Coastal Plan review
Stage one - setting the scene
Staged One is completed. It consisted of the development of the Strategic Direction for the Review of the Regional Coastal Plan for Southland (February 2019), and an assessment of the Effectiveness and Efficiency of the Regional Coastal Plan for Southland (June 2019).
Stage two - pre-notification policy development
Stage two began in June 2019. 13 discussion papers have been prepared for consideration by Council and Te Ao Mārama Inc (TAMI) on the following coastal topics:
- Occupation and public access
- Air quality
- Historic heritage
- Resource use
- Infrastructure/structures
- Surface water activities
- Natural character, features and landscapes
- Water quality
- Ecosystems and biodiversity
- Biosecurity
- Marine aquaculture
- Coastal hazards
- Miscellaneous provisions
Several of these topics required ongoing work due to legislation or other changes occurring since the initial discussion papers were completed. These workstreams include the management of:
- Aquaculture – consideration of the National Environmental Standards for Marine Aquaculture (2020, 2023)
- Fiordland – long term changes required after Plan Change 5
- Bluff Harbour Deeds of Agreement – review required before expiry in September 2026
- Indigenous biodiversity and ecosystems – consideration of the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity (2023)
Discussions have begun with some key stakeholders from across industry, recreation, tourism and government agencies as part of these workstreams. In Stage Two we will also be undertaking engagement with the public to gauge community expectations on the outcomes that are important for the pRCP to achieve. We will also revisit the values and aspirations that are important to protect and manage for in the coastal marine areas of Southand.
Formal pre-notification consultation is planned for January and February 2025. Following this, all submissions will be reviewed and updates made to the pRCP where necessary. This work will help finalise the drafting of the pRCP which is currently on track to be notified at the end of April 2025.
Stage three - formal consultation process
Stage three of the review of the Coastal Plan is the formal consultation process under Schedule 1 of the Resource Management Act. The steps in this process are:
- Notification;
- Submissions;
- Further submissions;
- Hearing;
- Decisions;
- Appeals.
Stage three will progress once provision drafting has been completed.
For any further information, or if you would like to be included on our Coastal Plan review stakeholder list, please email service@es.govt.nz.
