We have recently reviewed whether the regionally significant issues in the Tasman Regional Policy Statement are still relevant, and whether there are any new issues we should add. From this review, combined with feedback from our community engagement in 2020, we have identified 20 existing issues (with updates) and three new issues to be included in the new plan.
We’re also working with Te Tau Ihu iwi who are identifying resource management issues of significance to iwi authorities for inclusion in the plan.
Did you know?
- The
regionally significant issues are the pillars upon which the rest of our Tasman Environment
Plan rests. They set the direction and goals
for how we manage natural resources through the new Plan.
- How we respond to these regionally significant issues will need to be consistent with central government direction, relevant legislation, and iwi management plans, as well as reflecting what is important to our local communities.
New issues we recommend adding to the Tasman Environment Plan
Proposed new issues | Description |
| Climate change | Responding to climate change risks and impacts, including the need for mitigation and adaptation measures |
| Urban growth and infrastructure | Providing for urban growth, and infrastructure required to support it, while avoiding or minimising adverse effects on the environment |
| Community wellbeing | We need to find ways of providing for the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of our communities, while also providing for environmental wellbeing and meeting the wide range of legislative requirements. This will be challenging and require us to find new ways of doing things |
Current Tasman Regional Policy Statement (TRPS) significant resource management issues to keep in the new Tasman Environment Plan
Current TRPS issues | Description |
| Iwi relationships | Developing partnership relationships between Te Tau Ihu iwi and the Council, and giving effect to the needs and aspirations of iwi |
| High productive land and land fragmentation | Protecting and managing the district’s highly productive land and soils for the future. This includes managing allocation of land for different purposes, and land fragmentation |
| Cross boundary effects | Managing cross boundary impacts and effects between neighbouring properties (e.g. noise, odour), particularly as the population increases and land uses intensify |
| Urban design and development | Maintaining and enhancing the quality and functioning of our urban environments |
| Biodiversity | Protecting, restoring, and enhancing significant indigenous flora and fauna and their habitats |
| Soil damage or loss | Protecting and conserving soil, and reducing sediment generation from land use activities (e.g., farming, forestry, quarrying, construction) |
| Pest management | Managing significant animal and plant pest problems |
| Riparian land management | Managing river and stream margins to improve freshwater, biodiversity and natural character outcomes |
| Water allocation and availability | Managing surface water and groundwater for a range of land uses while protecting natural, cultural, and recreational values |
| Freshwater bodies | Protecting the natural, cultural, and recreational values of water bodies including riverine ecosystems |
| Coastal environment | Protecting and managing the coastal environment, which includes the coastal marine area and adjacent coastal land |
| Coastal natural character | Protecting, restoring, and enhancing the natural character of the coastal environment |
| Public access | Maintaining public and private access to and along coastal areas and freshwater bodies |
| Contaminant discharges | Managing the effects of contaminant discharges from a variety of land use activities to protect land, water and air |
| Waste management | Implementing the 4 Rs (reducing, reusing, recycling, and recovering) and managing contaminant waste to protect human health and the environment |
| Natural hazards | Ensuring our communities are resilient and safe from natural hazards and rising sea levels. Climate change will increase the frequency and severity of weather-related natural hazard events (e.g. rainfall, flooding, landslides) |
| Energy | Promoting efficient energy use, supporting renewable generation/use, and protecting environmental values when developing energy resources |
| Transportation | Developing, supporting and promoting progressive transport options, and addressing the adverse effects of transportation |
| Historic heritage | Protecting our historic heritage which includes places and things that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of New Zealand’s history and cultures |
| Sites and areas of significance to Māori | Recognising and protecting sites and areas of significance to Māori, this includes reviewing knowledge in partnership with Te Tau Ihu iwi |
| Natural features and landscapes | Recognising and protecting the outstanding natural features and landscapes in our district |