The Port area, and wider areas, provide for a wide range of natural values including key conservation and ecological values.
Section 23 of the Reserves Act sets out how Local Purpose reserves must be managed. Firstly it is for the purposes “specified in any classification of the reserve” [1], which in the case of Port Tarakohe is “both a working harbour and a recreational area”. Beyond this primary purpose, section 23 also requires:
“having regard to the specific local purpose for which the reserve has been classified, every local purpose reserve shall be so administered and maintained under the appropriate provisions of this Act that …
(a) where scenic, historic, archaeological, biological, or natural features are present on the reserve, those features shall be managed and protected to the extent compatible with the principal or primary purpose of the reserve” [2].
The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement also requires the protection of significant indigenous biodiversity, areas of outstanding landscape and natural character.
In the context of Port Tarakohe these issues relate to how the Port commercial uses and tourism / recreational activities can be operated while still ensuring protection for the significant natural conservation and ecological values that are present, including protection of:
- Blue Penguins including from dogs, people, and traffic.
- Silver gull colony around the rock stacks/immediate bush from displacement from disturbance or contamination.
- Terrestrial and marine species and birds that use the area for shelter and feeding.
- Indigenous vegetation, particularly including southern rata.
- Outstanding natural feature of the limestone cliffs and outcrops.
- Cultural and heritage features and values (see below).
Key issues in providing for Natural Values include:
[1] Reserves Act 1977, section 23(1)
[2] Reserves Act 1977, section 23(2)
Current and future spatial issues
There is a need to identify the areas that have specific conservation or ecological values and to recognise the role of the Abel Tasman Memorial reserve). Expand for detail:
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Current and future facilities/ activities and use issues
Protection of areas of specific conservation and ecological value needs to be ensured. Expand for detail:
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Response to Issues
There are a range of responses that would address many of the issues identified in the Report.