Our Biodiversity
Our ambition is to help New Zealanders know about, value and actively preserve our unique biota and ecosystems.
Aotearoa has a rich biodiversity, from tiny bacteria to the majestic kauri tree, but it is under threat from invasive species, climate change, land-use intensification and conversion, mining, urban development and a variety of other pressures. Discovering, protecting and restoring this precious taonga – our natural biodiversity and the ecosystems that support it – requires exceptional science and infrastructure, practical policy, real-world tools and solutions, and the support and participation of every New Zealander.
Our biodiversity is in decline, and to reverse this trend we must first better understand our native and introduced species. The Nationally Significant Collections and Databases hosted by Manaaki Whenua on behalf of New Zealand form an ever-growing repository of native and invasive species. The knowledge these assets contain
underpins our ability to actively manage our biodiversity.
We work with the Department of Conservation (DOC), Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), regional councils, iwi, wildlife sanctuaries, non-governmental and community groups, as well as business to improve New Zealand’s biodiversity management. We also contribute through major national initiatives such as the Biological Heritage National Science Challenge and Predator Free 2050.