This web site will be updated as the landscape and natural plan changes progress during 2008, so watch this space.

Overview

The purpose of the Landscape and Natural Values project is to identify areas with important value, and to develop new provisions in the Taupo District Plan on how to effectively manage these areas to prevent their degeneration. 

The Taupo District has some of the most outstanding scenery in New Zealand, and some of best examples of indigenous vegetation.  This is largely due to a combination of ancient volcanic formations, complex mountain ranges, flat open frost flats, expansive fresh water lakes, and expansive un-built areas. 

The Taupo District Plan, as part of its functions, addresses the management of certain activities within Landscape and Natural Value areas.  The Landscape Values section of the Plan addresses important and unique landscapes areas, while the Natural Values section addresses native vegetation areas.

Taupo District Council is currently preparing a plan change to these parts of the District Plan in order to identify areas of important Landscape and Natural Value in the Taupo District, and to protect these areas from inappropriate development and use.  The plan change will meet Council’s requirement under the Resource Management Act 1991 and an Environment Court direction to undertake this work. 

• For more information on Taupo’s Natural Values Areas click HERE.
• For more information on Taupo’s Landscape Areas click HERE.

Background

Council began the initial stages of the Landscape and Natural Values project in 2004, and used Consultants to draft technical studies identifying these areas.  Initial consultation was undertaken with landowners in respect to natural areas back in 2005.  The project was later put on hold in 2006 to allow for an appropriate process and time to consult with iwi.

Council is now in a position where it can continue consultation with affected landowners, iwi, user-groups, and the wider public.  The purpose of this consultation will be to verify the boundaries and appropriateness of the draft identified natural and landscape value areas, and obtain feedback on how to meet Council’s obligations under the Resource Management Act.

Consultation Process and Next Steps

At present the Landscape and Natural Values project is in the early stages of development.  Council has sent letters to landowners who will be directly affected by the project and other relevant user groups and organisations, to verify these areas and obtain feedback on what appropriate management of these areas might be. 

Landowner Involvement

If you are a land owner affected by this Plan Change click HERE to find out more information as to how this work affects you and how you can be involved.

Strategic Partners Forum

The Landscape and Natural Values Strategic Partners Forum (SPF) consists of around 20 people that represent key groups and organisations that have an interest in the landscape and natural areas of the Taupo District.  Members of this forum are primarily made up of appellants on the original appeal and/or those groups with a District wide interest in this project.  The purpose of the forum is for Council staff to discuss the plan change process and proposed policy direction with the group, and to get feedback and discussion amongst group members.  Meetings are facilitated by Bill Wasley an independent chair person, and will be held on a regular basis. 

• For more information on this forum, including membership and minutes please click HERE.

April 2008 Open Days

A series of ‘open days’ was held by the Council in April 2008, inviting members of the wider Community and public to learn more about the Landscape and Natural Values project and also provide Council with feedback on these areas. 

• For more information on the April 2008 Open Days, click HERE.

Council has also contacted other Community groups, local interest groups and ratepayer groups  for their feedback and involvement in this work.

Further consultation is planned once Council is further down the track with developing provisions for the Landscape and Natural Value areas.  In the meantime, anyone who has an interest in this project is encouraged to contact Council to find out how they can be involved.  

Want more information?

For any further information about the natural and landscape values project, please contact:
Kara Maresca – Senior Environmental Policy Planner, on ph (07) 376 0641, or email kmaresca@taupo.govt.nz.