As part of the process to create the new Tasman Environment Plan, we have released draft maps identifying Tasman’s Outstanding Natural Landscapes and Features, and Coastal Environment.

Mapping these areas is a legal requirement and this work also responds to community feedback about how incredibly valued our landscapes and coastal environment are. In a few years, the final areas identified will have extra protections to help preserve their unique features, histories, and access to the outdoors.

It is important to know this work is not about stopping existing, legally established activities – it is about safeguarding our valued landscapes and coast from specific future activities that would impact what makes them so special.

We want to hear from landowners and affected people about their future land aspirations and views on whether our draft boundaries are in the right place.

In March, we sent letters to the owners of property within one or more of the draft areas and have since shared information about this work through popular online events, newspapers, and our website.

Our next step is to meet with and learn from our communities. To do this, we have organised a series of feedback events across the district in May and June.

The open events are an opportunity to meet with council planners and the authors of the Landscape Study and Coastal Environment Study to give your feedback. We will have jumbo maps available and we hope you will join us for some kai and conversation.

Working together will mean the final areas are correctly identified and that protective controls on activity (such as rules in the plan) are sensitive to future aspirations.