Regional Policy Statement for Taranaki |
Significant Natural Areas
The South Taranaki and New Plymouth district councils have identified areas with locally important indigenous biodiversity values, which are referred to as 'Significant Natural Areas'. Rules apply protecting these areas from inappropriate subdivision, use and development.
In South Taranaki, the District Council has identified 35 Significant Natural Areas and included these in the South Taranaki District Plan. The Significant Natural Areas are restricted to land, which is wholly, or partly, in private ownership and not legally protected by conservation covenants.
Through its District Plan, the South Taranaki District Council has established the Significant Natural Areas Programme. The District Council's Programme focuses on advice, information and support to promote the voluntary protection of indigenous vegetation in south Taranaki.
Financial assistance is available for projects that protect or enhance Significant Natural Areas such as fencing.
Through the subdivision consent process the District Council also has an opportunity to negotiate the formal protection of affected Significant Natural Areas and other areas with indigenous biodiversity values.
In addition to the above, the South Taranaki District Plan contains rules that control land use aspects of an activity (e.g. subdivision and vegetation clearance) that may adversely impact on the 35 significant natural areas and indigenous biodiversity generally.
Back to Biodiversity section of RPS