Introduction

Find answers to questions about the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010.

When the new NZCPS took effect?

The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) 2010 took effect on 3 December 2010, when it replaced the NZCPS 1994. (The revocation of the NZCPS 1994 also took effect on 3 December 2010).

How does the NZCPS work?

The NZCPS provides direction for local authorities about how certain matters to do with coastal management should be dealt with in Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) planning documents. These documents include regional policy statements, regional plans, and district plans. Policy statements and plans must “give effect” to relevant provisions of the NZCPS. In deciding how they do this, councils take account of local issues and priorities. Plans are also subject to public consultation.

Decision makers on resource consents (including commissioners and the Environment Court) must “have regard” to relevant provisions of the NZCPS, amongst other matters (e.g. environmental effects, the relevant plan). The NZCPS policies are not binding rules: they are weighed up alongside other matters, when reaching an RMA decision.

Where does the NZCPS apply?

The NZCPS applies in the coastal environment. The seaward limit is 12 nautical miles offshore from the line of mean high water springs (roughly the high tide line). The inland limit is not defined in law and will vary from region to region according to local geography. NZCPS 2010 Policy 1 provides direction on the extent and characteristics of the coastal environment.

What effect will the new NZCPS have on coastal development?

The NZCPS 2010 provides more explicit and specific direction to councils on strategic and spatial planning. This will support the development of plans that give developers and communities more certainty about where new subdivision and development will be appropriate, where it is likely to require very careful consideration, and where it should not happen.

What will the new NZCPS mean for coastal infrastructure like highways, wind farms, ports?

The new statement does not fundamentally change the application of the RMA to major projects, or the decision making process. There is however more explicit recognition than in the NZCPS 1994 of the need to consider the importance of nationally or regionally significant infrastructure when developing plans and making consent decisions. There is also more specific direction about planning for the needs of ports, including their integration with the rest of the transport system.

What will the new NZCPS do for the environment?

The new statement supports better environmental outcomes with updated and more specific policy on key matters such as the preservation of natural character, protection of outstanding natural landscapes and features, protection of indigenous biodiversity and habitats, control of sedimentation and other discharges, improvement of water quality, adoption of a precautionary approach where appropriate, and monitoring.

How does the new NZCPS address Māori interests in the coast?

The new statement updates policy on how planning and decision making should recognise Māori values in relation to the coast, and the relationships Māori have with certain coastal places and resources. This includes Māori interests in protecting special sites (such as wāhi tapu) and in using resources and developing places (e.g. gathering kaimoana, developing papakāinga and marae).

What does the new NZCPS mean for aquaculture?

The new statement complements the aquaculture reforms by supporting effective planning for aquaculture development. As with coastal property development, this is to give both marine farmers and communities more certainty about where aquaculture will and will not be appropriate. The statement also gives stronger direction to councils on management of coastal water quality, which is critically important for aquaculture.

What difference will the new NZCPS make to how coastal hazards are managed?

The NZCPS 2010 substantially updates policy direction on management of coastal hazards with an increased focus on avoiding or reducing risk and considering a broader range of options where existing development is under threat. The policy requires assessment of risk over the long term (at least 100 years), taking account of the expected effects of climate change. Alternatives to hard protection works (e.g. seawalls) are encouraged where practicable, to minimise long-term costs and adverse environmental effects.

How were the nationally significant surf breaks in Policy 16 chosen?

A draft policy on protecting nationally significant surf breaks attracted significant interest and many submissions to the Board of Inquiry from national surfing organisations and individual surfers around New Zealand. The list, in the proposed NZCPS, was amended by the Board taking account of these submissions and related evidence.

For more information see the Board’s report, Volume 2, pp132-133

Board of Inquiry Report and Recommendations

What will Policy 20 mean for vehicle use on beaches?

Policy 20 gives councils stronger direction on the need to consider where vehicle use on beaches raises issues (and where vehicle access is needed) and include relevant controls in plans. Other non-RMA action is still necessary, however, for an effective response – e.g. collaboration between councils and Police on enforcement.

What will Policy 29 mean for Restricted Coastal Activities (RCAs)?

The Minister of Conservation no longer requires any activity to be identified as a Restricted Coastal Activity (RCA) in a regional coastal plan. Policy 29 directs local authorities to amend planning documents to give effect to this policy as soon as practicable, without using the Schedule 1 processes of the Resource Management Act. Sections 55 and 57 of the Act enable councils to make the changes without using the Schedule 1 process.

Any application meeting RCA criteria that is notified before a council changes its plan will continue to be considered as an RCA.

Guidance on transitional matters relating to the NZCPS 2010

Will councils get any help to implement the new NZCPS?

Yes. The Department of Conservation’s role is to support implementation of the NZCPS 2010. The department’s programme for this work will be done in consultation with local government, other relevant government agencies and stakeholders.

Why is the new NZCPS different to that recommended by the Board of Inquiry?

The Minister of Conservation is ultimately responsible for the NZCPS and is not bound by the recommendations of the Board of Inquiry. On some aspects of policy the Minister has taken a different view to the Board, reflecting her policy priorities and judgement.

Why is there no policy in the new NZCPS on protecting dunes of national significance?

A policy recommended by the Board on protection of dunes of national significance raised potential issues of fair process for landowners who would be affected. The possibility of including a policy on dune protection will be further explored, however, with an opportunity for affected parties to comment.

How can I get copies of the NZCPS 2010?

Copies are available online:

New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010

Hard copies can be requested by emailing your name and postal address to nzcps2010@doc.govt.nz or by contacting the Department of Conservation: 

Whare Kaupapa Atawhai / Conservation House Head Office
Phone:   0800 275 362
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   info@doc.govt.nz
Address:   18 Manners Street
Wellington 6011
Postal Address:   PO Box 10420
Wellington 6140
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