Council is working to protect the District’s outstanding natural landscapes and features, and areas of high and outstanding natural character within the coastal environment.
To support this work, Council has commissioned two technical studies. The Tasman District Landscape Study identifies outstanding natural landscapes and features (ONLF) across the District, and has been completed. The Tasman Natural Character Study focuses on natural character within the coastal environment (CNC) and is currently being finalised.
The government is replacing the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). While this reform is underway, most new plan changes under the RMA have been placed on hold. As a result, consultation on the proposed provisions to protect Tasman’s outstanding natural landscapes and features, and coastal natural character, is currently paused.
Under the new legislation, Council will still be required to identify and protect these areas. The intention is to carry forward the information from the landscape and natural character technical studies into the new plans developed under the reformed planning system, expected to be prepared during 2027–2028.
Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Features
A cornerstone of the RMA reform will be spatial planning and regional spatial plans that will map constraints and opportunities. The identification of outstanding natural landscapes and features will be an important component of the new plans.
Coastal Natural Character and Coastal Environment
We have identified areas within coastal Tasman that possess high, very high, or outstanding natural character. Further work is underway to refine and finalise these studies. This work is also affected by RMA reform meaning it will not progress to a plan change and will be carried forward under the new legislation.
Once completed the study will be utilised to inform the regional spatial plan and the new natural environment & land use plan under the new legislation.
Latest Mapping 2025
Tip: It is easier to view this map if you expand the map extent (top left, icon four arrows, below the house icon). As you navigate around the district, you can toggle the ONL, ONF and CE map layers on and off by using the layer list (top left, forth icon down). Select any feature in the map to discover further information in the pop-up panel.
Tip: The basemap is set to Topographic to allow contours and placenames to be seen. There are satellite options (folded map button, bottom right), and this can be useful for better understanding the special places identified.
The Previous Landscapes, Features and Coastal Mapping section below includes the Tasman Natural Character Study, amended 2022 CE mapping and the modified/amended 2022 ONL and ONF mapping plus the 2024 ONL mapping superseded by the 2025 map.
Engagement Summary
Since 2020 the draft technical reports and maps have been discussed with the Tasman community including and landowners, stakeholders, and interest groups. Key outputs from consultation and engagement can be seen below.
During 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, was changed to reflect local knowledge.
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.
Watch the recording of the session here.
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.
Efficiency and Effectiveness Evaluations
Over 2019 and 2020 Council staff evaluated the objectives and policies of the Tasman Regional Policy Statement (TRPS) and Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP). The purpose of this review was to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the provisions contained within these plans. It helps us understand if the TRPS and TRMP provisions are doing what they’re meant to do.
You can read the reports here.
Both the summary reports are relevant to the Plan changes and the full reports are available.
Updated Draft Landscapes, Features and Coastal Environment Mapping 2022
The project team has undertaken additional consultation and has 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 here.
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 Part One
Tasman Natural Character Study Amendments Part Two
Golden Bay Landscape Project
Also known as the Golden Bay & Northwest Coast Landscape Study, this work was the predecessor to the 2021 landscape study. The reports and background information can be found below.
Golden Bay Landscape Project | Tasman District Council
Coastal environment inland boundary and natural character mapping
This work was a predecessor to the current coastal environment project and was commissioned in 2012 and 2014 to inform the Golden Bay Landscapes Project. The reports and background information can be found below.
Coastal environment inland boundary and natural character mapping | Tasman District Council
Measuring coastal natural character report | Tasman District Council
Contact
For more information contact tania.bray@tasman.govt.nz or phone 03 543 8400.
