As part of a project to protect the District’s special places for future generations, Tasman District Council (TDC) has released draft maps of the District’s Outstanding Natural Landscapes, Outstanding Natural Features, and the Coastal Environment area.

TDC Urban and Rural Development Policy Team Leader Jeremy Butler is pleased the draft maps are now available for communities to review. He explained this project has involved a lot of work and responds to both the requirements of national legislation, and community feedback about how incredibly valued the landscapes in Tasman District are.

Mr Butler also acknowledged the valuable input of the collaborative ‘Small Working Group’ in identifying Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Features across Golden Bay and the Northwest Coast.

“Once the Landscapes and Coastal Environment project is completed, the areas identified will have extra protections to help preserve their unique features, their histories, and to provide people with access to the outdoors.

“The draft areas cover public and private land and input from landowners on this project is key because they know their places best. This is just the start of the conversation with landowners.

“We have sent letters to anyone that owns property within one or more of the areas identified and have planned a series of online and in-person engagement events to work with landowners to make sure that boundaries are in the right place and that the protective controls on activity are sensitive to future aspirations,” said Mr Butler.

There are seven draft Outstanding Natural Landscapes covering the District’s Northwest Coast, Parapara - Kahurangi Ranges, Golden Bay – Mohua, Abel Tasman, Wainui Bay, Nelson Lakes – Southwestern Ranges, and Eastern Hills and Mountains.

The 33 Outstanding Natural Features identified include iconic spots such as Farewell Spit, Maruia Falls, Mt Arthur Marble Karst and Caves, Split Apple Rock, and the Takaka Hill Cave Network.

The revised Coastal Environment landward boundary has been drawn to include the coastal areas where coastal processes, influences, or qualities are significant and is based on the requirements of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.

“We acknowledge that many of the special places identified through this project are also where people live, work, and enjoy spending time. This project is not about stopping existing, legally established activities; it’s about safeguarding our valued landscapes and coast from specific future activities that would impact what makes them so special,” said Mr Butler.

The Landscapes and Coastal Environment project is part of the development of the new Aorere Ki Uta, Aorere Ki Tai - Tasman Environment Plan. The new plan will eventually replace current council resource management plans as the blueprint for how we grow as a district, and use and care for our land, air, and water ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea).

The Tasman Environment Plan website has a page dedicated to the Landscapes and Coastal project with the draft areas available to explore on a map, more information, and next steps for landowners and affected parties interested in being involved (www.environmentplan.tasman.govt.nz/landscapes-and-coastal-environment-projects).

Environmental Policy Manager Barry Johnson encouraged landowners to register for one of four online presentations about the project, “We’re going to be working with landowners and affected parties from now until early July to give us confidence that the areas identified for greater protection are outlined correctly.

“To start the conversation, join us online in mid-April for one of our live presentations covering what the draft areas mean and how locals can have input into this project. After the presentations, our panel will answer submitted questions from attendees.” said Mr Johnson.

In addition to the online Q&A sessions and website feedback form, Tasman District Council will also be hosting engagement events across the District from late May to gather more feedback on the project from locals. The schedule of events is due to be released soon.