Wairau/ Awatere Resource Management Plan Distinctiveness/special ecological characteristics The site is significant if it contains ecological features that are outstanding or unique nationally, in the region or in the ecological district. H: The site contains any ecological feature that is unique nationally, in the region or in the ecological district; or it contains several such features that are outstanding regionally or in the ecological district. M: The site contains ecological features that are notable or unusual but not outstanding or unique nationally, in the region or in the ecological district. L: The site contains no ecological features that are outstanding or unique nationally, in the region or in the ecological district; i.e. the ecological features are typical rather than distinctive or special. Size and shape The site is significant if it is moderate to large in size and is physically compact or cohesive. H: The site is large in size for the region or ecological district and is compact in shape. M: The site is moderate in size for the region or ecological district and is compact in shape; or the site is relatively large but not very compact or cohesive. L: The site is small in size for the region or ecological district, or the site is moderate in size but not at all compact or cohesive. Connectivity The site is significant if it is physically connected or close to other natural areas, and/ or is part of a larger natural ecosystem. H: The site is close or well connected to a large natural area or several other natural areas. M: The site is in the vicinity of other natural areas but only partially connected to them or at an appreciable distance. L: The site is very isolated from other natural areas. Sustainability The site is significant if it is ecologically resilient, i.e. its natural ecological integrity and processes (functioning) are largely self-sustaining. H: The site can maintain its ecological integrity and processes with minimal human assistance. M: The site requires some but not much human assistance to maintain its ecological integrity and processes. L: The site requires much human assistance to maintain its ecological integrity and processes. App C - 2