Operative Waikato Regional Policy Statement (October 2000)
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3 Significant Resource Management Issues, Objectives, Policies and Methods
3.3 Land and Soil
3.3.4 Waikato Lowlands and the Hauraki Plains1
The Waikato lowlands and Hauraki Plains make up the central part of the Region and have several common land resource characteristics, notably the presence of relatively large areas of wetlands, peat soils and the Hinuera Formation2. Developed peatlands have value for agricultural, scientific and flood control purposes. While much of this land has been drained and protected from flooding, and these schemes require effective and efficient management, water levels need to be managed to limit oxidation of the peat. Extensive modification of natural habitats has occurred in the area. The area also includes expanses of flat land and gently rolling basins which have been formed by infilling with alluvial pumice and ash deposits. Because of this contour these are areas that are not subject to major erosion.
The Hinuera Formation characteristically has steep faces which are easily eroded by running water. Many of the terrace faces have been cleared and used for intensive farming. Any disturbance of soils on the Hinuera Formation must be carefully managed to avoid erosion. Clearance of the stabilising vegetation has increased the erosion hazard and inappropriate land management practices may accentuate this hazard.
Typical land use in this area includes urban and rural settlement, surrounded by farmed lowlands supporting dairying, horticulture and cropping. Significant areas of undrained wetland remain, for example, the generally modified Whangamarino wetland and the unmodified Kopuatai Peat Dome.
Undeveloped peatlands have a range of values including botanical and wildlife habitat, flood control, scientific and aesthetic values. To protect these values, water tables need to be maintained to ensure the peat does not oxidise and produce subsidence.
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Footnotes
- Environment Waikato, Piako Catchment Draft Water and Soil Management Plan, April 1992.
- The Hinuera Formation is the name given to unconsolidated pumice sands laid down by the ancestral Waihou and Waikato Rivers in the Hauraki Plains and the Hamilton Basin.