Direction 1: Ensure Auckland’s natural environment and cultural heritage is valued and cared for

The natural environment supports and sustains us in many different ways.  

It plays a critical role in delivering social, cultural, economic and environmental outcomes for Aucklanders.  

It provides us with opportunities to diversify and strengthen our economy in sectors like tourism, agriculture and horticulture and green technology innovation. 

It is also part of Auckland's shared cultural heritage and provides an anchor for the sense of belonging that communities have to their place.

The natural environment and our shared cultural heritage are central to attracting the visitors, skills and investment that help to drive our prosperity.

However, many of our treasured natural environments, ecosystems, indigenous species and sites of cultural significance are already under significant pressure from human activity, and some are in decline.

To reverse this decline, all Aucklanders must play their part in ensuring that the natural environment and cultural heritage is valued and cared for.

We must better understand and recognise the life-sustaining benefits the natural environment provides as well as the critical role it plays in shaping and sustaining Auckland's future. 

We must actively seek opportunities to protect and enhance these values through our short and long-term decisions.

Find out more by reading The Health of Auckland's Natural Environment in 2015 report.

Related information

• Green infrastructure
• Our cultural heritage
• Climate change
• Ridge to Reef: Auckland’s marine environments and their relationship to the land
• Auckland Plan 2050 – Full Print Document (PDF 36.6 MB )
• Auckland Plan 2050 - Print document - Environment and Cultural Heritage (PDF 9.6 MB)