The natural value provisions of the District Plan are concerned with the identification and protection of significant indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna.

Background

Taupo District Council has a duty under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) to provide for the protection of areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna. 

In 2000 an initial desk based assessment was undertaken by ecologists using specific criteria to identify significant natural areas in the District. This identification involved the reviewing and revision of existing reports conducted by various organisations regarding Significant Natural Areas in the Taupo District.  The significant natural areas identified were incorporated into the District Plan.  When the Proposed District Plan was notified, a number of appeals were lodged on the natural value provisions.  The Environment Court resolved the appeals with a direction for Council to notify new provisions and undertake a new assessment, removing the sites and introducing an interim regulatory rule.

Further assessment of each significant natural area is currently being undertaken to “ground proof” the information.  At this stage this “ground proofing” has been by request by landowners who responded to letters sent out in July 2005.  An update on the significant natural area study has been sent to all affected landowners, providing them with further opportunity for landowners to have significant natural areas checked on their property and input into the wider process. 

Plan Change Stages

The natural values plan change broadly includes the following stages;
1. Reassessing the District’s natural values based on previous studies, and site investigations, in consultation with affected landowners, Tangata Whenua and local communities.
2. Formulating the provisions in accordance with Section 32 of the RMA.
3. Consulting the draft provisions with affected landowners, Strategic partners, key stakeholder groups, and the public.
4. Finalising the provisions.
5. Publicly notifying the provisions for public submissions in accordance with the First Schedule process of the RMA. 

Next Steps

For more information about the Natural 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.