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:

There is a need to identify the areas that have specific conservation or ecological values (and clearly document the reasons for this identification). The identification of Outstanding Natural Landscapes, Outstanding Natural Features and the Coastal Environment contributes to this spatial identification.

There is a need to recognise the role of the Abel Tasman Memorial Reserve as a key area that provides for conservation values and acts as a historical and ecological reminder of the past.

Current and future facilities/ activities and use issues

Protection of areas of specific conservation and ecological value needs to be ensured. Expand for detail:

Within the areas identified as having specific conservation or ecological values there needs to be clear direction to ensure that these areas are protected from activity on adjoining land or within these areas, to protect the values.

To protect the wider environment, facilities to clean and antifoul vessels are needed including pump out facilities, rubbish disposal and limitations on contamination and sedimentation (as required by the NZ Coastal Policy Statement).

Response to Issues

There are a range of responses that would address many of the issues identified in the Report.

You can read more about the Planning, Reserve Status, Local Government/ Long Term Plan, Port Development, and Support Activity responses.