bat, fish and plant species. It forms the forested catchment of the headwaters of the Mangere River, one of the last remaining examples of riverine old growth forest habitat in this Ecological District. Archaeological sites None known. Heritage Landscapes None known. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

22 Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) Pukenui and the neighbouring forested Western Hills form a containing feature for Whangarei City on its western side. Although less utilized by residents and vistors, the forest is threaded with a network of walking tracks that provide links between Three Mile Bush Road to the north, the city to the east, and Maunu to the south. The hills have a complex and dissected character and are divided into three separate catchment the Mangere Stream to the west, Waiarohia Stream to the north east and east, and the Te Hihi Stream to the south. The unit encompasses an extensive area, which is not readily apparent on the ground. Views of the unit are only easily available from the encircling roading network. From the road, and from neighbouring residential areas, Pukenui appears as a backdrop of dark vegetated hills. Development has occurred on the margins where the unit adjoins the city, along Whau Valley for example. More recently, the creation of rural residential lots has begun to take place on the southern side, with developments such as Golf Harbour Drive gaining access into the hills on the margin of the forest from State Highway 1. In places the southern margins of the forest have become blurred, where plantation forestry has been undertaken. Part of the forest is used as a water catchment for the water supply for the city. Whau Valley dam, located at the eastern end of the unit is used as a recreational resource and provides a glimpse of the forested interior of the unit. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. The Pukenui Forest forms one of the sequence of forested hills that characterises the Northland landscape. Along with Te Wai-iti and Parihaka it provides a strong and natural to the Whangarei urban centre. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. The landscape forms one of a number of forested hills that display little modification from built development. They contribute to and characterize the landscape. Along with the other forested hills, they relate strongly to each other to form a landscape of considerable drama and presence. The landscape displays a high level of coherence. It reflects the form and pattern of the underlying topography with a largely contiguous vegetation cover of some 2000 ha in area. The forest displays a high level of diversity and complexity whilst visually maintaining coherence and harmony. The landscape is limited from the locations from which it can be seen, these mainly being distant views from the encircling roads. similar vegetated features and therefore appears less dramatic over a wider area. Within the visual catchment of the Otaika Valley however the landscape dominates the area and is a memorable feature that characterises the area. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

23 Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. The landscape possesses a high level of naturalness with little evident built development or infrastructure services. The contiguous forest cover contrasts with the rural character of the surrounding landscape and this heightens the perception of its naturalness. The PNAP report indicates that natural processes and ecological patterns are strong and in good health. The Otaika Valley bush forms a large area of forest with a high diversity of vegetation types. The contiguous vegetation, although modified in the past for logging, displays a high level of intactness with aesthetically coherent vegetation patterns. The landscape displays a high level of legibility in terms of the hydrological processes that have shaped the valleys and ridges. The complexity and spatial arrangement of vegetation reflects the underlying topographical form of the ranges. Primarily limited to the smells and sounds of the forest, with occasional views to the wider landscape from high points within the forest. Strongly influenced by light and weather conditions. Seasonal influences of the blooming of trees and shrubs. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and The proximity of the landscape to settlement and the ease of access diminishes the wildness and remote experience. Some sense of remoteness can be gained within the forest however. The proximity of the landscape to the urban centre and settled areas ensures a moderate degree of recognition., although the area most proximate to the City are the Western Hills. The forest does have some community association as a backdrop to views from roads such as State Highway 1 and Three Mile Bush Road. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. Final Version following Council decisions February 201

24 widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Photographs of unit Pukenui Forest from Three Mile Bush Road Final Version following Council decisions February 201

25 Pukenui Forest from Whau Valley dam Final Version following Council decisions February 201

26 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Northern and eastern dissected ranges; high relief land type Geology (including geopreservation sites) Unit name RUAKAKA FOREST AND REMNANTS Comment Visible as an elevated vegetated landform, the unit forms a recognisable feature within the landscape and one of a number of similar elevated landform features which contributes to the character of the lower part of the region. Steep hill country with deeply incised valleys and gullies; predominantly underlain by Mesozoic greywacke (Waipapa Terrane), but with small areas of Miocene sandy mudstone (Waitemata Group). Soil Types Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) The predominant soil type within the unit is Rangiora clay, clay loam and stony clay loam whilst on the northern slopes Waikere silty loam and Okara clay and silty clay predominates. An area of Rangiora silty clay loam is evident on the north western slopes. Identified in the Waipu Ecological District PNAP report as Q07/121 (Ruakaka Forest) and comprises 1,6. ha of forest,.9 ha of shrubland, and 9.9 ha of wetland). It appears that all indigenous vegetation within Ruakaka Forest is secondary in origin, varying in age from decade-old shrublands to c year-old forest. The major ecological unit is kanuka rimu tanekaha forest with frequent kauri (a), which occurs over large areas of broad ridges and moderately to steeply sloping terrain, generally with a northern aspect. Ruakaka Forest is the second largest contiguous area of indigenous forest in the ED (after Mareretu Forest Q08/220). Wilson s Dam is the largest freshwater body in the ED, though it has only recently been created and indigenous fauna are not yet well established. Except for the dam (which is constructed) all of the ecological units are representative individually of their types. When considered collectively the different ecological units are representative of a secondary forest sequence on greywacke and sandy mudstone. Several threatened and regionally significant species have been recorded here (four regionally significant plant species maire tawake, gully tree fern, tree fuchsia, and hard beech; five threatened fauna species kukupa, longfin eel, shortjaw kokopu, kauri snail, and North Island kaka; and two regionally significant fauna species tomtit and banded kokopu). Feral browsing animals, pigs and stock are present and there are several localised weed infestations, e.g. Mexican fireweed and mistflower (SSBI Q07/H0). 2 ha is within McKenzies of Limestone Hill Park Scenic Reserve and Pohuenui Scenic Reserve (DOC-administered) collectively cover 2 ha of the site, and 29. ha lie within the Ruakaka Forest Conservation Area. Archaeological sites None known. Heritage Landscapes None known. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

27 Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) Forming the a part of the northern end of the horseshoe of largely vegetated elevated land, that curves inland from Bream Tail on the eastern coast up to the Takahiwai Range on the southern side of Whangarei Harbour, the Ruakaka Range is part of a representative sequence of ranges that typifies the Northland landscape and is a repeated theme evident when travelling north along State Highway 1. Viewed from the State Highway, this sequence of forested ranges is visible as a backdrop of bush clad hills to the west. These hills are at their most evident when most proximate as the Mereretu Range to the south, and as the Ruakaka Forest. The forest covers some 1,700 ha in area and is largely contiguous although fragmented on its margins. The forest comprises two main areas. Kukunui is the high point of the northern portion at 262 m. A southern area, which rises to a maximum height of some 26 m, is linked by a narrow and fragmented area of vegetation to the south of Wilsons Dam. The southern portion of the forest possesses a large area of contiguous forest, although exotic forestry at its western end, and the Mountfield Road Quarry on its southern edge have degraded landscape values. The northern portion is the larger and less fragmented of the two areas. Its western end forms the headwaters of the Waipapa Stream, which eventually flows into the Ruakaka River. The extreme eastern end contains the catchment of Wilsons Dam, a relatively recently constructed dam which forms part of the water source for Whangarei. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. The landscape is strongly representative of the sequence of ranges vegetated with native forest that occurs between the Brynderwyns and Takahiwai Range. These features characterise the landscape within this part of the region, and are representative of Northland as a whole. Whilst a number of examples of this land type exist, the strength lies partly in the repeated occurrence within the region. They are characteristic of Northland and rare in a national sense. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. The main body of the range displays a high level of coherence, with the forest clearly reflecting and emphasizing the underlying landform. The vegetation within north east part of the ranges is more fragmented, however the natural patterns still display a level of coherence where vegetation has been retained on steeper valley sides and within gullies. Detailed and vegetated skyline visible from a wide catchment. Convoluted site slopes with multitude of minor catchments. and a diverse ecology. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. The unit has a scale that draws the eye and forms a dominant backdrop to views from the coast. This characteristic is heightened due to the presence of a contiguous covering of native forest, the dark hue of which contrasts with the surrounding undulating pastoral landscape. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

28 Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. The majority of the landscape displays a high level of naturalness with minimal evident human activity. Past clearance for agriculture is evidenced by the diversity of the kanuka forest, but the contiguous character of the forest lends the ranges a high level of natural character when viewed from the southern quadrants. Fragmentation of the vegetation on the margins of the unit,, and particularly on the margins of the southern portion tends to diminish the apparent naturalness, but this modification is not readily apparent from the majority of the main public viewpoints. Vegetation types and patterns are clearly representative of topography, drainage patterns and slope aspect, and this suggests a high level of strength of natural processes. The main body of the landscape area displays a high level of intactness. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. The landscape displays a high level of legibility in terms of the hydrological processes that have shaped the valleys and ridges. The complexity and spatial arrangement of vegetation reflects the underlying topographical form of the ranges. The ranges form a dominant and ever present skyline backdrop to the wider landscape to the east. For individuals living in close proximity to the ranges they form an island of fauna that influences activity in the surrounding area. Strongly influenced by light and weather conditions, although light conditions on the southern side tend to be more muted in scope. Ridges create extremely distinctive silhouettes during dawn and dusk. Seasonal influences of flowering trees and other plants. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the The roading network in the area provides reasonably easy access around the range, and the prevailing sense from the margins is of a rural landscape. A greater sense of remoteness can be gained from within the forest where its scale and elevation provide a sense of separation from the surrounding rural landscape. The ranges tend to be less widely recognised than the Brynderwyn ranges to the south but form part of a wider sequence of elevated and vegetated landscape features. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. Final Version following Council decisions February 201

29 place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Final Version following Council decisions February 201

30 Photographs of unit Ruakaka Forest and Wilsons Dam from east Ruakaka Forest from north east Final Version following Council decisions February 201

31 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Northern and eastern dissected ranges; high relief land type Geology (including geopreservation sites) Unit name RUSSELL FOREST AND BUSH REMNANTS Comment Forming a powerful backdrop to the coast, this land type extends from the Waikare Inlet west to Ruapekapeka and south to Helena Bay with individual peaks rising to some 960 metres. Extensive forest and shrubland on steep dissected hillcountry of Waipapa Terrane greywacke and chert, with some Kerikeri Volcanics basalt flow remnants and associated boulder colluvium. Soil Types Although the unit encompasses a large area, the soil cover is relatively uniform, with the main type comprising Te Ranga steepland soils, light brown clay loam, clay loam and stony clay loam. On the western side of the unit, and extending up to the Waikare inlet, and on the eastern fringes of the unit Marua light brown clay loam predominates. Isolated pockets of Waiotu friable clay loam are present in the northern portion of the unit, and incursions of Whakapara silt loam and clay loam are present within stream valley bottoms. Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) This Level 1 site is identified as 0/00 in the Whangaruru Ecological District PNAP report comprises a large and complex mosaic of unmodified, cutover, and secondary forest types, as well as shrublands and freshwater wetlands, extending through an altitudinal range from sea level to 0 m asl. In places, full sequential gradients exist, from mature hill forest through to coastal riparian and marshy tones, to extensive mangrove forests within the Bay of Islands (covered by Q0/001). There are many associated canopy species, including 11 species of gymnosperm. Other forest types and local dominance are likely, which were not identified by the reconnaissance survey. The Russell Forest, and its contiguous areas of private and Crown owned forest, constitutes one of the largest contiguous forest blocks in the Eastern Northland Ecological Region, the other being the more inland Puketi/Omahuta tract in the Puketi Ecological District. It is underlain by the region s oldest geological structure Permian Jurassic greywacke and features some 0 km of coastal riparian margin. The forests, shrublands, and wetlands in the vicinity of Waikare Inlet, and between Ngaiotonga and Taupo Bay, are of particular importance in maintaining this altitudinal gradient and extensive riparian verge. The forest provides a significant linkage function, linking the Bay of Islands Estuary and Cape Brett to the numerous forest remnants to the east and south. The area contains a significant number of threatened animal and plant species. These include king fern (Serious Decline), raukawa (Gradual Decline), willow-leaved maire (Gradual Decline), Thelypteris confluens (Gradual Decline), Calystegia marginata (Sparse), kawaka (Sparse), monoao (Sparse), and Pittosporum p. pimelioides (Sparse). Regionally significant plants include hutu, Asplenium hookerianum, Blechnum fluviatile, Doodia aspera, Hymenophyllum lyalli, Ileostylus micranthus, Pratia angulata, Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

32 Loxsoma cunninghamii, Luzula picta, Metrosideros carminea, Schizaea bifida, Sticherus flabellatus, gully tree fern, horopito, mountain harakeke, tawari, tawaroa, and toatoa. Fauna values within such a large forest tract are predictably very high, there being a generally accepted correlation between habitat size and the number of species which are found within it. This may also be due in part to the great range of altitudes, topography, and physical situations found within the forest. Notable species include recent past records of NI weka (Nationally Endangered), visiting NI kaka (Nationally Endangered), NI brown kiwi (Serious Decline), and kukupa (Gradual Decline), pateke (Nationally Endangered), NI tomtit (Regionally Significant), redcrowned kakariki (Regionally Significant), NZ falcon (Nationally Vulnerable) have also been made within the forest, auckland green gecko (Gradual Decline) and the forest gecko (Regionally Significant), Northland green gecko (Gradual Decline). Threatened snails include Schizoglossa worthyae (Serious Decline), kauri snail (Gradual Decline), Punctidae sp. 28 (Range Restricted), Punctidae sp. 17 (Range Restricted) from the Ngaiotonga area, and the flax snail Placostylus hongii (Range Restricted) on the Orokawa Peninsula, and Phenacohelix brooki (Range Restricted). Other threatened invertebrates include the forest ringlet butterfly (Serious Decline) and the stag beetle Paralissotes mangonuiensis (Sparse). Native fish species known from this forest include longfin eel (Gradual Decline), lamprey (Sparse), giant bully (Regionally Significant), bluegill bully (Regionally Significant), banded kokopu (Regionally Significant), redfin bully, shortfin eel, common bully, common smelt, inanga, and torrent fish. Native freshwater limpets, freshwater shrimp, and koura are also present. Archaeological sites None known. Heritage Landscapes None known. Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) The Russell Forest encompasses an extensive and little accessed area covering an area of some 22,77 ha (which includes 18,1 ha of forest, 8 ha of shrubland, and 100 ha of wetland). Contiguous with forested areas on Cape Brett and to the south west, the unit also extends to the ocean coast south of Taupiri Bay, and to the sheltered estuarine coastal edges on the Waikare Inlet. These northern edges are frequently contiguous with adjoining units which provide additional links to the coast including Dicks Bay, Te Rawhiti Inlet and Cape Brett. To the south it links with a succession of forested hills identified as the North east bush clad hills unit and the Eastern bush clad hills unit forming a discontinuous link through to the Whangarei Harbour. The majority of the unit falls into two large catchments flowing west to the Waikare Inlet, or east to the Whangaruru Harbour and ocean. A number of smaller catchments on the southern edge of the unit feed systems that flow to the south west, south and south east, including one that flows into the Hikurangi swamp and the Wairua River. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

33 The landform within the unit rises to a maximum height of 0 m with a complex and dissected terrain over much of its area with little modification with the body of the forest. Development has occurred on the forest margins, and in places this has extended up valleys, particularly where roads provide access. Here, on the valley bottoms and gentle slopes pasture has been established, although regenerating vegetation evidences previous clearance of vegetation which has since been left to regenerate naturally. The forest forms an important and powerful backdrop to the east coast, particularly where the steep and elevated landform is closer to the coastal edge around Whangaruru. Along the Waikare Inlet it the forested margins are less dramatic in character, but enhance the sense of naturalness and remoteness. Inland, the presence of the forest and the rugged terrain contributes to the remote character of the landscape. Access across the unit is facilitated via the Russell Forest Walkway, part of the Te Araroa Walkway. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. The landscape is strongly representative of the sequence of ranges vegetated with native forest that occurs on the east coast of the Whangarei District. These features characterise the landscape within this part of the region, and are representative of Northland as a whole. Whilst a number of examples of this land type exist, the strength lies partly in the repeated occurrence within the region. They are characteristic of Northland and rare in a national sense. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure The main body of the forest displays a high level of coherence, with the forest clearly reflecting and emphasizing the underlying landform. The vegetation within north east part of the ranges is more fragmented, however the natural patterns still display a level of coherence where vegetation has been retained on steeper valley sides and within gullies. The forest displays a high level of ecological diversity and complexity, with a variety of vegetation types reflecting the topography, drainage patterns and slope aspect. Generally the forest is seen from its margins, since few roads traverse the ranges or provide access to its interior. As such, it is the margins of the forest that are experienced as a low backdrop of vegetated and dark hills. Whilst a powerful form, their appearance is not very striking from the majority of viewpoints. Experienced from within, the forest assumes a more vivid and memorable appearance. The Russell Walkway, a DoC maintained track provides tramping access through the unit. The majority of the landscape displays a high level of naturalness with minimal evident human activity. Past clearance for agriculture is evidenced by the diversity of the kanuka forest, but the contiguous character of the forest lends the ranges a high level of natural character when viewed from the southern quadrants. Final Version following Council decisions February 201

34 services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. Fragmentation of the vegetation to the margins of the forest tends to diminish the apparent naturalness Vegetation types and patterns are clearly representative of topography, drainage patterns and slope aspect, and this suggests a high level of strength of natural processes. The main body of the unit displays a high level of intactness. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. The landscape displays a high level of legibility in terms of the hydrological processes that have shaped the valleys and ridges. The complexity and spatial arrangement of vegetation reflects the underlying topographical form of the hills. The presence and strength of the landscape is most immediate and apparent when experienced from within the unit. From here the vertical and horizontal scale of the feature is apparent, and the landform, and vegetation cover provides a strong sense of enclosure. Strongly influenced by light and weather conditions, although light conditions on the southern side tend to be more muted in scope. Ridges create extremely distinctive silhouettes during dawn and dusk. Seasonal influences of flowering trees and other plants. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. The paucity of development within, and on the inland edges of the unit provide a measure of remoteness and wildness. On the east coast however, settlement sandwiched between the hills and the coast diminish the remote experience. The Russell Forest is a valued resource within the local rather than the wider community. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Final Version following Council decisions February 201

35 Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Photographs of unit View east over Russell Forest to Whangaruru Harbour Final Version following Council decisions February 201

36 View south over Russell Forest towards Huruiki View north west over Russell Forest from east coast near Ngaiotonga Final Version following Council decisions February 201 6

37 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet Unit name TAIHARURU RIVER INLET DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Reefs and islands land type Estuarine / inlet land type Comment The shelter and enclosure displayed by the estuarine / inlet land type contrasts markedly with the adjoining exposed and sometimes wild reefs and islands land type. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Coastal hills of Waipapa Terrane greywacke adjoining the Taiharuru Estuary. Soil Types The soil type within the unit predominantly comprises Marua clay loam. Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) Identified in the Whangaruru Ecological District PNAP report as Q07/009 (Taiharuru Estuary Remnants). The Level 1 site comprises 8 ha of forest and 2 ha of shrubland). The remnants contain a relatively high diversity of vegetation types, and are the few estuarine forest areas left on the Taiharuru Estuary. The remainder of the estuarine margin has been modified, and consists primarily of pasture. These remnants provide an important buffer function. The PNAP report states that the site is of significance due to the fact that this is a representative site for pohutukawa coastal forest type and due to the presence of a threatened land snail. Archaeological sites Heritage Landscapes There is evidence of pa sites on the eastern (coastal) side of the river and it is likely that the margins of the river were settled. None known Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) The Taiharuru River drains into the southern end of Ngunguru Bay. It drains a relatively small catchment defined by Kauri Mountain to the south and a low ridge traced by Pataua South Road to the north. Separated from the ocean by the narrow Taiharuru peninsula, the mouth of the estuary has a sheltered and enclosed character, created by the cluster of islands at the mouth of the estuary (Reparapahoa, Motungangara, Ipurau, and Otarawa), and by the contextual rocky inlet mouth. These elements buffer the estuary from the ocean and mark the transition from the rocky shoreline of the ocean coast to the calm of the river. The estuary is defined by low, often vegetated escarpments and hills particularly around the entry to the inlet. This contains the sweeping channel and extensive mangrove and saltmarsh in the mid and upper reaches. These and the extensive backshore flats in the upper reaches provide separation between the channel and neighbouring built development, including the Pataua South Road, which intersects with the river as it approaches Pataua South. The mid and upper part of the estuary displays a more open and rural character. The surrounding low pastured hills allow long views across the river, particularly from Taiharuru Road to the south. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

38 EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. The river is characteristic of the sheltered inlets that punctuate the coast and include the Horahora, Ngunguru, Pataua, and Whananaki Rivers, and parts of the Whangarei Harbour. These features tend to extend some distance inland and share a sense of detachment from the open coastline with a strong degree of enclosure. Vegetation patterns are strongly representative of the coast, with pohutukawa being a dominant species. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. Although there are a number of local representative examples of the landscape type, these are definitive of this part of the eastern Northland coast and are rare in a national sense. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible The river mouth displays a strong degree of coherence with bold vegetation patterns, particularly where they clothe the steep escarpments along the edge of the river. In addition, the legible vegetation sequence between channel and terrestrial vegetation further contributes to the coherence of the landscape. There is only limited impact from built development around the river mouth due to the separation provided by topography and vegetation. A small bach settlement at the mouth of the river has limited impact on the coherence of the landscape. The vegetation associated with the landscape displays a high level of diversity and complexity. Although the landscape lacks the drama of the ocean coast, the presence of the ocean is provides contrast to the serenity of the river mouth and inlet. The sweep of the river channel, and the enclosure afforded by the vegetated escarpments, including the presence of pohutukawa, and the perception of isolation generates strong memorable qualities that is valued by the local community. The mouth and mid portion of the river displays moderate levels of naturalness. Within the wider context of the river catchment, however vegetation clearance for pasture has resulted in a marked decline in the strength of natural processes, and a reduction in the appearance of naturalness, it is the vegetated river margins that are included within the landscape. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

39 physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. 2 The landscape comprises a relatively narrow strip along the margin of the river. Whilst this strip appears moderately intact, is lacks the wider connections necessary for fully functioning natural processes. It does, however lend the river corridor an appearance of intactness. The dramatic sweep of the river, its enclosed and sheltered character with vegetated escarpment edges is highly legible. The river clearly demonstrates its natural formative processes. With a tranquil and largely isolated character, the river provides a strong sense of place. River estuaries have a particular smell and this smell is evident at the mouth and mid portion of the river. In addition, during stormy weather, the waves breaking on the sheltering islands and nearby rocky coast adds to the sense of drama. Daily changes resulting from tidal movements are a regular and dramatic occurrence, which markedly changes the character of the river. The flowering of kowhai and native clematis are a striking seasonal visible occurrence along the river edge. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development The river possesses a sense of peace and remoteness although it is close to scattered built development and the river mouth is accessible by road. Built development is visible most notably located near the river mouth but this has little influence on the mid sections of the river. Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. The Taiharuru and neighbouring Pataua River are valued by the community for their scenic and natural values. This is evidenced by the activities of the Whangarei Heads Landcare Forum which is an active group that takes an interest in the health and enhancement of the catchments of these rivers. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Final Version following Council decisions February 201

40 Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Photographs of unit Taiharuru River Taiharuru River entrance from the end of Taiharuru Road Final Version following Council decisions February 201

41 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet Unit name TAKAHIWAI HILLS DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Northern and eastern dissected hills; moderate to high relief land type Comment Visible as an elevated vegetated landform, the unit forms a recognisable feature within the landscape and one of a number of similar elevated landform features, which contributes to the character of the lower part of the region. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Dissected hill country on Mesozoic greywacke (Waipapa Terrane). Soil Types Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) The predominant soil type within the unit is Rangiora clay, clay loam and silty clay loam whilst pockets of Maungarei clay are present to the south of the unit and and on the northern lower slopes. Pockets of Rangiora silty clay loam are evident at the northern and southern extremes of the unit. Identified in the Waipu Ecological District PNAP report as Q07/12 (Takahiwai Forest), and comprises 6. ha of forest,.2 ha of wetland, and 1.7 ha of shrubland. Takahiwai Forest has one of the largest areas of coastal kanuka forest, with kauri kanuka forest dominant on many of the ridges. These types are also common further inland, but here they are likely to have a different suite of species regenerating through them due to the coastal influence. Small patches of more diverse totara puriri forest and karaka nikau kanuka forest remain in the gullies and gully heads. These broadleaf forest types would have been more extensive in the area before widespread human disturbance. Pakauhokio Knoll Forest (Q07/122) at the northern end of Q07/12 is mainly degraded kanuka forest The area is of significance due to the presence of seven representative ecological units: (a) kanuka forest on moderate hillslope, (b) kauri kanuka forest on ridge top, (c) totara forest on moderate hillslope, (e) totara puriri forest in gully head, (f) manuka shrubland on moderate hillslope, (g) karaka nikau kanuka forest in gully, and (h) kanuka puriri treeland in gully. It is a relatively large area and of compact shape, however grazing occurs on the forest edges, and in places is resulting in canopy breakdown and the formation of treeland (h). The site supports three threatened fauna species (kukupa, Amborhytida dunniae, and longfin eel), two regionally significant fauna species (tomtit and banded kokopu), and five regionally significant plant species (northern rata, hard beech, maire tawake, Pratia angulata, and Coprosma rigida). Takahiwai Forest provides important riparian protection for tributaries of the Ruakaka River, and Takahiwai Stream. Approximately 6.0 ha of this site is within a scenic reserve (DOC-administered) (Mata Farm Settlement Scenic Reserve). Archaeological sites The Takahiwai area has had a long history of settlement, and Pakauhokio, at the western end of the Ranges was a significant pa site. There is evidence of pa sites further to the west along the ridge and nearer the harbour coast. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

42 Heritage Landscapes None known. Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) The Takahiwai Hills form the northern end of the horseshoe of largely vegetated elevated land, that curves inland from Bream Tail on the eastern coast northwards to the Whangarei Harbour. The Takahiwai Range is part of a representative sequence of ranges that typifies the Northland landscape and is a repeated theme evident when travelling north along State Highway 1. It is clearly visible as a containing feature to the west of the road, with steep west facing slopes which vary between vegetated with native forest, and grassed. Similarly, the range forms a distant backdrop from across the harbour to the north, with little visible development extending higher than the harbour edge, leaving the hills as natural and largely unmodified. The contrast between the surrounding alluvial Ruakaka River floodplain (on its south western and southern sides) and the steeply rising hills is dramatic. With the exception of cleared ridgetops at the southern end, the range forms an mostly contiguous area of vegetation extending for a length of some.0 km, running north west south east. The edges of the range are marked by a number of quarries. Off Fulton Road on the north west side of the range, a quarry is slightly separated from the elevated land, but is seen in its context when viewed from the west. On the south east side, a large quarry is accessed from One Tree Point Road, and further north, a smaller quarry, accessed off Takahiwai Road is hidden by an enfolding ridge. The NZMS260 Topomap indicates a large concentration of pa sites on ridges around the margins of the range, and it is understood that an important pa site and settlement was located at the northern end of the range at Pakauhokio. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. The landscape is strongly representative of the sequence of ranges vegetated with native forest that occurs between the Brynderwyns and Whangarei Harbour, but also exteds north to include the Te Wai-iti forest and Pukenui. These features characterise the landscape within this part of the region, and are representative of Northland as a whole. Whilst a number of examples of this land type exist, the strength lies partly in the repeated occurrence within the region. They are characteristic of Northland and rare in a national sense. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. The main body of the range displays a high level of coherence, with the forest clearly reflecting and emphasizing the underlying landform. The vegetation at the north western end of the range, and at the south eastern end is more fragmented and is separated by areas of pasture. Landscape patterns are maintained in these areas to some extent due to the retention of bush remnants within gullies or on steep slopes. The presence of quarrying activities and telecommunications facilities on high points detracts from the coherence of landscapes. The latter tend to compromise the scale of the ranges by acting as a yardstick against which the scale of the ranges can be measured. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

43 Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. Detailed and vegetated skyline visible from a wide catchment. Convoluted site slopes with multitude of minor catchments. and a diverse ecology. The unit has a scale that draws the eye and forms a dominant backdrop to views from the coast. This characteristic is heightened due to the presence of a contiguous covering of native forest, the dark hue of which contrasts with the surrounding undulating pastoral landscape. The majority of the landscape displays a high level of naturalness with minimal evident human activity. Past clearance for agriculture is evidenced by the diversity of the kanuka forest, but the contiguous character of the forest lends the ranges a high level of natural character when viewed from the southern quadrants. Fragmentation of the vegetation on the margins of the unit,, and particularly on the margins of the southern portion tends to diminish the apparent naturalness, but this modification is not readily apparent from the majority of the main public viewpoints. Vegetation types and patterns are clearly representative of topography, drainage patterns and slope aspect, and this suggests a high level of strength of natural processes. The main body of the landscape area displays a high level of intactness. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. The landscape displays a high level of legibility in terms of the hydrological processes that have shaped the valleys and ridges. The complexity and spatial arrangement of vegetation reflects the underlying topographical form of the ranges. The ranges form a dominant skyline backdrop to the wider landscape to the south and east, when viewed from the State Highway. Viewed from the north, the ranges also form a backdrop and are also seen with the Harbour as a foreground context. This can strengthen and enhances the memorability of the view. For individuals living in close proximity to the ranges they form an island of fauna that influences activity in the surrounding area. Strongly influenced by light and weather conditions, although light conditions on the southern side tend to be more muted in scope. Ridges create extremely distinctive silhouettes during dawn and dusk. Seasonal influences of flowering trees and other plants. Final Version following Council decisions February 201

44 Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development The roading network in the area provides reasonably easy access around the range, and the prevailing sense from the margins is of a rural landscape. A greater sense of remoteness can be gained from within the forest where its scale and elevation provide a sense of separation from the surrounding rural landscape Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. The ranges tend to be less widely recognized than the Brynderwyn ranges to the south but form part of a wider sequence of elevated and vegetated landscape features. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Final Version following Council decisions February 201

45 Photographs of unit Takahiwai Hills from the State Highway Takahiwai Hills from the north side Final Version following Council decisions February 201

46 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet Unit name TANGIHUA FOREST DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Central ranges high relief. Comment The Tangihua Range is a prominent feature, visible from a wide catchment both to the west and east, rising suddenly from the surrounding rural lowlands. The landform is steep and dissected with a main ridge aligned west east. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Manaia / Bream Head stratovolcano Steep hill country underlain by Cretaceous-Paleocene ophiolitic volcanics (Tangihua Complex). The dominant rock type is very fine to medium grained crystalline basalt and dolerite with minor blocks of sandstone, mudstone, and limestone. A few small bodies of intrusive granodiorite and gabbro are present. The Northland Geopreservation Inventory notes that the Mangaru Range pillow lava represent the best exposures of pillow lava and hyaloclastite in the upper part of Tangihua Complex sequence. Soil Types The upper slopes of the Ranges are primarily overlain by Te Kie steepland soils, stony clay loam, and Te Kie steepland soils, reddish brown loam, whilst soils on the lower slopes of the northern and southern flanks comprise Takitu gravelly clay loam. A extensive pocket of Te Ranga steepland soils, light brown clay loam and stoney clay loam is present at the eastern end on the norther side of the ridge. Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) The Tangihua Ecological District PNAP report identifies this Level 1 site as Q07/111. It comprises an area of,91 ha, with,909.2 ha of forest, and 21.8 ha of shrubland). The site comprises cut-over mixed podocarp broad leaved forest with areas of regenerating manuka shrubland. Vegetation types are strongly influenced by altitude and physiography. The site is of significance due to the presence of provide three threatened plant species and 22 regionally significant plant species. The site supports a range of threatened terrestrial and aquatic fauna species, including records of four bird species, two freshwater fish, four land snails, and one freshwater invertebrate. In addition, Tangihua Forest is representative for at least five ecological units. The PNAP report notes that approximately 80% of the site is protected primarily within DOC-administered Northland Conservation Park land. Archaeological sites Heritage Landscapes It is understood that the Tangihuas were used as a place of refuge by maori living in the Whangarei area, during times of war None known. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

47 Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) The Tangihua Range straddles both the Whangarei and Kaipara District and combines with the Mangaru Range to form a gateway landform feature to the district. A prominent volcanic range, which is visible from both Whangarei and Dargaville, the topography varies between gently rolling on the lower slopes to very steep, with bluffs and rock faces in some parts. The main rugged ridge runs for c.1 km to the south-east. The high point of the range, Mt Horokaka (at 627m) is located at the western end and gives the range its name. The landform is steep and rugged, with a jagged ridge forming the skyline. A transmitter tower is visible atop Mt Horokaka and this structure tends to diminish the overall scale of feature on which it sits. The height, steepness and scale of the landform, in conjunction with the relatively low-lying surrounding land means that the range forms a prominent and dramatic backdrop to much of the surrounding area. Viewed from Omana Road, which extends along the south west side of the range, the bush clad ranges form an ever present and dominant feature, rising up behind the pastured foothills. Deeply incised gullies carve through the ranges and these tend to enhance the perception of the three dimensional characteristics of the landform and lend a greater appreciation of the scale, as well as providing access into the interior of the ranges. Native forest clothes much of the upper and mid slopes of the ranges, with a distinct edge to the vegetation visible bisecting the lower slopes. Only in a limited number of places do fingers of vegetation extend outwards from the main body of the forest along riparian margins or on the steep sides of spurs. In places, wholesale clearance of ridges and lower peaks has denuded portions of the ranges of vegetation, with only scattered totara remaining. These steep sided ridges and spurs, maintain a powerful presence, despite their lack of native vegetation and still read as being part of the overall feature, except where significantly modified. The ranges include a large area of public conservation land administered by the Department of Conservation, with private land around the periphery. The entrance to the DoC reserve is located on Omana Road and, from here access is gained to a number of short tracks and longer routes. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. The range forms one of a series of ranges vegetated with native forest that extends down the east / central portion of Northland of and includes Tutamoe, and Maungaru. The landscape is therefore strongly representative of this sequence and are representative of Northland as a whole. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Whilst a number of examples of this land type exist, the strength lies partly in the repeated occurrence within the region. They are characteristic of Northland and rare in a national sense. The upper slopes and ridges maintain a virtually contiguous cover of native vegetation with no intrusion from discordant exotic vegetation. Clearance of some lower peaks and ridges has detracted from the overall coherence of the landscape. In a limited number of places fingers of vegetation extend from the margins of the contiguous vegetation along watercourses, within gullies of on steep ridge sides. These vegetative features serve to strengthen the coherence of the landscape and anchor the feature into the landscape. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

48 Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. The ranges display a high level of ecological diversity and complexity, with a variety of vegetation types reflecting the topography, drainage patterns and slope aspect. The elevation of the ranges, their forested character and their rugged profile makes them easily recognizable from an extensive visual catchment. They are, therefore widely recognised across and beyond the community. Although the upper portion of the ranges retains a high level of natural character, the infrastructure situated on the crest of Mt Horokaka, and the clearance associated with some of the lower peaks and spurs does detract from its wider naturalness. This modification is offset to some degree by the large area of contiguous native forest (close to 000 ha). The ranges retain a moderate level of naturalness with an extensive and contiguous area of native forest. Natural processes within this area are largely intact although the PNAP report notes that grazing by stock and pest animals has degraded the forest understory to some extent. Clearance of vegetation for grazing has occurred on the margins of the feature and this also detracts from the intactness of the feature to some degree. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. The steepness, scale and elevation of the feature, in conjunction with the dissected stream gullies lend the ranges a highly expressive character. The range is visible from an extensive catchment and it is the view of the feature that is most striking and memorable. The feature is limited in other respect with regard to its sensory qualities. Strongly influenced by light and weather conditions. Seasonal influences of kowhai, rata and pohutukawa bloom, and associated avian activity. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development The roading network in the area provides reasonably easy access around the range, and the prevailing sense from the margins is of a rural landscape. A greater sense of remoteness can be gained from within the forest where its scale and elevation provide a sense of separation from the surrounding rural landscape. Final Version following Council decisions February 201

49 Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. The range is visible from a wide catchment both to the east and west. As such they form an ever present and constant feature which enables orientation. In addition, it forms a gateway both to the Whangarei District when travelling on State Highway 1 from the west, and to Dargaville when travelling east. The range is therefore valued by the immediate and wider community. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. There is evidence of early use by Maori as a place of refuge during times of war. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Photographs of unit Tangihua Range from Waiotira Road Final Version following Council decisions February 201

50 Tangihua Range from south Final Version following Council decisions February 201

51 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Bays and headlands land type Low coastal escarpment land type Bays and headlands land type Reefs and islands land type Unit name TE WHANGAI HEAD TO AWARUA ROCK Comment This combination of land types creates a rugged and dramatic landscape that reflects the exposed and wild character of the coast. The cliffs and escarpments are punctuated by bays enclosed by headlands, rocky shelves and reefs. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Manaia / Bream Head stratovolcano Soil Types Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) Coastal headland of Waipapa Terrane greywacke. Coastal hills of Waipapa Terrane greywacke adjoining the Taiharuru Estuary. Coastal cliffs of Waipapa Complex greywacke. The predominant soil type along the coastal edge within the northern portion of the unit is Marua brown clay loam whilst Tikitohe gravelly silt loam is evident within the mid portion. Along the coastal edge of Kauri Mountain, Bream clay loam is present. The unit contains a number of sites identified within the Whangaruru Ecological District PNAP report. These are as follows: Q07/010 (Ngamatengau Point Coastal Remnants) The Level 1 site comprises an area of 2 ha and contains four small coastal remnants and is of significance as it contains old-growth pohutukawa forest, which is a rare forest type in Northland and a nationally threatened habitat type. Representative site for kanuka/manuka pohutukawa coastal forest, and pohutukawa coastal forest. In addition, threatened bird species, and two plants of regional significance are present. These are Calystegia tugoriorum (Regionally Significant), tawapou (Regionally Significant), and kukupa (Gradual Decline). Q07/009 (Taiharuru Estuary Remnants) The Level 1 site comprises 8 ha of forest, and 2 ha of shrubland. The site is significant since the remnants contain a relatively high diversity of vegetation types, and are the few estuarine forest areas left on the Taiharuru Estuary. The remainder of the estuarine margin has been modified, and consists primarily of pasture. These remnants provide an important buffer function. In addition, the site is representative site for pohutukawa coastal forest. Q07/11 (Taiharuru Head Coastal Remnants) This Level 1 site comprises 1 ha of Pohutukawa coastal forest on the headland. It forms a narrow strip of coastal forest around the headland from Taiharuru Bay to the mouth of the Taiharuru Estuary. It is a representative site, and an example of a nationally rare forest type. Archaeological sites Pa sites are evident on prominent headlands. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

52 Heritage Landscapes None known. Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) Characterised by rocky bays and indented beaches, this unit has a striking and attractive coastline that contrasts with the predominantly mild, pastoral and low lying landward backdrop. This said, dramatic and elevated features bookend the two ends of the unit. At the northern end, the volcanic and steep sided Te Whangai Head marks the entrance to Pataua River, whilst at the southern end, the forest clad slopes of Kauri Mountain drop steeply to the rocky coastal edge. Between, the exposed coastal margin is largely defined by a steep rocky coastal bank with a near continuous belt of pohutukawa. This rocky coastal edge is punctuated by two sandy and enclosed bays at Taiharuru and Awahoa bays. The former contains the majority of the built development contained within the unit as a clustered bach settlement. Rural residential development has also occurred on the northern slopes of Kauri Mountain and is accessed off Harambee Road. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. The sequence of elements including the convoluted rocky coast with promontories, vegetated coastal slopes and enclosed beaches, with limited and localize pockets of built development is very characteristic of the eastern northland coast. The concentration of vegetation, including pohutukawa on the coastal flank is a powerful contributing theme and highly representative. Although this land type is common locally, it is rare in the national context. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. The unit displays a moderate to high level of coherence, with elements such as the vegetated coastal slope, the sometimes immediate and associated backdrop of forest associated with Kauri Mountain. The coastal elements such as the pattern of rocky headlands, shoals and islets, and the interplay between these elements and the ocean displays a high level of coherence. Built development has tended to focus within Taiharuru Bay, but where it has intruded onto prominent locations such as the mid and upper northern slopes of Kauri Mountain, this has resulted in the diminishing of coherence, as has the progressive erosion of vegetation patterns. The larger areas of forest, and coastal edge vegetation displays a high level of diversity and complexity. In addition, the coastline displays a complexity and diversity whilst also maintaining a high level of coherence. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

53 Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. The indented rocky coastline, near continuous belt of pohutukawa, beaches and framing islets, along with the colour of the sea is particularly memorable and are highly symbolic of the area. Inland from the unit the rural landscape has undergone a marked and dramatic transformation which has resulted for the majority of the length of the unit in the almost total loss of all native vegetation. This has left the low lying coastal hinterland exposed and open. In contrast the coastal margin retains an almost continuous ribbon of native vegetation. The landscape and vegetation patterns associated with the coastal edge display a high level of naturalness with limited intrusion from buildings. The southern extreme of the unit Kauri Mountain also maintains a high level of naturalness with forest vegetation flowing from ridge to coastal edge. With the exception of the pocket of development at Taiharuru Bay, the coastal margin retains a high level of intactness. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. The coastal margin clearly demonstrates the formative and ongoing coastal processes. Visually the unit is very striking, but as with the appreciation of the smell and sound of the coast, the visual qualities are dependant on weather conditions and the sense of exposure can be experienced particularly on the elevated parts of the unit such as Te Whangai head, and on the cliff edge. This said, the unit does offer very distinctive sensory opportunities. The coastal character of the unit and its exposure to prevailing winds means that its character and qualities vary with the seasons, and weather. The flowering of pohutukawa is also a notable transient value. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a It is possible to gain a sense of remoteness within the smaller bays in the mid section of the unit, however the proximity of built development and the adjoining pastoral rural landscape character reduces the sense of remoteness. Northland s eastern coast possesses a distinct character and quality that is valued by the wider community and attracts holiday-makers and tourists during throughout the year. Final Version following Council decisions February 201

54 strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. Numerous pa sites are evident particularly on the larger headlands. The coast is highly valued by the community for recreation and this can translate to a spiritual affinity. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Final Version following Council decisions February 201

55 Photographs of unit View to north west to Te Whangai Head and Pataua River View of Taiharuru Head and entrance to Taiharuru River Final Version following Council decisions February 201

56 View north along coast from Kauri Mountain Final Version following Council decisions February 201 6

57 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Estuarine / inlet land type Unit name WHANGARURU HARBOUR MARGINS Comment Bordered by periodically exposed mud flats and low clay banks, this land type comprises low undulating hills clad with forest and shrubland. On its northern side the type forms a sequence through terrestrial vegetation to saltmarsh and mangrove. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Soil Types Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) Predominantly steep hill country of Waipapa Terrane greywacke, with minor areas of Te Kuiti Group sedimentary sequences, allochthonous Mangakahia Complex sedimentary rock units, and Kerikeri Volcanics basalt flow remnants. The main rock types are Paleozoic Mesozoic Waipapa Terrane greywacke and minor chert. Thin cover sequences of Eocene Oligocene Te Kuiti Group and Northland Allochthon (Brook 1996). The majority of the unit is overlain with Marua clay loam, with much of the coastal edge comprising Marua light brown clay loam. Gully bottoms comprise Whakapara mottled clay loam. The area includes two Level 1 sites, identified in the Whangaruru Ecological District PNAP report as Q0/019 (called Punaruku Parorerarahi Bay ). It contains a sequence of habitat types, ranging from shrubland, coastal forest and wetland, to estuary and coast. The wetland is large and unmodified with a stable catchment area. It provides habitat for fernbird (Sparse) and is one of the few of its type in the Ecological District. The site is reported as being representative for the tanekaha-totara coastal forest type, pohutukawa coastal forest, kanuka-manukapohutukawa-tanekaha coastal forest, and totara-puriri coastal forest. These types are rare in the ecological district. Archaeological sites Heritage Landscapes It is anticipated that numerous archaeological sites exist on the margins of the harbour. None known. Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) The Whangaruru Harbour unit includes an area of coastal forest and adjoining mangrove / saltmarsh which is located to the east of Punaruku. The balance of the harbour coastline is dominated by low and steeply dissected hills under pasture, but with margins that are frequently vegetated with pohutukawa and shrubland coastal associations. Inlets often display a succession from marine to terrestrial vegetation. The upper harbour is dominated by tidal flats. Bounded by Russell Road on its western side, by pine plantations to the south, and by the coast and wetland to the east and north, the unit is virtually contiguous with the Russell Forest which extends east as far as Russell Road. The flow of forest from ridge to harbour is particularly striking and displays a high level of naturalness and coherence. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

58 Apart from scattered bach-type development on the coast, the unit contains little built development and displays little modification, although the settlement at Ohawini Bay adjoins the unit in its south east corner. EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. The unit is highly representative in terms of its coastal forest vegetation associations and the relationship between the Punaruku Estuary and adjoining forest. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. The PNAP report states that the composite ecological types are rare in the ecological district. With little modification to either landform or vegetation, the unit displays a high level of coherence with vegetation patterns reflecting the underlying topographical features. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. The unit displays a high level of ecological diversity and complexity, with a variety of vegetation types reflecting the topography, drainage patterns and slope aspect. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. Being located within the Whangaruru Harbour, the unit displays a generally sheltered character and the relationship between the harbour the unit and the backdrop of the Russell Forest makes the area highly memorable and vivid. The majority of the unit displays a high level of naturalness with only limited evident human activity. The presence of built development within Ohawini, and pine plantations on the southern edge of the unit tends to diminish the apparent naturalness, but this affect is slight and confined to the context of the unit rather than within the unit itself. Vegetation types and patterns are clearly representative of topography, drainage patterns and slope aspect, and this suggests a high level of strength of natural processes. The unit displays a high level of intactness. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

59 Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. The unit displays a high level of legibility in terms of the hydrological processes that have shaped its component elements. The complexity and spatial arrangement of vegetation reflects the underlying topographical form of the hills and estuary. Views of the unit in its context between the Russell Forest and the harbour are particularly striking. The flow of vegetation from the distant ridge to the water contributes strongly to the sense of place. Strongly influenced by the tide, the rivers display marked changes in character over the tidal cycle. Seasonal changes are also notable, with flowering plants such as pohutukawa, providing seasonal display. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. The proximity of the Ohawini settlement, Russell Road and the presence of scattered baches along the coastal edge of the unit diminish the potential remote experience. The Whangaruru Harbor is valued by the community and by the people who visit the Ohawini, Oakura and Bland Bay settlements. The unit is a component part of that landscape and a part that contributes strongly to its sense of place. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. The harbour is highly valued by the community for recreation and this can translate to a spiritual affinity Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Final Version following Council decisions February 201

60 Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Photographs of unit View north west towards Tutaematai View west across the Punaruku Estuary towards the Russell Forest Final Version following Council decisions February 201

61 View north west towards Punaruku Final Version following Council decisions February 201

62 Northland Regional Landscape Assessment Worksheet DESCRIPTION AND CHARACTERISATION Component Land Types Low coastal escarpment land type Bays and headlands land type Reefs and islands land type Unit name WHANGARURU NORTH HEAD AND COAST NORTH OF WHANGARURU Comment The North Head is a prominent feature marking the entrance to the Whangaruru Harbour. Rising steeply from the sea, the coastal edge is fringed with rocky shelves, particularly on the exposed ocean eastern side. This character of coastline is reflected around the headland to the north of Bland Bay, and along the coast northwards and creates a rugged and dramatic landscape that reflects the exposed and wild character of the coast. On its eastern, harbour side of North Head, the terrain is more gentle, and the landform dissected by gullies. Geology (including geopreservation sites) Soil Types Bland Bay North headland: Steep, cliffed coastal headland of Waipapa Terrane greywacke with Kerikeri Volcanics basalt flow remnants and associated boulder colluvium. Bland Bay North headland: The site contains a small area of Kerikeri Volcanics, which is a rare geological type in the District. The site is of regional importance due to its Whananaki soils, as: Good examples of Whananaki soils are uncommon. Most Whananaki soils have been developed for sheep and dairy farming, and market gardening (Arand et al. 199). The elevated portion of the unit is overlain with Te Ranga steepland soils clay loam and stony clay loam, whilst the soils on the western fringe of the unit are predominantly Marua clay loam Ecology (including protected vegetation / features, PNAP Level 1 and 2 sites) Bland Bay North headland: Identified in the Whangaruru Ecological District PNAP report as Q0/009, this Level 1 site comprises an area of 190 ha forest and 66 ha of shrubland. The PNAP notes that the site represents a good intact example of coastal forest and shrubland, which is a nationally rare forest type. Its significance is based on the presence of threatened and regionally significant plants. It is a representative site for type (a) kanuka coastal forest, type (c) kanuka taraire coastal forest, and type (d) pohutukawa coastal forest. Only record of type (c) in the Ecological District. Whangaruru North Head: The Whangaruru Ecological District PNAP report identified the Level 1 site as Q0/010. It notes that the vegetated headland comprises a large tract of coastal forest,some 2 ha of forest, 91 ha of shrubland and 9 ha of wetland. The site supports a number of threatened and regionally significant flora and fauna. The forest type is rare both in Northland and throughout the remainder of the country and contains sequential gradients from hill forest to coastal forest. The PNAP reports states that the site is representative for the kanuka/manuka-puriri-rewarewa forest type, the puriri- Final Version following Council decisions February 201 1

63 kanuka/manuka-coastal forest type, the kanuka/manuka-pohutukawa coastal forest type, pohutukawa-puriri coastal forest type and raupo reedland type. Archaeological sites Heritage Landscapes It is anticipated that numerous archaeological sites exist on the margins of the harbour. None known. Landscape characterisation (including the identification of any specific characteristics) This unit is most notable for the dramatic features that define Bland Bay being of North Head to the south and the narrow steep sided peninsula to the north. The edges of these two peninsula feature steep rocky banks / cliffs and are predominantly vegetated with native shrubland. This combination of elevation, vegetation and precipitous edges, in conjunction with the aquamarine of the sea and pounding surf of the rocky shoals makes for a vivid and powerful landscape. In contrast, the tombolo occupied by the Bland Bay settlement links the two features with a low gentle sweep. At the northern end of the unit the scale of the cliffs diminishes, reflecting the low lying undulating land to the west. Whilst predominantly exposed and eroding rock, with a sequence of small promontories and stony bays, they also include pockets of pohutukawa and feature wide rocky shoals and reefs at sea level. Built development is mainly confined to the low lying strip of land occupied by the settlement, but ongoing development is occurring on the edges at the west end of North Head the eastern end being a DoC reserve. The naturalness of the peninsula on the northern side of Bland Bay is diminished to some degree by the adjoining areas of cut over pine trees. Pa sites are a feature of the peninsula and promontories within this unit EVALUATION Criteria Rank Comment Natural Science Factors Representativeness Natural landscapes are clearly characteristic of the area, district or region. The key components of the landscape will be present in a way that defines the character of the place and distills its character and essence. Endemic associations. The sequence of elements including rocky headlands, vegetated coastal slopes, hills and beaches, with limited and localize pockets of built development is very characteristic of the eastern northland coast. The concentration of vegetation, including pohutukawa on the coastal flank is a powerful contributing theme and highly representative. Rarity Natural features are unique or rare in the region or nationally, and few comparable examples exist. Generally this land type including rocky coastal and beach sequences is common locally, although rare in the national context. The scale and power of the features within this unit primarily the peninsula features that contain and enclose Bland Bay, are such that they are rare even within the land type. Final Version following Council decisions February 201 2

64 Aesthetic Values Coherence The patterns of land cover and land use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of the landform of the area and there are no significant discordant elements of land cover or land use. Diversity & Complexity The elements contributing to overall landscape character are diverse and complex (particularly in ecological terms) without creating disharmony. Vividness Natural features and landscape are widely recognised across the community and beyond the local area and remain clearly in the memory; striking landscapes are symbolic of an area due to their recognisable and memorable qualities. Naturalness How affected by human activity is the landscape? Does human activity intrude on the landscape? Eg. Presence of buildings and associated built development. Presence of infrastructure services. Extent of indigenous forest cover. Homogeneity of exotic vegetation. Presence / extent of modified agricultural land use. Strength of natural processes / ecological patterns. Unmodified and legible physical relief and landform. Presence of water. Intactness Natural systems are intact and aesthetically coherent and do not display significant visual signs of human modification, intervention or manipulation, visually intact and highly aesthetic natural landscapes. The unit displays a high level of coherence, large areas of contiguous forest and shrubland occupying prominent coastal landform, and significant parts of the coastal slope. The coastal elements, such as the pattern of rocky headlands, shoals and islets, and the interplay between these elements and the ocean displays a high level of coherence. Built development is largely confined to the Bland Bay settlement cluster. Bush remnants, coastal vegetation and dune vegetation displays a high level of diversity and complexity. In addition, the coastline displays a complexity and diversity whilst also maintaining a high level of coherence. The indented rocky coastline, beaches, framing islets within Bland Bay and elsewhere along the coast, along with the colour of the sea is particularly memorable and are highly symbolic of the area. Although the coast maintains a high level of visual absorption capability a consequence of the complexity of the coastal edge and landform, strong landscape patterns and vegetation patterns, modification resulting from agricultural practices is evident along the coastal margin. This modification creates the representative Northland coastal character, however at the same time it diminishes the influence of natural (ecological) processes and ecological patterns. For the most part however, this only applies to the coastal hinterland and substantial portions of the unit retains a high level of naturalness. With the exception of pockets of development, the coastal margin retains a high level of intactness. Experiential Values Expressiveness The legibility of the landscape. Natural features clearly demonstrate the natural processes that formed them. Sensory qualities (These are landscape phenomena as directly perceived and experienced by humans, such as the view of a scenic landscape, or the distinctive smell and sound of the foreshore). The coastal margin clearly demonstrates the formative and ongoing coastal processes. Visually the unit is very striking, but as with the appreciation of the smell and sound of the coast, the visual qualities are dependant on weather conditions and the sense of exposure can be experienced particularly on the headlands and cliff tops. This said, the unit does offer very distinctive sensory opportunities. Final Version following Council decisions February 201

65 Transient Values The consistent and repeated occurrence of transient features that contributes to the character, qualities and values of the landscape; landscapes are widely recognised for their transient features and the contribution that these make to the landscape. Remoteness / Wildness Does the landscape display a wilderness character, remote from and untouched by human presence? Eg. Sense of remoteness Accessibility Distance from built development The coastal character of the unit and its exposure to prevailing winds means that its character and qualities vary with the seasons, and weather. The flowering of pohutukawa is also a notable transient value. Although it is possible to gain a sense of remoteness on North Head, the proximity of the settlement and built development reduces the sense of remoteness. At the northern end of the unit, limited access over private land lends the area a greater sense of remoteness, although the presence of pasture and cut over pine areas limits the sense of wildness. Shared and recognised values Natural features and landscape are widely known and valued by the immediate and wider community for their contribution to a sense of place leading to a strong community association with, or high public esteem for the place. Spiritual, cultural and historical associations Natural features and landscapes can be clearly and widely known and influenced by their connection to the spiritual, cultural and historical valued in the place and includes associative meanings and associative activities valued by the community. These can include both activities and meanings associative meanings are spiritual, cultural or social associations with particular landscape elements, features, or areas, whilst associative activities are patterns of social activity that occur in particular parts of a landscape, for example, popular walking routes or fishing spots. Northland s eastern coast possesses a distinct character and quality that is valued by the wider community and attracts holiday-makers and tourists during throughout the year. Consultation was initiated during the mapping process, but has not led to any feedback within the required period. Numerous pa sites are evident particularly on the larger headlands. The coast is highly valued by the community for recreation and this can translate to a spiritual affinity. Rank scale between 1 (low) and (high) Land Types Coastal cliffs / escarpment Low escarpment Bays and headlands Beach Dune complex Reefs and islands Estuarine / inlet Open harbour Coastal plain Rolling hills Steep hills; moderate to high relief Ranges; high relief Strongly rolling land Low rolling land Valley floors and flats Plains Volcanic cones River mouth Wetland Watercourses Lakes and water bodies Final Version following Council decisions February 201

66 Photographs of unit View north along coast of North Head View to Karakahurua Point View of Home Point Final Version following Council decisions February 201

67 View north west to Ngaiotonga Bay Final Version following Council decisions February 201 6