6.4.2 Landscapes and Natural Character

Policy 6-6: Regionally outstanding natural features and landscapes

The natural features and landscapes listed in Schedule G Table G.1 must be recognised as regionally outstanding and must be spatially defined in the review and development of district plans. All subdivision, use and development directly affecting these areas must be managed in a manner which:

avoids significant adverse cumulative effects^ on the characteristics and values of those outstanding natural features and landscapes, and
except as required under (a), avoids adverse effects^ as far as reasonably practicable and, where avoidance is not reasonably practicable, remedies or mitigates adverse effects^ on the characteristics and values of those outstanding natural features and landscapes.

Policy 6-7: Assessing outstanding natural features and landscapes

The Regional Council and Territorial Authorities^ must take into account but not be limited to the criteria in Table 6.1 when:

identifying outstanding natural features and landscapes, and consider whether the natural feature or landscape is conspicuous, eminent, remarkable or otherwise outstanding, and
considering adding to, deleting from, or otherwise altering, redefining or modifying the list of outstanding natural features or landscapes listed in Table G.1 of Schedule G, or
considering the inclusion of outstanding natural features or landscapes into any district plan^, or
establishing the relevant values to be considered when assessing effects^ of an activity on:
1. outstanding natural features and landscapes listed in Table G.1 of Schedule G, or
2. any other outstanding natural feature or landscape.

Table 6.1 Natural Feature and Landscape Assessment Factors

Assessment factor	Scope
(a) Natural science factors	These factors relate to the geological, ecological, topographical and natural process components of the natural feature or landscape: Representative: the combination of natural components that form the feature or landscape strongly typifies the character of an area. Research and education: all or parts of the feature or landscape are important for natural science research and education. Rarity: the feature or landscape is unique or rare within the district or Region, and few comparable examples exist. Ecosystem functioning: the presence of healthy ecosystems is clearly evident in the feature or landscape.
(b) Aesthetic values	The aesthetic values of a feature or landscape may be associated with: Coherence: the patterns of land^ cover and land^ use are largely in harmony with the underlying natural pattern of landform and there are no, or few, discordant elements of land^ cover or land^ use. Vividness: the feature or landscape is visually striking, widely recognised within the local and wider community, and may be regarded as iconic. Naturalness: the feature or landscape appears largely unmodified by human activity and the patterns of landform and land^ cover are an expression of natural processes and intact healthy ecosystems. Memorability: the natural feature or landscape makes such an impact on the senses that it becomes unforgettable.
(c) Expressiveness (legibility)	The feature or landscape clearly shows the formative natural processes or historic influences that led to its existing character.
(d) Transient values	The consistent and noticeable occurrence of transient natural events, such as daily or seasonal changes in weather, vegetation or wildlife movement, contributes to the character of the feature or landscape.
(e) Shared and recognised values	The feature or landscape is widely known and is highly valued for its contribution to local identity within its immediate and wider community.
(f) Cultural and spiritual values for tangata whenua^	Māori values inherent in the feature or landscape add to the feature or landscape being recognised as a special place.
(g) Historic Heritage values	Knowledge of historic events that occurred in and around the feature or landscape is widely held and substantially influences and adds to the value the community attaches to the natural feature or landscape. Heritage features, sites* or structures that are present and add to the enjoyment and understanding of the feature or landscape.

Policy 6-8: Natural character

The natural character of the coastal environment, wetlands^, rivers^ and lakes^ and their margins must be preserved and these areas must be protected from inappropriate subdivision, use and development.
The natural character of these areas must be restored and rehabilitated where this is appropriate and practicable.
Natural character of these areas may include such attributes and characteristics as:
1. Natural elements, processes and patterns,
2. Biophysical, ecological, geological, geomorphological and morphological aspects,
3. Natural landforms such as headlands, peninsulas, cliffs, dunes, wetlands, reefs, freshwater springs and surf breaks,
4. The natural movement of water and sediment including hydrological and fluvial processes,
5. The natural darkness of the night sky,
6. Places or areas that are wild and scenic,
7. A range of natural character from pristine to modified, and
8. Experiential attributes, including the sounds and smell of the sea; and their content or setting.

Policy 6-9: Managing natural character

In relation to the natural character of:

the component of the coastal environment which is not coastal marine area^ (CMA), and
wetlands^, rivers^ and lakes^ and their margins subdivision, use or development must generally (but without limitation) be considered appropriate if it:
is compatible with the existing level of modification to the environment,
has a functional necessity to be located in or near the component of the coastal environment which is not coastal marine area^ (CMA), wetland^, river^ or lake^ and no reasonably practicable alternative locations exist,
is of an appropriate form, scale and design to be compatible with the existing landforms, geological features and vegetation,
will not, by itself or in combination with effects^ of other activities, significantly disrupt natural processes or existing ecosystems, and
will provide for the restoration and rehabilitation of natural character where that is appropriate and practicable.

Policy 6-10: Public access to and along rivers^ and lakes^ and their margins

Activities within or near rivers^ and lakes^ must be established and operated in a manner which readily provides for public access. Public access may be restricted only where necessary for safety, cultural or conservation purposes, or to ensure a level of security appropriate for activities authorised by a resource consent^.
Public access for recreational purposes must recognise the need to protect rare habitats*, threatened habitats* and at-risk habitats*.
Public access must recognise existing private property* rights.

Continue to next section

Chapter 6: Indigenous Biological Diversity, Landscape and Historic Heritage