Relevant objectives and policies

Transcription

1 Appendix G. Relevant objectives and policies New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Objective 1 To safeguard the integrity, form, functioning and resilience of the coastal environment and sustain its ecosystems, including marine and intertidal areas, estuaries, dunes and land, by: maintaining or enhancing natural biological and physical processes in the coastal environment and recognising their dynamic, complex and interdependent nature; protecting representative or significant natural ecosystems and sites of biological importance and maintaining the diversity of New Zealand s indigenous coastal flora and fauna; and maintaining coastal water quality, and enhancing it where it has deteriorated from what would otherwise be its natural condition, with significant adverse effects on ecology and habitat, because of discharges associated with human activity. Objective 2 To preserve the natural character of the coastal environment and protect natural features and landscape values through: recognising the characteristics and qualities that contribute to natural character, natural features and landscape values and their location and distribution; identifying those areas where various forms of subdivision, use, and development would be inappropriate and protecting them from such activities; and encouraging restoration of the coastal environment. Objective 3 To take account of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, recognise the role of tangata whenua as kaitiaki and provide for tangata whenua involvement in management of the coastal environment by: recognising the ongoing and enduring relationship of tangata whenua over their lands, rohe and resources; promoting meaningful relationships and interactions between tangata whenua and persons exercising functions and powers under the Act; incorporating mātauranga Māori into sustainable management practices; and recognising and protecting characteristics of the coastal environment that are of special value to tangata whenua. Objective 4 To maintain and enhance the public open space qualities and recreation opportunities of the coastal environment by: recognising that the coastal marine area is an extensive area of public space for the public to use and enjoy; maintaining and enhancing public walking access to and along the coastal marine area without charge, and where there are exceptional reasons that mean this is not practicable providing alternative linking access close to the coastal marine area; and recognising the potential for coastal processes, including those likely to be affected by climate change, to restrict access to the coastal environment and the need to ensure that public access is maintained even when the coastal marine area advances inland Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 1

2 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Policy 1 (1) Recognise that the extent and characteristics of the coastal environment vary from region to region and locality to locality; and the issues that arise may have different effects in different localities. (2) Recognise that the coastal environment includes: the coastal marine area; islands within the coastal marine area; (c) areas where coastal processes, influences or qualities are significant, including coastal lakes, lagoons, tidal estuaries, saltmarshes, coastal wetlands, and the margins of these; (d) areas at risk from coastal hazards; (e) coastal vegetation and the habitat of indigenous coastal species including migratory birds; (f) elements and features that contribute to the natural character, landscape, visual qualities or amenity values; (g) items of cultural and historic heritage in the coastal marine area or on the coast; (h) inter-related coastal marine and terrestrial systems, including the intertidal zone; and (i) physical resources and built facilities, including infrastructure, that have modified the coastal environment Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 2

3 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Policy 2 In taking account of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi), and kaitiakitanga, in relation to the coastal environment: (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) recognise that tangata whenua have traditional and continuing cultural relationships with areas of the coastal environment, including places where they have lived and fished for generations; involve iwi authorities or hapū on behalf of tangata whenua in the preparation of regional policy statements, and plans, by undertaking effective consultation with tangata whenua; with such consultation to be early, meaningful, and as far as practicable in accordance with tikanga Māori; with the consent of tangata whenua and as far as practicable in accordance with tikanga Māori, incorporate mātauranga Māori in regional policy statements, in plans, and in the consideration of applications for resource consents, notices of requirement for designation and private plan changes; provide opportunities in appropriate circumstances for Māori involvement in decision making, for example when a consent application or notice of requirement is dealing with cultural localities or issues of cultural significance, and Māori experts, including pūkenga, may have knowledge not otherwise available; take into account any relevant iwi resource management plan and any other relevant planning document recognised by the appropriate iwi authority or hapū and lodged with the council, to the extent that its content has a bearing on resource management issues in the region or district; and (i) where appropriate incorporate references to, or material from, iwi resource management plans in regional policy statements and in plans; and (ii) consider providing practical assistance to iwi or hapū who have indicated a wish to develop iwi resource management plans; provide for opportunities for tangata whenua to exercise kaitiakitanga over waters, forests, lands, and fisheries in the coastal environment through such measures as: (i) bringing cultural understanding to monitoring of natural resources; (ii) providing appropriate methods for the management, maintenance and protection of the taonga of tangata whenua; (iii) having regard to regulations, rules or bylaws relating to ensuring sustainability of fisheries resources such as taiāpure, mahinga mātaitai or other non-commercial Māori customary fishing; and in consultation and collaboration with tangata whenua, working as far as practicable in accordance with tikanga Māori, and recognising that tangata whenua have the right to choose not to identify places or values of historic, cultural or spiritual significance or special value: (i) recognise the importance of Māori cultural and heritage values through such methods as historic heritage, landscape and cultural impact assessments; and (ii) provide for the identification, assessment, protection and management of areas or sites of significance or special value to Māori, including by historic analysis and archaeological survey and the development of methods such as alert layers and predictive methodologies for identifying areas of high potential for undiscovered Māori heritage, for example coastal pā or fishing villages Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 3

4 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Policy 6 (1) In relation to the coastal environment: recognise that the provision of infrastructure, the supply and transport of energy including the generation and transmission of electricity, and the extraction of minerals are activities important to the social, economic and cultural well-being of people and communities; consider the rate at which built development and the associated public infrastructure should be enabled to provide for the reasonably foreseeable needs of population growth without compromising the other values of the coastal environment; (c) encourage the consolidation of existing coastal settlements and urban areas where this will contribute to the avoidance or mitigation of sprawling or sporadic patterns of settlement and urban growth; (d) recognise tangata whenua needs for papakāinga, marae and associated developments and make appropriate provision for them; (e) consider where and how built development on land should be controlled so that it does not compromise activities of national or regional importance that have a functional need to locate and operate in the coastal marine area; (f) consider where development that maintains the character of the existing built environment should be encouraged, and where development resulting in a change in character would be acceptable; (g) take into account the potential of renewable resources in the coastal environment, such as energy from wind, waves, currents and tides, to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations; (h) consider how adverse visual impacts of development can be avoided in areas sensitive to such effects, such as headlands and prominent ridgelines, and as far as practicable and reasonable apply controls or conditions to avoid those effects; (i) set back development from the coastal marine area and other water bodies, where practicable and reasonable, to protect the natural character, open space, public access and amenity values of the coastal environment; and (j) where appropriate, buffer areas and sites of significant indigenous biological diversity, or historic heritage value. (2) Additionally, in relation to the coastal marine area: recognise potential contributions to the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of people and communities from use and development of the coastal marine area, including the potential for renewable marine energy to contribute to meeting the energy needs of future generations: recognise the need to maintain and enhance the public open space and recreation qualities and values of the coastal marine area; (c) recognise that there are activities that have a functional need to be located in the coastal marine area, and provide for those activities in appropriate places; (d) recognise that activities that do not have a functional need for location in the coastal marine area generally should not be located there; and (e) promote the efficient use of occupied space, including by: (i) requiring that structures be made available for public or multiple use wherever reasonable and practicable; (ii) requiring the removal of any abandoned or redundant structure that has no heritage, amenity or reuse value; and (iii) considering whether consent conditions should be applied to ensure that space occupied for an activity is used for that purpose effectively and without unreasonable delay Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 4

5 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Policy 11 To protect indigenous biological diversity in the coastal environment: avoid adverse effects of activities on: (i) indigenous taxa that are listed as threatened or at risk in the New Zealand Threat Classification System lists; (ii) taxa that are listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources as threatened; (iii) indigenous ecosystems and vegetation types that are threatened in the coastal environment, or are naturally rare; (iv) habitats of indigenous species where the species are at the limit of their natural range, or are naturally rare; (v) areas containing nationally significant examples of indigenous community types; and (vi) areas set aside for full or partial protection of indigenous biological diversity under other legislation; and avoid significant adverse effects and avoid, remedy or mitigate other adverse effects of activities on: (i) (ii) Policy 13 areas of predominantly indigenous vegetation in the coastal environment; habitats in the coastal environment that are important during the vulnerable life stages of indigenous species; (iii) indigenous ecosystems and habitats that are only found in the coastal environment and are particularly vulnerable to modification, including estuaries, lagoons, coastal wetlands, dunelands, intertidal zones, rocky reef systems, eelgrass and saltmarsh; (iv) habitats of indigenous species in the coastal environment that are important for recreational, commercial, traditional or cultural purposes; (v) habitats, including areas and routes, important to migratory species; and (vi) ecological corridors, and areas important for linking or maintaining biological values identified under this policy. (1) To preserve the natural character of the coastal environment and to protect it from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development: avoid adverse effects of activities on natural character in areas of the coastal environment with outstanding natural character; and avoid significant adverse effects and avoid, remedy or mitigate other adverse effects of activities on natural character in all other areas of the coastal environment; including by: (c) assessing the natural character of the coastal environment of the region or district, by mapping or otherwise identifying at least areas of high natural character; and (d) ensuring that regional policy statements, and plans, identify areas where preserving natural character requires objectives, policies and rules, and include those provisions. (2) Recognise that natural character is not the same as natural features and landscapes or amenity values and may include matters such as: natural elements, processes and patterns; biophysical, ecological, geological and geomorphological aspects; (c) natural landforms such as headlands, peninsulas, cliffs, dunes, wetlands, reefs, freshwater springs and surf breaks; (d) the natural movement of water and sediment; (e) the natural darkness of the night sky; (f) places or areas that are wild or scenic; (g) a range of natural character from pristine to modified; and (h) experiential attributes, including the sounds and smell of the sea; and their context or setting Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 5

6 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Policy 15 To protect the natural features and natural landscapes (including seascapes) of the coastal environment from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development: avoid adverse effects of activities on outstanding natural features and outstanding natural landscapes in the coastal environment; and avoid significant adverse effects and avoid, remedy, or mitigate other adverse effects of activities on other natural features and natural landscapes in the coastal environment; including by: (c) identifying and assessing the natural features and natural landscapes of the coastal environment of the region or district, at minimum by land typing, soil characterisation and landscape characterisation and having regard to: (i) natural science factors, including geological, topographical, ecological and dynamic components; (ii) the presence of water including in seas, lakes, rivers and streams; (iii) legibility or expressiveness how obviously the feature or landscape demonstrates its formative processes; (iv) aesthetic values including memorability and naturalness; (v) vegetation (native and exotic); (vi) transient values, including presence of wildlife or other values at certain times of the day or year; (vii) whether the values are shared and recognised; (viii) cultural and spiritual values for tangata whenua, identified by working, as far as practicable, in accordance with tikanga Māori; including their expression as cultural landscapes and features; (ix) historical and heritage associations; and (x) wild or scenic values; (d) ensuring that regional policy statements, and plans, map or otherwise identify areas where the protection of natural features and natural landscapes requires objectives, policies and rules; and (e) including the objectives, policies and rules required by (d) in plans. Policy 18 Recognise the need for public open space within and adjacent to the coastal marine area, for public use and appreciation including active and passive recreation, and provide for such public open space, including by: ensuring that the location and treatment of public open space is compatible with the natural character, natural features and landscapes, and amenity values of the coastal environment; taking account of future need for public open space within and adjacent to the coastal marine area, including in and close to cities, towns and other settlements; (c) maintaining and enhancing walking access linkages between public open space areas in the coastal environment; (d) considering the likely impact of coastal processes and climate change so as not to compromise the ability of future generations to have access to public open space; and (e) recognising the important role that esplanade reserves and strips can have in contributing to meeting public open space needs. Policy 21 Where the quality of water in the coastal environment has deteriorated so that it is having a significant adverse effect on ecosystems, natural habitats, or water based recreational activities, or is restricting existing uses, such as aquaculture, shellfish gathering, and cultural activities, give priority to improving that quality by: identifying such areas of coastal water and water bodies and including them in plans; including provisions in plans to address improving water quality in the areas identified above; (c) where practicable, restoring water quality to at least a state that can support such activities and ecosystems and natural habitats; (d) requiring that stock are excluded from the coastal marine area, adjoining intertidal areas and other water bodies and riparian margins in the coastal environment, within a prescribed time frame; and (e) engaging with tangata whenua to identify areas of coastal waters where they have particular interest, for example in cultural sites, wāhi tapu, other taonga, and values such as mauri, and remedying, or, where remediation is not practicable, mitigating adverse effects on these areas and values Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 6

7 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Policy 22 (1) Assess and monitor sedimentation levels and impacts on the coastal environment. (2) Require that subdivision, use, or development will not result in a significant increase in sedimentation in the coastal marine area, or other coastal water. (3) Control the impacts of vegetation removal on sedimentation including the impacts of harvesting plantation forestry. (4) Reduce sediment loadings in runoff and in stormwater systems through controls on land use activities. Policy 23 (1) In managing discharges to water in the coastal environment, have particular regard to: the sensitivity of the receiving environment; the nature of the contaminants to be discharged, the particular concentration of contaminants needed to achieve the required water quality in the receiving environment, and the risks if that concentration of contaminants is exceeded; and (c) the capacity of the receiving environment to assimilate the contaminants; and: (d) avoid significant adverse effects on ecosystems and habitats after reasonable mixing; (e) use the smallest mixing zone necessary to achieve the required water quality in the receiving environment; and (f) minimise adverse effects on the life-supporting capacity of water within a mixing zone. (2) In managing discharge of human sewage, do not allow: discharge of human sewage directly to water in the coastal environment without treatment; and the discharge of treated human sewage to water in the coastal environment, unless: (i) there has been adequate consideration of alternative methods, sites and routes for undertaking the discharge; and (ii) informed by an understanding of tangata whenua values and the effects on them. (3) Objectives, policies and rules in plans which provide for the discharge of treated human sewage into waters of the coastal environment must have been subject to early and meaningful consultation with tangata whenua. (4) In managing discharges of stormwater take steps to avoid adverse effects of stormwater discharge to water in the coastal environment, on a catchment by catchment basis, by: avoiding where practicable and otherwise remedying cross contamination of sewage and stormwater systems; reducing contaminant and sediment loadings in stormwater at source, through contaminant treatment and by controls on land use activities; (c) promoting integrated management of catchments and stormwater networks; and (d) promoting design options that reduce flows to stormwater reticulation systems at source. (5) In managing discharges from ports and other marine facilities: require operators of ports and other marine facilities to take all practicable steps to avoid contamination of coastal waters, substrate, ecosystems and habitats that is more than minor; require that the disturbance or relocation of contaminated seabed material, other than by the movement of vessels, and the dumping or storage of dredged material does not result in significant adverse effects on water quality or the seabed, substrate, ecosystems or habitats; (c) require operators of ports, marinas and other relevant marine facilities to provide for the collection of sewage and waste from vessels, and for residues from vessel maintenance to be safely contained and disposed of; and (d) consider the need for facilities for the collection of sewage and other wastes for recreational and commercial boating Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 7

8 Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act Section 7: Recognition of national significance of Hauraki Gulf (1) The interrelationship between the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments and the ability of that interrelationship to sustain the life-supporting capacity of the environment of the Hauraki Gulf and its islands are matters of national significance. (2) The life-supporting capacity of the environment of the Gulf and its islands includes the capacity (i) to provide for: (i) the historic, traditional, cultural, and spiritual relationship of the tangata whenua of the Gulf with the Gulf and its islands; and (ii) the social, economic, recreational, and cultural well-being of people and communities: (ii) to use the resources of the Gulf by the people and communities of the Gulf and New Zealand for economic activities and recreation: (iii) to maintain the soil, air, water, and ecosystems of the Gulf. Section 8: Management of Hauraki Gulf To recognise the national significance of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments, the objectives of the management of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments are: the protection and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the life-supporting capacity of the environment of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments: the protection and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the natural, historic, and physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments: (c) the protection and, where appropriate, the enhancement of those natural, historic, and physical resources (including kaimoana) of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments with which tangata whenua have an historic, traditional, cultural, and spiritual relationship: (d) the protection of the cultural and historic associations of people and communities in and around the Hauraki Gulf with its natural, historic, and physical resources: (e) the maintenance and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the contribution of the natural, historic, and physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments to the social and economic well-being of the people and communities of the Hauraki Gulf and New Zealand: (f) the maintenance and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the natural, historic, and physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf, its islands, and catchments, which contribute to the recreation and enjoyment of the Hauraki Gulf for the people and communities of the Hauraki Gulf and New Zealand. Auckland Regional Policy Statement Objective To achieve a high level of mobility and accessibility within the Region that provides for an integrated, responsive, sustainable, safe, affordable and efficient movement of goods and people. Objective To manage the Region s natural and physical resources in an integrated manner. Objective To enable the redevelopment, operation and maintenance of existing and provision of new regionally significant infrastructure. Objective The operation of existing regionally significant infrastructure and the provision of new or upgraded regionally significant infrastructure shall: (i) be consistent with the Strategic Direction of the Regional Policy Statement; (ii) support and reinforce the Regional Growth Strategy and the proposed outcomes of that strategy; and (iii) ensure that any adverse effects of those activities on the environment (including human health) are avoided, remedied or mitigated in a manner consistent with the relevant provisions of this RPS Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 8

9 Auckland Regional Policy Statement Objective 4.3 (1) To develop a transport network that supports a compact sustainable urban form. (2) To avoid, remedy, or mitigate the adverse effects of transport on the environment and, in particular: (i) to avoid, remedy, or mitigate the adverse effects of transport on air quality, water quality and heritage; (ii) to reduce the need for the transport system to use non-renewable fuels; (iii) to avoid, remedy, or mitigate the adverse effects of the transport system on community well-being and amenity. (3) To develop a transport network which provides an acceptable level of accessibility for all sections of the community within and across the region, by encouraging transport choices that are efficient, convenient or practical. (4) To develop a transport network which is as safe as is practicable and which promotes better physical health for the community. Environmental Results Anticipated 2.7 (w) Regionally significant infrastructure will be maintained and provided in such a way and to an extent that it efficiently and effectively supports anticipated growth within the Region. Objectives 3.3 (1) To sustain the mauri of natural and physical resources in ways which enable provision for the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of Maori. (2) To afford appropriate priority to the relationship of Tangata Whenua and their culture and traditions with their ancestral taonga when this conflicts with other values. (3) To involve Tangata Whenua in resource management processes in ways which: (i) take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, including rangatiratanga; (ii) have particular regard to the practical expression of kaitiakitanga. Policy (1) Land use and transport planning will be integrated in a way which: (i) seeks to reduce trip lengths and numbers and the need for private vehicle travel and encourages a significant increase in the amount of travel made by public transport, walking and cycling; (ii) recognises that where access cannot yet be met conveniently, efficiently, effectively or practically by public transport, nor by viable walking or cycling, trips will continue to be made by private vehicle; (iii) recognises the need to reinforce an efficient and effective public transport system within and connecting High Density Centres and Intensive Corridors. (2) Development of the transport system will be guided in a way which: (i) promotes the use of forms of transport which have fewer adverse effects on the environment; (ii) reduces the environmental effects of transport at source; (iii) reduces the need to use non-renewable fuels; (iv) avoids, remedies, or mitigates the adverse effects of transport on air and water quality; (v) avoids, remedies, or mitigates the adverse effects of transport in the modification of landscape and the destruction of natural habitats and other heritage; (vi) avoids, remedies, or mitigates the adverse effects of transport on local communities Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 9

10 Auckland Regional Policy Statement Policy The following policies and methods give effect to Objective (1) Transport networks which promote the efficient movement of people, goods and services throughout the Region will be identified in the Auckland RLTS and district plans and will be required to be protected in district plans. (2) The efficiency of congested transport Corridors will be increased by: (i) encouraging increases in person-carrying capacity (i.e., by supporting public transport, car pooling and high occupancy vehicles); (ii) encouraging increases in freight carrying capacity (i.e., by supporting consolidation of loads and rail freight); and (iii) encouraging walking and cycling. (3) Roading upgrades that accommodate more road vehicles should be used where: (i) congested transport Corridors are no longer able to be effectively managed by Policy ; (ii) the social, cultural, economic and environmental benefits outweigh investment in alternative transport infrastructure or services. (4) The efficiency of congested transport corridors will be increased by encouraging shorter trips and recreational trips to be made by walking and cycling. Environmental Results Anticipated 4.5 The policies are intended to produce a transport system which: (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) Issue is less reliant on non-renewable energy sources and requires less land to function effectively; reduces adverse impacts on air quality (including greenhouse gases) and water quality and heritage; minimises community disruption; provides an acceptable level of access to work, services, shops and social and recreational facilities for all groups in the community, including those without access to a car; ensures the regionally significant parts of the transport network are able to function effectively and efficiently; improves the effectiveness of the public transport system; improves the effectiveness of walking and cycling modes; is as safe as practicable and which promotes a healthier community The heritage of the Auckland Region has been depleted and continues to be under threat. Objective To preserve or protect a diverse and representative range of the Auckland Region s heritage resources. Objective To protect Outstanding Natural Landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use and development. Objective To recognise some Outstanding Natural Landscapes as working landscapes and to enable appropriate activities that are consistent with the Strategic Direction in this RPS. Objective To manage heritage resources in an integrated way to ensure their contribution to the variety of heritage values is protected and enhanced Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 10

11 Auckland Regional Policy Statement Policy (1) The diverse range of values of the coastal environment shall be recognised and the need to enable people and communities to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing shall be provided for in appropriate areas of the coastal environment. (2) In assessing the appropriateness of subdivision, use and development in the coastal environment particular regard shall be had to the following matters: (i) natural character is preserved and protected in accordance with Policies (i), (ii) and (iii), and ; (ii) public access is maintained or enhanced in accordance with Policies , 2 and 3; (iii) amenity values are maintained or enhanced as far as practicable; (iv) public open space is maintained or enhanced as far as practicable; (v) there is a functional need for use and development within the CMA; (vi) efficient use is made of the natural and physical resources of the coastal environment; (vii) activities are of a scale, design and location that maintain or enhance landscape values in the area, including seascapes and landforms; (viii) there are no significant adverse effects of activities on the CMA, or on adjacent land, including effects across the MHWS boundary; (ix) adverse effects are avoided, remedied or mitigated in Areas of Special Value in accordance with policies in 7.4.7; (x) activities are designed and located to avoid the need for hazard protection works; (xi) provision is made for adequate utility services (including the disposal of waste); (xii) effect is given to all other relevant provisions of this policy statement, in particular those stated in Chapter 2 Regional Overview and Strategic Direction, Chapter 6 Heritage and Chapter 8 Water Quality. (3) A precautionary approach shall be taken by local authorities when providing for and assessing subdivision, use and development in the coastal environment where potentially significant adverse effects may arise. (The precautionary approach is outlined in Chapter 1 Introduction.) (4) Applications to reclaim part of the CMA, extract sand, shell and other natural material and rights to occupy the CMA shall have regard to any available alternatives to the proposal, which would avoid these activities. (5) Where existing subdivision, use and development is threatened by a coastal hazard, coastal protection works should be permitted only where they are the best practicable option for the future. The abandonment or relocation of existing structures should be considered among the options. Where coastal protection works are the best practicable option, they should be located and designed so as 10 Costal Environmental: 7to avoid or minimise adverse environment effects.(refer also to the Chapter 11 Natural Hazards) (6) In determining the appropriate form and location of subdivision, use and development, it shall be recognised that some natural features may migrate inland as a result of dynamic coastal processes, including sea level rise. (7) Areas which derive their particular character and amenity value from the predominance of built structures, modifications or activities shall be recognised and, where appropriate, their values maintained or enhanced. (8) Appropriate subdivision, use and development shall be encouraged to locate in areas where the natural character has already been compromised, thereby avoiding sprawling or sporadic subdivision, use and development in the coastal environment. (9) Notwithstanding Policy , regard shall be had to the protection of those elements of remaining natural character which continue to exist in areas where human modifications or activities predominate. (10) Papakainga housing and marae developments shall be provided for in a manner that is consistent with Policies through 9 in the coastal environment, where this would provide for the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their land, water, sites, waahi tapu and other taonga Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 11

12 Auckland Regional Policy Statement Objective 8.3 (1) To maintain water quality in water bodies and coastal waters which have good water quality, and to enhance water quality which is degraded particularly for the following purposes: (i) Estuaries and harbours: protection of aquatic ecosystems, recreation, fishing and shellfish gathering, cultural and aesthetic purposes. (ii) Open coastal waters, including parts of the Hauraki Gulf: its natural state. (iii) Groundwater: water supply. (iv) Lakes, rivers and streams: protection of aquatic ecosystems, recreation, food gathering, water supply, cultural and aesthetic purposes. (v) Wetlands: protection of aquatic ecosystems. Policy All land disturbance activities which may result in elevated levels of sediment discharge shall be carried out so that the adverse effects of such discharges are avoided, remedied, or mitigated. Policy Priority shall be given to maintaining, and where possible improving, water quality in areas which are susceptible to degradation and/or have significant values (as listed in Tables 8.1 and 8.2 and shown in Map Series 5 Sheets 1-4). Policy Existing native vegetation on the riparian margins of estuarine, wetland and coastal areas and lakes and streams listed in Tables 8.1 and 8.2 shall be retained, in accordance with the policies of Chapter 6 Heritage. Policy (1) Land use activities that affect the quantity of water contributed to streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands or aquifers shall be managed so as to: (i) protect the quantity of water in water bodies which have high amenity, cultural or ecological values; (ii) avoid or mitigate flooding and erosion; (iii) enhance water quality; (iv) protect highly used water bodies. (2) Planning for changes or intensification of land use shall have particular regard to current water availability and priorities for allocation of available water resources Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 12

13 Auckland Regional Policy Statement Policy The availability of water in water bodies and coastal water for taking, use, damming or diversion shall be determined on the following basis: (i) A precautionary approach shall be taken. (The precautionary approach is outlined in Chapter 1.) (ii) The following matters shall be recognised and provided for: the ability of the water body to sustain the abstraction; the relationship of Tangata Whenua and their culture and traditions with their ancestral water, waahi tapu and other taonga; (c) preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment, streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands and their margins; (d) protection of indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna in streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and the coastal environment; (e) maintenance of the natural flow variability in streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. (iii) Particular regard shall be had to the following matters: kaitiakitanga; maintenance and enhancement of the recreational, scenic, amenity and intrinsic values of streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands; (c) maintenance of water quality including sufficient capacity for streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands to assimilate contaminants; See also Chapter 8 Water Quality policies. (d) the security of a specific quantity of water being available in streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands during periods of low flow; (e) estimates of aquifer recharge; (f) maintenance of aquifer water levels adequate to ensure continued recharge between aquifers; (g) maintenance of outflow from aquifers at the coast to prevent salt-water intrusion; (h) retention of adequate spring flow from shallow aquifers which provide base flow for streams; (i) avoidance of land subsidence and structural damage to aquifers; (j) maintenance of geothermal aquifer water levels to prevent cold groundwater or seawater intrusion and reduction in aquifer temperatures; (k) avoidance of long term decline of aquifer water levels; (l) the extent of the overlap, if any, of catchments and aquifers with regional council boundaries. (iv) The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) shall be taken into account.(refer also to Chapter 3 Matters of Significance to Iwi.) Policy (1) The conservation, efficient use and reuse of the Region s water shall be promoted. (2) Priority shall be accorded to uses of water which give effect to the RPS strategic direction and the regional development policies (see Chapter 2). (3) The taking, damming, diversion and use of available water as determined by Policy 9.4.4, shall be controlled so that: (i) Actual or potential adverse effects on the environment, including effects on other authorised water users, the water body, ecosystems, and amenity values, are avoided, remedied, or mitigated. (ii) The relationship of Tangata Whenua and their culture and traditions with their ancestral water, waahi tapu and other taonga is recognised and provided for. (iii) Particular regard is had to: kaitiakitanga; promoting efficient use of water; (c) avoiding, remedying, or mitigating adverse effects of dams, weirs and other instream structures on the environment including but not limited to reduction in flows, obstruction to the passage and migration of any indigenous fauna; bank or bed erosion or aggradation; flooding or restricting the drainage of any property; (d) providing, in the case of fresh water, for the individual s reasonable domestic needs and for the individual s animal s drinking water; (e) providing, in the case of geothermal water, for tikanga Maori for the communal benefit of the Tangata Whenua of the area; (f) encouraging multiple use of streams, rivers, lakes and aquifers. (iv) The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) are taken into account Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 13

14 Auckland Regional Policy Statement Objective To avoid, remedy, or mitigate the adverse effects that arise from the discharge of contaminants to air, including those from: (i) motor vehicles; (ii) industrial or trade premises; (iii) open burning of waste; (iv) domestic fireplaces and solid fuel burning appliances; (v) the application of agrichemicals. Policy (1) Cumulative effects of discharges on Regional air quality including, but not restricted to, adverse effects on visibility and formation of secondary pollutants such as ozone, and levels of primary pollutants such as carbon monoxide, or particulates, shall be minimised. (2) A precautionary approach to air quality management shall be adopted where relative contributions of sources of contaminants and the nature and extent of the adverse effects are uncertain. Policy (6) Where development or use exists within areas susceptible to natural hazards, construction of mitigation works shall be allowed only where people, property, infrastructure and the environment are subject to risk from hazards, the works are the best practicable option, and any adverse effects on the environment are avoided, remedied or mitigated. The abandonment or relocation of existing structures and the use of non-structural solutions shall also be considered among the options. Policy (7) Any works or structures within the 1% AEP flood plain or overland flow path(s) shall not create or exacerbate a flood hazard, during a flood event with a greater probability than 1% AEP, either at the site or at any location upstream or downstream of the works or structures; unless: The adverse effects of the flood hazard are avoided, remedied, or mitigated; or The work or structure is required to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse environmental effects of a flood event; Works may include (but are not limited to) earthworks, riparian planting, piping of streams and the construction of culverts, bridges, retaining walls. Policy (9) In the coastal environment, new subdivision, use or development should be located and designed, so that the need for hazard protection measures is avoided. Objective 12.3(3) To avoid, remedy, or mitigate adverse effects of activities that result in soil degradation. To minimise the effects of soil degradation on the water quality of receiving environments Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 14

15 Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal Objective To preserve the natural character of the coastal environment by protecting the coastal marine area from inappropriate subdivision, use and development. Objective To preserve the natural character of the coastal environment by encouraging appropriate subdivision, use and development above Mean High Water Springs to locate in appropriate areas of the coastal environment. Policy The natural character of the coastal environment shall be preserved and protected from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development by avoiding where practicable, remedying or mitigating the adverse effects of subdivision, use and development on the qualities, elements and features which contribute to the natural character of the coastal environment, including those areas characterised by modification and development. Policy In assessing the actual or potential effects of subdivision, use and development on natural character particular regard shall be had to: preserving the natural character of the coastal marine area in Coastal Protection Areas 1 and 2; preserving the natural character of the coastal marine area in Outstanding and Regionally Significant Landscape Areas, where these areas are predominantly natural; (c) avoiding, where practicable, adverse effects on natural character values in other areas of the coastal marine area which are predominantly in their natural state and which have a high natural character; (d) protecting appropriate remaining elements of natural character in those areas characterised by modification and development. Policy In assessing the actual or potential adverse effects of subdivision, use and development, including cumulative adverse effects, on the natural character of the coastal environment particular regard shall be had to the relevant policies in Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 8, in recognition of the role that landscape, natural features, ecosystems, and certain cultural and historical areas and sites make to natural character. Policy When subdivision, use and development in the coastal marine area gives rise to actual or potential adverse effects on the natural character of the coastal environment, where appropriate these effects shall be remedied or mitigated by restoration or rehabilitation of the natural character of the coastal environment. In determining whether any adverse effects on natural character can be remedied or mitigated by restoration or rehabilitation, and if so, the level and extent of restoration and rehabilitation that is to be carried out, regard shall be had to: the extent to which the qualities and features of natural character in the area of the proposed subdivision, use and development will be adversely affected and the ability to restore or rehabilitate natural character in the area subject to the proposal; or where restoration or rehabilitation is not practicable in the area subject to the proposal, the potential to mitigate any adverse effects by the rehabilitation or restoration of natural character in another area of the coastal environment; and (c) where restoration plantings are carried out, preference shall be given to the use of indigenous species with a further preference for local genetic stock. Objective To protect Outstanding Landscapes, and the key elements, features and patterns of Regionally Significant Landscapes (as identified in the Plan Maps) from inappropriate subdivision, use and development in the Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 15

16 Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal coastal environment. Policy Subdivision, use and development in the coastal marine area shall be considered inappropriate where it would result in significant adverse effects on those key elements, features and patterns which contribute positively to the landscape quality, aesthetic value and landscape sensitivity of those areas identified in the Plan as being Regionally Significant Landscapes of the coastal environment. In assessing the significance of such adverse effects, particular regard will be had to ensuring that those landscape elements, features and patterns which contribute to the visual integrity of the landscape unit and its value as a Regionally Significant Landscape are protected. Objective To protect the dynamic functioning of physical coastal processes. Objective To protect the integrity, functioning and resilience of ecosystems within the coastal environment. Objective To protect from inappropriate subdivision, use and development and where appropriate, preserve the ecological and physical values and processes of Coastal Protection Areas, in recognition of their intrinsic values, their regional, national and international significance, and their high vulnerability to adverse environmental effects. Objective To recognise that the coastal marine area has characteristics of special spiritual, historical, and cultural significance to Tangata Whenua. Objective To sustain the mauri of natural and physical resources of the coastal environment, and to enable provision for the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of Maori. Objective To recognise the national and regional importance of activities which depend upon the use of natural and physical resources of the coastal environment, such as maritime and air transport services, regional infrastructure and other water based industrial, commercial and recreational activities. Policy Subdivision, use and development within parts of the coastal marine area shall generally be considered appropriate where that subdivision, use and development depends upon the natural and physical resources of the coastal marine area, and where adverse effects are avoided, remedied or mitigated. Policy Subdivision, use and development within the Port, Defence, Marina, Mooring, Airport and Special Activity Management Areas, for those purposes, shall be considered appropriate, provided that the subdivision, use and development is consistent with the objectives and policies for those areas. Objective To provide for appropriate subdivision, use and development in the coastal marine area, and to protect the coastal marine area from inappropriate subdivision, use and development Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 16

17 Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal Objective To ensure that efficient use is made of the coastal marine area. Objective To maintain where appropriate, the open space nature of the coastal environment. Policy Subdivision, use and development which maintains or enhances public use and enjoyment of the coastal marine area shall be encouraged except where it is appropriate to restrict the public, having considered the provisions of Chapter 7: Public Access. Policy Recreation is a significant and important use of the coastal marine area, and any proposal for subdivision, use and development shall have regard to the desirability of maintaining or enhancing recreational use of the coastal marine area while avoiding, remedying or mitigating adverse effects on existing activities. Policy Subdivision, use and development of the coastal marine area shall be considered more appropriate where the environment has already been highly modified by human activities, or located in areas where development already exists, unless: Policy location elsewhere in the coastal marine area of the Auckland Region would better avoid, remedy, or mitigate significant adverse effects of that subdivision, use and development; or an application brought by Tangata Whenua better provides for the special relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu, and other taonga. The positive environmental effects and benefits arising from any proposal for subdivision, use and development shall be taken into account when assessing the overall effects of a proposal. Policy Any proposal for subdivision, use and development shall be located, designed, constructed or placed to: (c) Policy complement as far as practicable the character of the environment in which it is located; and avoid as far as practicable, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on ecological and physical processes beyond those which are already occurring in the immediate and surrounding area, including any area above Mean High Water Springs; and where practicable, be consistent with relevant resource management strategies of adjoining territorial authorities. Where practicable, subdivision, use and development shall be undertaken at times of the day, year or tides where this will avoid adverse effects on the coastal environment. Where complete avoidance is not practicable adverse effects shall be remedied or mitigated, particularly effects on: (c) the growth and reproduction of marine and coastal vegetation and the feeding, spawning and migratory patterns of marine and coastal fauna, including bird roosting, nesting and feeding; or recreational use of the coastal marine area; or other established activities located in the coastal environment which are likely to be affected by any proposal Assessment of Environmental Effects_Final_26 August 2013 Appendix G Page 17