Integrating of natural hazards workstream into future plan-making

In April 2026, Council resolved to cease progressing Plan Change 85 (Natural Hazards) as a standalone change to the Tasman Resource Management Plan. Instead, the natural hazards work programme will be integrated into future plan-making under the new resource management system. Given PC85 was at an early stage with completion of 'Issues and Options,' this approach retains the work and feedback completed and carries it forward into the new planning framework.

Our focus will now be on ensuring natural hazards policy is developed and delivered through the next generation of statutory plans rather than through a TRMP plan change process. The existing provisions of the TRMP, together with tools such as the National Policy Statement for Natural Hazards and Sections 106 and 106A of the Resource Management Act 1991, enable Council to manage significant risks from natural hazards until the new generation of plans are developed and come into effect.

Participants to the April community engagement on Plan Change 85 identified improved transparency, consistency, and certainty through better mapping, a risk-based approach and clearer policies to meet the challenges from natural hazards.

There's a clear desire to move beyond the status quo, favouring updated hazard overlays, strengthened provisions, a greater focus on resilience including the effects of climate change.

Feedback also highlighted the importance of enabling future-proofed development, and the promotion of nature-based and community-led solutions.

Background

The feedback from community engagement will inform the next phase of work on Plan Change 85, focusing on translating identified issues and options into a detailed policy framework for managing natural hazards within the Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP).

This is a significant step in updating the Tasman Resource Management Plan’s natural hazards provisions, ensuring the district is better equipped to manage the impacts of natural hazards.

Download the summary of feedback for Plan Change 85 Natural Hazard Issues and Options.

To contact the team please email us at environmentplan@tasman.govt.nz