Loss of New Zealand’s original ecosystem is the result of rapid colonisation over the past 200 years. (New Zealand Biodiversity, 2013).
New Zealand currently retains 23% of its original vegetation much of which is in mountainous areas (Steens, M., Winter, D., Morris, R., McCartney, J., & Greenslade, P. 2007).
Vegetation loss can be attributed to industrial food production processes underpinned by forest clearance and swamp drainage. A further loss was the direct result of the unfortunate introduction of voracious pest animals such as the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecular) (Department of Conservation, 2013).
Only 1.6% of the original vegetation is present in the Hamilton ecological district (Leathwick, Clarkson & Whaley 1995, as cited in Clarkson & McQueen, 2004). The loss of vegetation and associated fauna has led to a loss of landscape character.