Landscapes and coastal environment

Protecting our special places

As part of the Tasman Resource Management Plan review, we are identifying and safeguarding our district's unique areas. To this end, we have been working on two separate projects. The first project identified where the most outstanding landscapes and features are located and the second project identified where areas of high and outstanding coastal natural character are located. As part of the second project the Coastal Environment was also identified. This work is needed to help us meet our requirements under the Resource Management Act and the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.

Updated March 2024

The work on these projects was halted while we waited for the Government to introduce the replacement to the RMA, the Natural and Built Environment Act 2023. The legislation passed into law in 2023, but with the change in government by the end of the year the new Act was repealed. This means we are still operating under the RMA. The new government has signalled it intends to replace the RMA with new legislation however the timeframes for this are unclear. Given all the uncertainty Council has decided that it is important to proceed with the mahi required to amend the Tasman Resource Management Plan and introduce protections around our most special and unique places, rather than waiting to see if the Government does change the law.

Updated Draft Landscapes, Features and Coastal Environment Mapping 2022

The project team has undertaken additional consultation and have modified the 2021 Outstanding Natural landscape (ONL), Outstanding Natural Features (ONF) and Coastal Environment (CE) mapping. The mapping shows any boundary changes made to the 2021 draft mapping following consultation with landowners and the community.

The modified/amended 2022 ONL, ONF, and CE mapping can be viewed on the map below.

Tip: As you navigate around the District, you can also toggle the ONL, ONF, and CE map layers on and off by using the layer button (top left of the map).

Tip: There are satellite map options available (folded map button top left) and this can be useful for better understanding the special places identified.

The amended 2022 CE mapping can be found within the following documents:

Tasman Natural Character Study Amendments



Overview of engagement to date

Council is undertaking extensive and ongoing engagement with landowners, stakeholders, and interest groups on the Landscapes and Coastal Environment projects.

Over our first round of extended engagement, we heard from over 300 individuals and groups. Following feedback from landowners and stakeholders, the draft maps of the Tasman District Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Features, and the revised Coastal Environment area, have been changed to reflect local knowledge.

Online Q&A - 2021

In April 2021, we were joined by around 230 landowners and interested people across four live video presentations covering what the ONL, ONF, and CE areas mean, and how to get involved. Following the short presentations, our panel answered questions from the audience.

Feedback events- Series complete

We hosted events across the Tasman District to gather feedback from late May until early June 2021.

Thank you to everyone who attended the events and shared local knowledge and your future aspirations.

We’ve heard a range of perspectives and recognise the hard work and passion in our communities.

Landscapes and coastal environment feedback event