Session Description
This session brings together speakers presenting their experience applying approaches to ecological assessment within New Zealand including the Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Guidelines, Stream Ecological Valuation and Environmental Compensation Ratio (SEV and ECR), the Biodiversity Offset Accounting Model (BOAM) and the Biodiversity Compensation Model (BCM). These frameworks have become important tools for assessing ecological effects, applying the effects management hierarchy, and addressing residual biodiversity impacts.
Speakers will examine how the EcIA Guidelines have improved the consistency and transparency of ecological assessments, while also considering challenges in applying them across different sectors, ecosystems and consenting processes. The discussion will explore how the offset and compensation tools have been used to quantify biodiversity losses and gains, support offset and compensation proposals, and improve confidence in decision-making where residual adverse effects remain.
Drawing on practical case studies and regulatory experience, the panel will reflect on what has worked well, where implementation has proved challenging, and how both the EcIA Guidelines and offset/compensation tools have evolved through application. Topics will include scientific robustness, proportionality, uncertainty, and integrating these tools within New Zealand's wider biodiversity policy framework. While grounded in New Zealand's experience, the discussion will also provide insights for jurisdictions developing or implementing comparable approaches to managing biodiversity effects.
Session Summary
This session explores New Zealand's experience applying the EcIA Guidelines, SEV/ECR, BOAM and BCM to assess ecological values and manage effects on these values. Speakers will share lessons from practice, implementation challenges, and insights for improving ecological impact assessment and effects management.
Additional Information
This is a highly topical issue in New Zealand and is frequently scrutinised through resource management decision-making processes. While ecological assessment tools have been available for some time, their uptake has been mixed, with ongoing debate about their appropriateness, particularly in areas of high biodiversity value. Speakers from across the EIANZ New Zealand Branch, who have been instrumental in developing and applying these approaches, will share insights to inform ongoing Branch work on their use and future development.
Session Chair
Justine Quinn
Tonkin + Taylor
New Zealand