A land systems approach: Bay of Plenty

Abstract

Land systems have been an important scientific concept in new Zealand landscape studies for many years (Swaffield and O'Connor 1986), but have only recently been incorporated fully into landscape assessments by landscape architects. This case study features the combination of land systems with related ecological and climatic concepts in the Bay of Plenty (BOP) region of New Zealand. The BOP study was undertaken by Lucas Associates in association with Ian Lynn and Wildland Consultants, who provided specific scientific expertise. The aim of the study was to develop a framework for monitoring ecological integrity. It differs in focus from landscape assessments that address the specific requirements of s 6(b) of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA91) for the protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes. However, the difference is more than one of statutory focus - it is also one of philosophy as it illustrates the distinctive emphasis of Lucas Associates's approach, which Lucas Associates now applies to most landscape assessments. The essential feature of the BOP assessment is that it is based on a systematic analysis of ecological integrity, measured in terms of the spatial configuration, processes and evolving condition of the biophysical environment, and that culminates in the development of management guidelines for the entire landscape of the region.