As we prepare to create a new resource management plan for Tasman, we have been hearing from our communities about local environmental and development issues and opportunities.

Our first round of community conversations has now closed and we want to say a big thank you to the hundreds of people who live, work, and play in Tasman and have shared issues, experiences, and ideas with us. Over the past 10 weeks, we have gathered more than 2,000 pieces of feedback through 21 community-based events and our plan website. What we have heard will make a difference to the shape of Aorere ki uta, Aorere ki tai – Tasman Environment Plan.

Early analysis of feedback reveals recurring issues and opportunities around freshwater, affordable housing, sustainable growth, biodiversity, and transport options. We have also heard about the things that make our places special. Tasman's beaches, wetlands, community spirit, peaceful nature, and parks have featured strongly.

We will begin next year by fully processing all the issues and opportunities we’ve heard and continue working with councillors and iwi, before coming back to you with round two of engagement on some of our options. The options will help progress conversations around how we protect and restore our environment, build community resilience, and provide for appropriate development of Tasman’s towns, local centres, rural areas, and coastal places.

It’s been a pleasure meeting people from across the district and hearing about your vision for our special part of Aotearoa.

We wish you a safe and happy festive season.

Ngā mihi nui,

Tasman District Council Policy Planning Team

The Tasman Environment Plan will eventually replace the current Tasman Resource Management Plan and Tasman Resource Policy Statement. It will cover big topics such as freshwater, housing, biodiversity, air quality, the marine environment, natural hazards, strategic infrastructure, land disturbance, climate change and how we live and work in our region.

Over the past 10 weeks, TDC councillors and policy planning staff have enjoyed wide ranging conversations with nearly 1,000 people who live, work, and play in Tasman.

Highlights included chats at the Ngatimoti School Fair, Richmond A&P Show, Motueka Sunday Market, Richmond Mall pop-up shop, meeting our passionate community associations, and hosting drop-in community-based events in Māpua, Wakefield, Rotoiti, Tasman, Brightwater, Collingwood, Tākaka, Murchison, Riwaka, Tapawera, Mārahau, Moutere, and Kaiteriteri.

All the feedback we have received in person and online is available on our website.

We asked local young people to tell us what makes Tasman awesome, and what could make it even better. The creative responses from district primary and intermediate school children demonstrates just how connected they are to Tasman, and why it is so important to plan for the future.

Mayor Tim King reviewed the entries and said, “I’ve also been very impressed by the school children who have told us what they think makes Tasman special through art, stories, and poems."

Pictured below is Councillor Christeen Mackenzie and Environmental Policy Manager Barry Johnson awarding a classroom prize to Upper Moutere School children at their Celebration of Learning assembly.