The landscape provisions of the District Plan are concerned with the identification, protection, and management of two types of important landscape areas; 1) outstanding natural features and landscapes, and 2) amenity landscapes.  

Background

Taupo District Council has a duty under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) to provide for the protection of important landscape and natural features from inappropriate use, development, and subdivision. 

In 2000 an initial landscape study was undertaken by landscape architect’s using specific criteria to assess the Taupo District’s outstanding and amenity landscapes.  This study is used as the basis for the current landscapes identified in the District Plan.  When the Proposed District Plan was first notified, a number of appeals were lodged on the landscape provisions.  The Environment Court resolved the appeals with a direction for Council to notify new provisions and undertake a new assessment with greater emphasis on public and landowner consultation.

In 2005 a second landscape study was undertaken by landscape architects, which included initial public consultation.  This study was then consulted on with Ngati Tuwharetoa. Consultation is now being undertaken with affected landowners, strategic partners and other interest groups including the wider public.  This will also include the opportunity for affected landowners to request ‘ground proofing’ of the landscape areas on their property. 

To view a copy of the 2005 landscape study click HERE ( 4.63 MB PDF ). This report details the process for identifying these areas as well as the criteria used.

Plan Change Stages

The landscape values plan change will include the following stages;
1. Identifying the District’s important landscapes in consultation with local Communities and Tangata Whenua.
2. Informing landowners that will be affected by the plan changes, and where required undertaking further site investigations to ‘ground proof’ landscape areas and discuss this work on site.
3. Formulating draft Plan provisions in accordance with Section 32 of the RMA.
4. Consulting the draft provisions with affected landowners, Strategic partners, key stakeholder groups, and the public.
5. Finalising the provisions.
6. Publicly notifying the provisions for public submissions in accordance with the First Schedule process of the RMA. 

Next Steps

At present the landscape values plan change is in the early stages, with Council currently determining which land owners will be directly affected by the change.  Contact with these landowners will be made by Council in the near future, and further detailed site visits will be undertaken to determine the extent of the landscape boundaries before formulating the draft provisions. 

More Information

For more information about the Landscape Values Plan Change you can look at our Open Day presentations HERE or contact Kara Maresca on ph (07) 376 0641, or email kmaresca@taupo.govt.nz

To return to the Landscape and Natural Values Plan Changes overview page click HERE.