Complex coastal conundrums
Sunset at Waipapa Point
The coastline in Fiordland
Environment Southland’s acting policy and planning manager Alex Morgan says reasssessing how we manage this special part of Southland by reviewing the Regional Coastal Plan is not only timely, but will also ensure our rules are relevant and provide appropriate protections.
“In the 23 years since the plan was notified, the environment, how we use the coast, and the legislative requirements have all changed. Our current plan is no longer protecting all the things that we value about this place,” Alex says.
Environment Southland, with Te Ao Mārama (the environmental arm of Ngāi Tahu Ki Murihiku) began the review process in 2018 with the development of a strategic direction and a number of discussion papers covering key issues for the coast.
“This year we have sought feedback on protecting young toheroa on Oreti Beach by proposing vehicle restrictions. This is just one issue the community will be asked to share their thoughts on over the next year or so as the review moves towards a new Southland Coastal Plan.”
The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement was updated in 2010 and provides the legislative framework that all regional coastal plans must meet. “The new coastal plan will be more restrictive than our current plan as the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 sets a higher bar than the previous version, which will ensure we can protect our special coastal areas for generations to come,” Alex says.
Our coast
- Foveaux Strait/Te Ara a Kiwa is less than 60m deep.
- Southland's coastline is 3,400 km long, the longest of any region in New Zealand.
- Southland’s coastal waters total 23,110 sq km.
- There are currently 11 marine reserves, seven mātaitai reserves, two marine mammal sanctuaries and 23 ‘china shops’* within Southland’s coastal marine area.
- Approximately 54 percent of Southlanders live within five kilometres of the sea..
- At its narrowest point, the strait between Stewart Island/Rakiura and the South Island is 10 nautical miles.
- The Coastal Marine Environment is managed by at least 25 pieces of legislation and 14 government agencies
* China shops are identified and defined in the Fiordland Marine Conservation Strategy. They include small discrete areas that are outstanding for the abundance and/or diversity of animal communities, mixed animal and plant communities or particular animal species.
