RPS - Outstanding Natural Features - Operative May 9th 2016 Version
The Regional Policy Statement is one of the most important planning tools for Northland. It sets out how our natural and physical resources should be managed into the future – from the mountains to the sea and for the benefit of all Northlanders.
The new Regional Policy Statement will underpin the integrated management of our resources (land, water, air, soil, minerals, energy, all plants and animals, and all structures). This means considering the environment as a whole and recognising that changes, or the effects of human activities, in one area or on one resource, can affect other resources.
It will provide for the wellbeing of our people and economic development while sustainably managing our resources for future generations. It will also impact how people, businesses and industry use, develop and protect Northland’s resources and it will influence future district and regional plans.
Every regional council is required under the Resource Management Act to have a Regional Policy Statement in place at all times.
In Northland it covers the management of natural and physical resources throughout the region, from Kaiwaka in the south, to Cape Reinga in the north, and out to the 12 nautical mile (22.2 km) limit.
Part of the Proposed Regional Policy Statement is a set of proposed maps that show Northland’s ‘outstanding’ areas and ‘coastal environment’.
These maps have been developed to meet requirements under the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 and the Resource Management Act 1991.
Further information on our website
Outstanding natural features are areas are throughout the region and tend to be unique geological features such as fossil beds or distinctive rock outcrops. They are usually quite small and can often form part of an outstanding natural landscape. An example is the Hole in the Rock.
See also: Proposed RPS - Coastal Environment
Proposed RPS - Natural Character
Proposed RPS - Outstanding Natural Landscapes