Diverse, Unique and Valued

New Zealand's relative isolation from larger landmasses has led to a remarkable level of endemic biodiversity, with around 80,000 native species of animals, plants, and fungi. Notable species include all frogs and reptiles, 90% of insects, about 80% of vascular plants, and a quarter of bird species. While much remains unknown about its marine life, it is estimated that up to 80% of New Zealand's indigenous species inhabit marine environments, with around 44% believed to be endemic. 

New Zealand boasts 425,000 kilometers of rivers and streams, nearly 4,000 lakes larger than one hectare, and about 200 groundwater aquifers. By global standards, its freshwater resources are both clean and abundant.

Agriculture utilizes approximately half of New Zealand's total land area, primarily in its fertile lowlands, where native vegetation has significantly diminished. The greatest losses have been seen in broadleaved native hardwoods, mānuka, kānuka, and tall tussock grasslands. Indigenous forests cover 7.2 million hectares, accounting for about 24% of the land area. The country has one of the largest protected area networks globally, with a third of its land under legal protection for conservation, though this network is not fully representative, particularly lacking in lowland and fertile forests. Additionally, New Zealand has the fourth largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) worldwide and a network of 34 marine protected areas, covering 12,790 km², which is just over 7% of its territorial sea.​​​​​

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