Definition
Planting for biodiversity uses eco-sourced native vegetation to create, restore, and connect habitats that support Indigenous species and ecological processes, including the reintroduction of locally appropriate or rare species where suitable.
What this strategy does
Delivers multi-layered native planting that supports fauna, soil health, and ecosystem function; includes revegetation, climate-adapted planting, and soil and water remediation approaches where needed. Avoids ornamental, exotic, or ecologically disconnected planting.
Context
In Aotearoa New Zealand, habitat loss, fragmented urban form, soil degradation, and climate stressors are primary drivers of biodiversity decline. Native planting aligned with local ecosystems and future climate conditions is a core response in urban and landscape development contexts.
Technical considerations
Use eco-sourced native species matched to local ecosystem types, soil conditions, hydrology conditions, and exposure, supported by local seed banking and eco-sourcing nurseries where available.
Design multi-layered vegetation structure (canopy, understorey, groundcover) to replicate natural forest, wetland, or coastal systems as appropriate to location, including staged revegetation where sites are highly degraded.
Prioritise plant species that provide food, shelter, and breeding habitat to target native fauna across seasons, and consider the reintroduction of locally rare or declining species where conditions allow.
Select plant species and assemblages that are resilient to projected climate conditions (e.g. drought tolerance, flood tolerance, temperature shifts) to support long-term ecosystem viability.
In dialogue with specialists, investigate incorporating mycorrhizal associations and companion planting approaches to support soil health, nutrient exchange, and plant establishment, particularly in disturbed or reconstructed soils. Mycorrhizae are beneficial fungi that live in association with plant roots, extending their ability to access water and nutrients. Companion planting involves selecting plant species that support each other’s growth.
Use planting as a tool for bioremediation or phytoremediation where soils or water bodies are contaminated, selecting species known to stabilise, uptake, or transform pollutants.
Implementation considerations
Undertake early site assessment covering soils, contamination, hydrology, microclimate, and existing ecological networks.
Urban soils may be compacted, contaminated, or biologically depleted, requiring remediation, soil reconstruction, or bioremediation approaches prior to or alongside planting.
Plan for long-term establishment and succession, including sourcing pipelines, maintenance, and adaptive management as plant communities develop.
Issues and barriers
Slow establishment
Biodiversity outcomes require long establishment periods; ecological benefits may not be visible for several years.
Knowledge gaps
Uncertainty remains around climate tolerance and soil–fungal associations for some native species, requiring adaptive management.
Synergies and opportunities
Climate change – Carbon storage, urban cooling, and stormwater moderation.
Human wellbeing – Improved mental health, recreation, and environmental quality.
Freshwater security – Riparian planting improves water quality and aquatic habitat.
Waste and pollution management – Vegetation supports nutrient uptake and contaminant attenuation.
Financial case
Ecosystem services and/or performance value
Value type
Reduced infrastructure stress, improved stormwater performance, carbon sequestration, and avoided remediation costs.
Cost-effectiveness
Investment logic
Native planting integrated early in development is more cost-effective than retrofitted remediation or long-term engineered solutions, with lower lifecycle maintenance and replacement costs.
Monitoring and evaluation metrics
Core metric
Native plant survival, canopy cover, and species diversity over time.
Advanced or long-term metric
Fauna presence and abundance, soil organic matter and microbial activity, and water quality indicators.
Case study
Fungal inoculation in native plantings
Related design strategies
Planting for biodiversity relates to all other design for biodiversity strategies.
Additional resources or tools
Department of Conservation Restoration Planting Guide
https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-plants/native-plant-restoration/
Wellington City Council Restoration Planting Techniques Guide
https://wellington.govt.nz/-/media/environment-and-sustainability/sustainability/files/restoration-planting-guide/restoration-planting-techniques.pdf
iNaturalist NZ
https://inaturalist.nz
NIWA National Climate Change Projections for New Zealand
https://niwa.co.nz/climate-and-weather/updated-national-climate-projections-new-zealand