Protection of Landscapes and Features

The Resource Management Act 1991 is the principal statute governing the management of New Zealand landscapes and features. Section 6(b) requires decision-makers to recognise and provide for, as a matter of national importance, “the protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use and development”. A number of other section 6 (matters of national importance) and section 7 (other matters) are also relevant to the management of landscapes and features:

• Section 6(a): The preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment (including the coastal marine area), wetlands, lakes and rivers and their margins, and the protection of them from inappropriate subdivision, use and development
• Section 6(e): The protection of the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral land, water, sites, wahi tapu, and other taonga
• Section 6(f): The protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use and development
• Section 7(c): The maintenance and enhancement of amenity values
• Section 7(f): The maintenance and enhancement of the quality of the environment

In addition, three national policies prepared under the RMA are relevant to the management of landscapes and features:

• New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010, particularly policy 15
• National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission 2008, particularly policies 4 and 8
• National Policy Statement for Renewable Electricity Generation 2011, particularly policy C1

Other legislation, such as the National Parks Act 1980, Conservation Act 1987, and Reserves Act 1977, plays a complementary role in the management of landscapes and features.

Last updated at 4:21PM on January 8, 2018