Land
Introduction
The land within Kaipara District forms the foundation of our natural environment, underpinning ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and providing resources that sustain our communities and economy. The relationship with the land is central to the identity and wellbeing of the Kaipara community, and respecting this connection is integral to our approach to land management.
Kaipara's land is diverse and dynamic, covering a wide range of topographies from fertile plains to rugged hills, all of which contribute to the distinct character of our district. It supports a variety of uses, from agriculture and forestry to residential and commercial development. However, the land is not just a resource to be used, but a vital part of our natural environment that needs to be managed sustainably to protect its value for future generations.
Our approach to land management seeks to balance the need for development and use with the need to protect and enhance the natural environment. We aim to ensure that land use is sustainable, minimising harm to the environment and aligning with the aspirations of the community. This involves taking into account the diverse interests, values and rights associated with the land, and making decisions that reflect the principles of stewardship and sustainability.
In creating this plan, we acknowledge the principles of Te Ao Māori and the special relationship that Tangata Whenua have with the land. We recognise the importance of protecting and enhancing the mauri (life force) of the land, and the role of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) in managing our natural resources.
This section of the plan sets out our objectives, policies, and methods for managing the land within the Kaipara District. It is informed by a range of national, regional, and local documents, and reflects the unique context of our district. It aims to provide clear guidance on land management practices that support sustainable development, protect natural values, and uphold the cultural significance of the land.
As we continue to develop this plan, we invite the community to join us in shaping the future of land management in the Kaipara District, ensuring that our approach is responsive, inclusive, and aligned with the needs and aspirations of all who have a stake in our land.
Objectives
District Level:
Objective 1. To manage and conserve the quality and diversity of Kaipara's natural land resources across all catchment areas.
Objective 2. To promote sustainable land practices that maintain and enhance the ecological health of Kaipara's watersheds.
Objective 3: To mitigate the impacts of land degradation and erosion across the district, especially in vulnerable catchment areas.
Objective 4: To ensure the land use across the district aligns with the capacity and sensitivity of the land and water bodies.
Zone Level:
Objective 1: To foster sustainable land use practices in agricultural zones that conserve soil health and prevent nutrient runoff.
Objective 2: To ensure land use in urban areas promotes compact, well-designed development that minimizes environmental impacts and preserves green spaces.
Objective 3: To protect and manage natural and cultural heritage sites within the district from adverse effects of land-use activities.
Objective 4: To ensure industrial zones incorporate best practices for waste management and pollution control.
Area Level:
Objective 1: To protect and enhance areas of significant ecological value, such as wetlands, forests, and biodiversity hotspots.
Objective 2: To mitigate the risk of natural hazards in vulnerable areas, such as floodplains and areas prone to landslides.
Objective 3: To preserve and manage access to public lands, including parks, reserves, and other recreational areas.
Objective 4: To maintain the integrity and cultural value of sites of significance to Māori, such as wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga.
Policies
District Level
Policy 1: Encourage sustainable land use practices that minimize soil degradation and maintain soil health.
Policy 2: Support and promote land development that is in harmony with natural landscapes, and avoids or mitigates negative impacts on significant landscapes.
Zone Level
Policy 3: In rural zones, prioritize land uses that promote soil conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.
Policy 4: In urban zones, advocate for land development that reduces impervious surfaces and incorporates green infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce erosion.
Area Level:
Policy 5: For areas with high erosion risk, implement stringent soil conservation measures and restrict certain types of land use that could exacerbate erosion.
Policy 6: For areas identified as significant landscapes, strictly control land development to preserve these areas' natural and cultural values.
Methods
Objective 1: Encourage sustainable land use practices that minimize soil degradation and maintain soil health.
Rule 1: Regulate land disturbance activities to prevent soil erosion and minimize sediment runoff.
Rule 2: Require soil conservation measures, such as contour plowing, terracing, or the use of erosion control methods, in areas prone to erosion.
Rule 3: Promote sustainable farming practices, including the use of cover crops, crop rotation, and reduced tillage, to enhance soil health and fertility.
Rule 4: Implement measures to prevent soil contamination from agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, or other potentially harmful substances.
Rule 5: Require soil testing and monitoring to assess soil health and nutrient levels and promote appropriate land management practices.
Objective 2: Protect and enhance natural habitats and ecosystems.
Rule 1: Regulate land development and activities that may have a significant adverse impact on natural habitats or ecosystems.
Rule 2: Require the protection and restoration of riparian areas and wetlands to support biodiversity and maintain water quality.
Rule 3: Implement measures to control the spread of invasive species and promote the restoration of native vegetation.
Rule 4: Promote the preservation of significant habitats, such as indigenous forests or unique ecological areas, through appropriate land use planning and protection mechanisms.
Objective 3: Manage the use of land in a manner that avoids or mitigates adverse effects on water resources.
Rule 1: Regulate land use activities to prevent contamination of water resources through measures such as setback requirements or buffer zones.
Rule 2: Implement water management plans and practices, including the control of water abstraction, irrigation, or drainage, to protect water quantity and quality.
Rule 3: Promote the use of sustainable stormwater management practices, such as rainwater harvesting or permeable paving, to minimize runoff and mitigate the impact on waterways.
Objective 4: Support sustainable land development and urban design principles.
Rule 1: Promote compact and mixed-use development to minimize urban sprawl and preserve rural areas.
Rule 2: Encourage the incorporation of green infrastructure, such as parks, green spaces, and urban forests, in development projects.
Rule 3: Require sustainable design and construction practices, including energy-efficient buildings, waste management plans, and sustainable transportation options.
Objective 5: Protect significant cultural and heritage landscapes.
Rule 1: Regulate land use activities to protect and preserve cultural and heritage landscapes of importance to local communities or recognized cultural values.
Rule 2: Encourage the integration of cultural and heritage considerations into land use planning and development processes.
Rule 3: Require the preparation of cultural impact assessments for proposed developments in areas of cultural significance.
RULES
Rule 1: Regulation of Land Use Activities to Prevent Contamination of Water Resources
Urban Context
1. Permitted Activity: Residential and commercial activities must maintain a minimum setback of 20 meters from any water body.
2. Controlled Activity: Industrial activities must maintain a minimum setback of 50 meters from any water body and must submit a water quality impact assessment.
3. Discretionary Activity: Any activity not meeting the above setback requirements will require a resource consent and must submit a water quality impact assessment.
Rural Context
1. Permitted Activity: Agricultural activities must maintain a minimum setback of 30 meters from any water body.
2. Controlled Activity: Large-scale agricultural activities (covering more than 4000m2) must maintain a minimum setback of 50 meters from any water body and must submit a water quality impact assessment.
3. Discretionary Activity: Any activity not meeting the above setback requirements will require a resource consent and must submit a water quality impact assessment.
Coastal Context
1. Permitted Activity: Residential and commercial activities must maintain a minimum setback of 50 meters from the high-tide line.
2. Controlled Activity: Industrial activities must maintain a minimum setback of 100 meters from the high-tide line and must submit a water quality impact assessment.
3. Discretionary Activity: Any activity not meeting the above setback requirements will require a resource consent and must submit a water quality impact assessment.
Buffer Zones
1. Permitted Activity: Buffer zones of native vegetation must be maintained within the setback areas for all permitted and controlled activities.
2. Controlled Activity: Any alteration to the buffer zones must be approved and may require a resource consent.
Rule 2: Implementation of Water Management Plans and Practices
General Provisions:
1. Permitted Activity: All new developments must submit a Water Management Plan (WMP) as part of their application for building permits. The WMP should outline measures to control water abstraction, irrigation, and drainage in line with regional council guidelines.
Urban Context:
1. Controlled Activity: Developments exceeding a certain scale (e.g., 50 residential units or commercial developments over 4000m2) must undergo a more rigorous Water Impact Assessment in addition to the WMP.
2. Discretionary Activity: Any development that proposes to abstract water at rates exceeding regional council guidelines will require a resource consent and must submit a detailed Water Impact Assessment.
Rural Context:
1. Controlled Activity: Agricultural activities must adhere to Best Management Practices (BMPs) for water use, as outlined in a WMP. Large-scale agricultural activities must also submit a Water Impact Assessment.
2. Discretionary Activity: Any agricultural activity that proposes to abstract water at rates exceeding regional council guidelines will require a resource consent and must submit a detailed Water Impact Assessment.
Coastal Context:
1. Controlled Activity: Coastal developments must include a Coastal Water Management Plan, focusing on the protection of marine ecosystems, in addition to the general WMP.
2. Discretionary Activity: Any coastal development that proposes to abstract water at rates exceeding regional council guidelines will require a resource consent and must submit a detailed Water Impact Assessment.
Rule 3: Promotion of Sustainable Stormwater Management Practices
General Provisions:
1. Permitted Activity: All new developments must include a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) as part of their application for building permits. The SWMP should outline measures such as rainwater harvesting, permeable paving, and other best practices to minimize runoff.
Urban Context:
1. Controlled Activity: Developments exceeding a certain scale (e.g., 50 residential units or commercial developments over 4000m2) must include advanced stormwater management systems like green roofs, bioswales, or retention ponds.
2. Discretionary Activity: Any development that cannot meet the stormwater management criteria outlined in the SWMP will require a resource consent and must submit a detailed Stormwater Impact Assessment.
Rural Context:
1. Controlled Activity: Agricultural activities must adhere to Best Management Practices (BMPs) for stormwater management, as outlined in a SWMP. Large-scale agricultural activities must also include advanced stormwater management systems.
2. Discretionary Activity: Any agricultural activity that cannot meet the stormwater management criteria outlined in the SWMP will require a resource consent and must submit a detailed Stormwater Impact Assessment.
Coastal Context:
1. Controlled Activity: Coastal developments must include a Coastal Stormwater Management Plan, focusing on the protection of marine ecosystems, in addition to the general SWMP.
2. Discretionary Activity: Any coastal development that cannot meet the stormwater management criteria outlined in the SWMP will require a resource consent and must submit a detailed Stormwater Impact Assessment.
Rule 4: Promotion of Compact and Mixed-Use Development
General Provisions:
1. Permitted Activity: All new urban developments must adhere to a minimum density requirement to qualify for a building permit. For example, residential developments should have at least 20 dwelling units per hectare.
Urban Context:
1. Controlled Activity: Developments in urban zones must include a mix of uses, such as residential, commercial, and recreational, to promote walkability and reduce the need for vehicular travel. A Mixed-Use Development Plan must be submitted and approved.
2. Discretionary Activity: Any development that proposes a single-use (e.g., only residential or only commercial) in an urban zone will require a resource consent and must demonstrate how the development will not contribute to urban sprawl.
Rural Context:
1. Controlled Activity: New developments in rural areas must demonstrate how they will minimize impact on agricultural lands and natural habitats. A Land Use Impact Assessment must be submitted and approved.
2. Discretionary Activity: Large-scale developments in rural areas that could contribute to urban sprawl will require a resource consent and must submit a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment.
Transitional Zones (Urban-Rural Interface):
1. Controlled Activity: Developments in transitional zones must adhere to specific design guidelines that encourage compact building forms and preserve natural landscapes. A Transitional Zone Development Plan must be submitted and approved.
2. Discretionary Activity: Any development in transitional zones that does not meet the design guidelines will require a resource consent and must submit a detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
Objective 4: Support sustainable land development and urban design principles
Rule 2: Encouragement of Green Infrastructure in Development Projects
Permitted Activities:
1. Small-Scale Developments: For developments covering an area less than 1 hectare, at least 10% of the total land area should be allocated for green infrastructure such as parks, green spaces, or urban forests.
2. Medium-Scale Developments: For developments covering an area between 1 and 5 hectares, at least 15% of the total land area should be allocated for green infrastructure.
Controlled Activities:
1. Large-Scale Developments: For developments covering an area greater than 5 hectares, a green infrastructure plan must be submitted and approved, allocating at least 20% of the total land area for green infrastructure.
Discretionary Activities:
1. Developments that do not meet the above criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to an environmental impact assessment and community consultation.
Prohibited Activities:
1. Any development that fails to allocate any space for green infrastructure and does not seek discretionary approval.
Development Standards:
1. Green infrastructure should be integrated into the overall design of the development and should be easily accessible to the public.
2. Native plant species should be prioritized in the development of green spaces.
3. Green infrastructure should be designed to provide ecosystem services such as stormwater management, air purification, and urban heat island mitigation.
4. Developments adjacent to existing green infrastructure should aim to connect with or complement these areas.
Assessment Criteria:
1. The quality and functionality of the proposed green infrastructure.
2. The potential environmental benefits, including but not limited to biodiversity enhancement, stormwater management, and carbon sequestration.
3. Community benefits, including but not limited to recreational opportunities and aesthetic value.
Objective 4: Support sustainable land development and urban design principles
Rule 3: Requirement for Sustainable Design and Construction Practices
Permitted Activities:
1. Residential Developments: All new residential buildings must meet a minimum energy efficiency standard equivalent to a 6-star rating under the Green Building Council's rating system.
2. Commercial Developments: All new commercial buildings must include a waste management plan that aims for at least 50% waste diversion from landfill.
Controlled Activities:
1. Mixed-Use Developments: Developments that include both residential and commercial uses must submit a comprehensive sustainability plan that addresses energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable transportation options like bike racks or electric vehicle charging stations.
Discretionary Activities:
1. Developments that do not meet the above criteria may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to an environmental impact assessment and community consultation.
Prohibited Activities:
1. Any development that fails to meet any of the above criteria and does not seek discretionary approval.
Development Standards:
1. Energy-efficient materials and technologies, such as solar panels or green roofs, should be incorporated into the building design.
2. A waste management plan must be implemented during the construction phase to minimize waste and promote recycling.
3. Developments should aim to provide sustainable transportation options, such as bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and public transport access.
Assessment Criteria:
1. The comprehensiveness and feasibility of the sustainability plan, including energy efficiency measures, waste management plans, and sustainable transportation options.
2. The potential environmental benefits, including but not limited to energy savings, waste reduction, and reduced carbon emissions.
3. Community benefits, including but not limited to improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced public health.
Objective 5: Protect significant cultural and heritage landscapes
Rule 1: Regulation of Land Use Activities to Protect Cultural and Heritage Landscapes
Permitted Activities:
1. Maintenance and Restoration: Activities aimed at maintaining or restoring recognized cultural and heritage landscapes are permitted.
2. Public Access: Provision of public access to cultural and heritage landscapes, provided it does not compromise the integrity of the site.
Controlled Activities:
1. Minor Alterations: Any minor alterations to cultural and heritage landscapes must be approved by a cultural heritage body or local community representatives.
Restricted Discretionary Activities:
1. New Developments: Any new development within 500 meters of a recognized cultural or heritage landscape must undergo a cultural impact assessment.
Prohibited Activities:
1. Destruction or Defacement: Any activity that results in the destruction or defacement of recognized cultural and heritage landscapes.
Development Standards:
1. Any activity within or adjacent to a recognized cultural or heritage landscape must adhere to guidelines set forth by cultural heritage bodies or local community representatives.
2. Signage and information boards highlighting the significance of the cultural or heritage landscape must be installed at public access points.
Assessment Criteria:
1. The potential impact of the activity on the cultural and heritage values of the landscape.
2. Consultation with local communities or cultural heritage bodies.
3. The quality and comprehensiveness of the cultural impact assessment for new developments.
Objective 5: Protect significant cultural and heritage landscapes
Rule 2: Integration of Cultural and Heritage Considerations into Land Use Planning and Development Processes
Permitted Activities:
1. Consultation: Early-stage consultation with local communities or cultural heritage bodies during the planning process is permitted and encouraged.
2. Cultural and Heritage Impact Assessments: Voluntary submission of a Cultural and Heritage Impact Assessment alongside development applications is permitted.
Controlled Activities:
1. Incorporation of Cultural Elements: Incorporation of cultural and heritage elements into the design and layout of new developments, subject to approval by a cultural heritage body or local community representatives.
Restricted Discretionary Activities:
1. Large-Scale Developments: Any new development that exceeds a certain scale (e.g., more than 50 residential units, commercial developments over 10,000 square meters) must include a Cultural and Heritage Impact Assessment.
Development Standards:
1. Developers are encouraged to integrate cultural and heritage considerations into the design and planning stages of their projects.
2. Any development adjacent to or within 500 meters of a recognized cultural or heritage landscape must consult with local communities or cultural heritage bodies.
Assessment Criteria:
1. The extent to which the development has integrated cultural and heritage considerations into its design and planning.
2. The quality and comprehensiveness of any Cultural and Heritage Impact Assessment submitted.
3. Feedback from local communities or cultural heritage bodies.
Objective 5: Protect significant cultural and heritage landscapes
Rule 3: Requirement for Cultural Impact Assessments in Areas of Cultural Significance
Permitted Activities:
1. Small-Scale Developments: Developments that are not within 500 meters of a recognized cultural or heritage site and are below a certain scale (e.g., single-family homes, small businesses).
Controlled Activities:
1. Medium-Scale Developments: Developments within 500 meters but not directly adjacent to a recognized cultural or heritage site, subject to a simplified Cultural Impact Assessment.
Restricted Discretionary Activities:
1. Large-Scale Developments: Any new development that is directly adjacent to or within 500 meters of a recognized cultural or heritage site must submit a comprehensive Cultural Impact Assessment.
2. Developments in Sensitive Areas: Any development proposed in an area identified as culturally sensitive by local iwi or cultural heritage bodies.
Development Standards:
1. Cultural Impact Assessments must be prepared in consultation with local iwi or cultural heritage bodies.
2. Assessments should evaluate the potential impact of the development on cultural and heritage landscapes and propose mitigation measures where necessary.
Assessment Criteria:
1. The quality and comprehensiveness of the Cultural Impact Assessment.
2. The extent to which the proposed development may adversely affect cultural and heritage landscapes.
3. Feedback from local iwi or cultural heritage bodies.
4. The effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures to protect cultural and heritage landscapes.