News

Your opinion is not lost on the future

6 September 2024

If you live and work in Tasman you have a voice in its environmental management and sustainability for freshwater, urban development, management of land and coastal features and natural hazards.

Starting in November engagement and consultation opens on a wide range of environmental policy matters that have significant importance to our district.

Our environment is a taonga

It is precious and must be protected carefully. Embracing Kaitiakitanga we recognise that Māori have a responsibility and obligation of care over their communities.

Māori perspectives on environmental management play a significant role in our unique environment. This year has been one of important developments that have strengthened council-iwi relations.

This includes the historic signing of the Together Te Tauihu partnership agreement between eight iwi and Tasman, Nelson, and Marlborough councils, as well as Tasman’s appointment of iwi representatives to our council committees, St Arnaud’s Mangatāwahi/Black Valley wetlands project and the engagement undertaken in shaping policy for landscape, coastal environmental and natural character plan changes.

At a special meeting in early September the Tasman District Council voted to retain its Māori Ward. In doing so, the Council will also be holding a binding referendum to decide the future of the ward for the 2028 and 2031 local government elections.

Strategic thinking

Environmental Policy is a long-term strategic piece of work, it helps to guide and shape our communities and how we manage our land and water. It is a framework that is implemented by teams across council.

Local councils in New Zealand have traditionally provided a range of essential services, initially without specific consideration of the bio-physical environment. However, their role in environmental management has become increasingly prominent since the 1980s, particularly in response to pressing issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and water quality concerns.

Environmental policy serves as the cornerstone for safeguarding and nurturing Tasman's unique natural heritage. It provides a comprehensive framework that guides the sustainable management of our land, water, and built environment. This policy acts as a roadmap, outlining the rules and regulations that govern how we interact with and protect our natural resources.

As a long-term strategic approach, environmental policy plays a vital role in shaping the future of our communities.

It provides a clear direction for sustainable development, ensuring that our growth and prosperity are aligned with the preservation of our environment. By setting out clear guidelines and objectives, this policy helps to ensure that all council teams are working towards a common goal of creating a sustainable and thriving Tasman.

Five pillars of Tasman environmental policy

Biodiversity conservation: Protecting Tasman's unique flora and fauna, including endangered species.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation: Developing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Sustainable resource management: Ensuring the efficient and responsible use of natural resources, such as water and soil.

Waste reduction and recycling: Promoting sustainable waste management practices to minimize environmental impact.

Community engagement: Involving the public in decision-making processes and fostering a sense of stewardship for the environment.

Environmental Policy done right is the framework that guides our relationship with the natural world. Its legal outcomes protect our biodiversity and guide the development of built environments so that Tasman has a sustainable and thriving future for generations to come.

Over the next nine months we want to hear from you and if at any time you have a question or request for clarification contact the team on this email environmentplan@tasman.govt.nz