Port Tarakohe Spatial Plan adopted – Thank you for your support!

Tasman District Council has formally adopted the Port Tarakohe Spatial Plan. It sets out the intended uses of the Port and its immediate surrounds.The plan will inform zoning and guide future decision-making and development to ensure Tarakohe thrives as an integrated port and harbour and continues to serve as a hub for fishing, aquaculture, and boating.

Three main objectives guide the plan.First, zoning clarity. The area within the breakwaters will be zoned Port Precinct, and the land zoned Port, with recreation and conservation overlays prioritising community spaces such as boat ramps and kororā (little blue penguin) habitats.

Second, sustainable growth considers infrastructure needs, including potable water, wastewater, and safer access along Abel Tasman Drive, supporting local businesses and resilience.

Third, protecting special values. The coastal cliffs will gain Outstanding Natural Features status, cultural assessments with iwi will enhance this taonga, and a biodiversity group will support native habitat restoration.

The plan requires further work on the bigger-picture issues like improving road safety and traffic flow on Abel Tasman Drive, making sure water supply and wastewater systems can handle future growth, and keeping the stunning coastal cliffs and wildlife safe.

The next steps include changing the zoning, creating a port management plan, developing reports on servicing, and iwi-led cultural work – all prioritised for swift action. Commercial returns will sustain operations, blending economic vitality with environmental care.

The community helped shape the Port Tarakohe Spatial Plan

The issues and options paper for the spatial plan relied heavily on past feedback from the community regarding the development of the port. This feedback was used to draft an issues and options paper which the community provided further comment on. The draft spatial plan was well supported by the community and following further consideration of the matters raised the spatial plan was finalised.

Copies of the final spatial plan and the documents used to help develop the spatial plan can be found in the Document Library on this page.

We wish to thank everyone who took the time to be involved.

Key outcomes of the Spatial Plan:

1. The area will continue its current use and management, with the water space zoned as a port precinct and the land area zoned as Port through a future plan change.
2. Within the Port zone area, Conservation and Recreation Overlays will be used to provide for these sub-areas of use.
3. Conservation and recreational activities in these overlay areas will be given preference.
4. Other special values like the coastal cliffs, will be protected through specific provisions in a future plan change.
5. Commercial returns will be used to support the development and operation of the port.
6. A Management Plan for the port will be prepared and consulted on.
7. A servicing and traffic report will be prepared identifying options and funding.

The Port Tarakohe Spatial plan is a high-level document and as the Action Plan is worked through there will be further opportunity for users and the community to respond to the detailed proposals.

We will continue to provide updates as the implementation progresses.

Thank you to Port Tarakohe users and the Golden Bay community for your ideas and suggestions on how the Port should progress over time – you input has helped shape the framework and the actions plan which we will continue to roll out. Please keep an eye out for further opportunities to participate in the development of the port.