Operative Waikato Regional Policy Statement (October 2000)

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3  Significant Resource Management Issues, Objectives, Policies and Methods

3.5  Coast

3.5.6 Integrated Management

Principal Reasons for Adopting: A wide range of factors can contribute to the degradation of coastal areas, and the coastal environment is one where the adverse effects of activities in one location can be transferred to other locations. It is critical that the coastal resource is managed in an integrated way, taking into account how other resources impact on the coast and how the land above the coastal marine area¹ is managed.

One of the functions of regional councils under s30 of the RMA, is the achievement of integrated management of natural and physical resources through the implementation of objectives, policies and methods. In some cases, action to be taken falls within the jurisdiction of an agency other than the Waikato Regional Council (Environment Waikato). Consequently, co-ordination and liaison with that agency is necessary to achieve effective resource management. Agencies which have responsibilities for managing aspects of the coastal environment include the Department (and Minister) of Conservation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Maritime Safety Authority, regional and district councils.

Seek consistent management of coastal resources by organisations with different functions in the coastal environment.

1. Through liaison with organisations with resource management responsibilities in the coastal environment, ensure integrated management of coastal resources.
   
2. Assess objectives and policies relating to land and water resources to encourage the enhancement of the coastal environment and ensure that ‘up-stream’ activities have minimal adverse effects on coastal areas.

Recognise the particular relationship tangata whenua have with the coastal environment and ensure those relationships are taken into account when decisions relating to the use, development and protection of the coastal environment are made.

1. Promote consultation with tangata whenua who hold mana whenua and mana moana in the coastal environment in the development of district and regional plans.
   
2. Encourage applicants to consult with tangata whenua prior to submitting applications for coastal permits.

Modification and destruction of the natural functioning and resilience of coastal landforms and features (both above and below MHWS) can result from inappropriate subdivision, use and development, and can adversely affect people and communities. It must be recognised that many different organisations have functions in the coastal environment, and that integrated management between these organisations is necessary to ensure consistent resource management and decision making.

It is necessary for decisions on development within the coastal environment to preserve the natural buffering ability of features such as dunes, wetlands, estuaries, foreshores, nearshore transport zones, and harbours to absorb the effects of storm induced erosion, relative changes in sea level, flooding, inundation, and other natural coastal hazards.

The coastal environment and its resources are of great cultural, spiritual and economic value to tangata whenua. The productivity of the coastal environment and water quality are highly valued, and the iwi and hapu who are kaitiaki have a responsibility to nurture and safeguard these values for future generations. Consultation with tangata whenua has an important place in decision making process under the RMA.

1. Efficient and co-ordinated control of the coastal resource between all agencies with responsibilities for coastal management.
   
2. The relationship of tangata whenua with the coastal environment better understood.
   
3. Iwi concerns and values are considered in the management of the coastal resource.

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Footnotes

1. Coastal marine area includes the foreshore, sea bed and coastal water and the air space above the water. See Glossary.