Regional Policy Statement for Taranaki |
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| This page: | Part B Section 10.2 — Heritage | 10.3 — Amenity |
10.2 Protecting our historic heritage
Background to the issue
Taranaki has a wide range and number of unique and special historic heritage places, areas and landscapes. They include archaeological sites, sites of significance to iwi and hapu, heritage buildings, memorials and precincts. Archaeological sites (places in New Zealand associated with human activity that occurred before 1900) are primarily clustered along the Taranaki coastline and main inland river systems. These sites have some protection under the Historic Places Act. There are also many other important historic heritage places, buildings, or features that date from 1900.
What happens to Taranaki's historic heritage is important because these resources make Taranaki unique. Taranaki has many buildings, features or places of cultural, architectural, historic, scientific and ecological or other interest. These include sites, places, place names, areas, wāhi tapu, taonga, structures and natural features and landscapes of cultural and historic significance. Some are protected in historical reserves but many are on private land. A number of buildings and monuments survive from the earliest decades of European settlement in Taranaki and are also important for their architectural or historic significance. There are many notable trees of importance.
There is a need to update information for recorded sites and to identify areas where there is a high probability of unrecorded archaeological sites. Many archaeological sites, areas and landscapes have not been surveyed. Other sites, particularly Māori sites of interest (eg, taonga or wāhi tapu sites) have not been clearly identified.
Many heritage sites and landscapes are at risk from inappropriate subdivision, use and development activities that, in certain circumstances, may include farm related activities, subdivision, earthworks, hydrocarbon exploration and development, coastal and urban development, including inappropriate alterations, demolition and relocation. Many archaeological sites and heritage buildings are also in a state of decline due to non-development or resource use. Many others are at risk from fires, earthquakes, coastal erosion or other natural processes.
The significant issues in relation to protecting Taranaki's historic heritage are:
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Identifying and raising awareness of Taranaki's historic heritage to promote its protection.
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Managing the adverse effects of inappropriate subdivision, use and development activities on Taranaki's historic heritage.
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Promoting the active management of the region's historical heritage.
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Objective
HIS OBJECTIVE 1
To protect the historic heritage values in the Taranaki region from inappropriate subdivision, use and development, and where practical enhance those values.
Policies
The identification of historic heritage
HIS POLICY 1 The historic heritage of the region will be identified and appropriate records kept of historic heritage including: (a) archaeological sites; (b) sites, structures, places, areas or landscapes of historical, architectural, cultural, scientific or technological interest or significance; and (c) sites or landscapes of significance to tangata whenua for spiritual, cultural or historical reasons.
Adverse effects on historic heritage
HIS POLICY 2 Historic heritage will be protected from inappropriate subdivision, use and development, and the maintenance, conservation and restoration of historic heritage sites, places and values will be encouraged as far as possible.
Explanation of the policies
Policies 1 and 2 recognise that there is a need to identify, protect and enhance the heritage values of the region. The policies give effect to matters of national importance under the Resource Management Act - namely, the protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use and development (section 6(f) of the Act).
Taranaki has a wide range and number of historic heritage places, areas and sites. Taranaki has a rich archaeological history. Archaeological sites have some protection under the Historic Places Act 1993 but may continue to be modified or destroyed by natural processes and human changes in land use. Such modification or destruction can be authorised under the Historic Places Act. Policy 1 recognises that there is a need for up-to-date information on historic heritage places and sites to identify their values and promote their protection from inappropriate subdivision, use and development.
Policy 2 states that historic heritage will be protected from inappropriate subdivision, use and development. What is inappropriate subdivision, use and development will depend on the site, the values to be protected, and the nature and extent of the impacts of development on historic heritage. Important considerations will include such things as the degree of importance of the site or place as part of the history of Taranaki and New Zealand, the quality and extent of physical reminders of past occupation, any architectural values that are rare, unique or representative of Taranaki, particular aspects of cultural, educational or social importance that reflect the values of the Taranaki communities, evidence of a high degree of technical accomplishment or scientific value relating to the development of Taranaki; or aspects of particular significance to tangata whenua.
Related policies
All policies in Sections 5.1 [Soil erosion]; Section 6.1 [Surface water allocation]; Section 6.2 [Surface water quality]; Section 6.5 [Wetlands]; Section 6.6 [Land drainage and associated diversions]; Section 6.7 [Use of river and lake beds]; Section 7.1 [Air quality]; Section 8.1 [Natural character of the coastal environment]; Section 8.2 [Coastal water quality]; Policies 1 and 2 in Section 9.1 [Indigenous biodiversity]; all the policies in Section 10.1 [Natural features and landscapes]; Section 13 [Minerals]; Section 15 [Built environment]; and Section 16 [Issues of significance to iwi].
Methods of implementation
The Taranaki Regional Council will:
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Maintain a regional plan or plans with objectives, policies and methods of implementation promoting the protection of historic heritage in the coastal marine area and historic heritage associated with wetlands, rivers, lakes and their margins.
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Apply regional rules in the coastal marine area and in relation to fresh water to regulate, mitigate or prohibit resource use and development activities that have potential or adverse environment effects on historic heritage.
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Advocate to: (a) the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, the New Zealand Archaeological Association, the Department of Conservation, the three territorial authorities and iwi to maintain and regularly update databases and records of historic heritage; and (b) relevant agencies the use of other legislation (such as the Conservation Act 1987, the National Parks Act 1980, the Reserves Act 1977, the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust Act 1977 and the Historic Places Act 1993), for the purpose of identifying and protecting the region's historic heritage values.
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Actively support, as and when appropriate, surveys, research and investigations into identifying historic heritage in the region.
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Provide advice and information to landowners, resource users and the public on the need for and value of heritage protection.
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Territorial authorities may wish to consider the following methods:
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Include in district plans and on resource consents, provisions or conditions promoting the identification, protection and enhancement of historic heritage.
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Support, as and when appropriate, surveys, research and investigations identifying historic heritage and landscapes of significant historic and cultural importance.
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Advocate, as and where appropriate, for the establishment of heritage protection authorities.
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Provide financial and other incentives for the purpose of the maintenance, conservation or enhancement of historic heritage, including rate relief on land mandatorily or voluntarily protected for the purpose of maintaining or enhancing landscape or heritage values.
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Provide technical advice and support to owners of historic sites, places or buildings on ways to protect, maintain, conserve or enhance heritage values.
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Maintain and regularly update databases and records of historic heritage.
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Encourage the development of interpretation and heritage trails that promote historic heritage places.
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Generally promote awareness within the Taranaki community of the heritage values of the region and promote all practicable means for their protection and preservation, including public education regarding the archaeological authority process under Sections 11 and 12 of the Historic Places Act 1993 regarding applications to destroy, damage or modify an archaeological site.
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Principal reasons for adopting the objective, policies and methods
The objective, policies and methods establish a policy framework for the protection of historic heritage in the Taranaki region. Their aim is to promote the protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes.
Heritage protection is largely the responsibility of the three territorial authorities, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and the Department of Conservation. However, the Taranaki Regional Council also has resource management responsibilities under the Resource Management Act for historic structures, shipwrecks and other heritage sites in the coastal marine area.
Through the implementation of the policies and methods, the Taranaki Regional Council and territorial authorities can manage adverse effects on historic heritage. The policies and methods build on current approaches. They have proven to be successful to date in terms of achieving desired environmental outcomes and are considered appropriate having regard to their efficiency and effectiveness and their benefits and costs.
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Environmental results anticipated HIS ER 1 Protection and enhancement of historic heritage values. |
10.3 Maintaining and enhancing amenity values
Background to the issue
Amenity values are those natural or physical qualities or characteristics of an area that contribute to people's appreciation of its pleasantness, aesthetic coherence, and cultural and recreational attribute.
Taranaki residents place high value on such aspects as a clean and quiet urban and rural environment, the scenic, aesthetic and recreational opportunities provided by parks, reserves and walkways, a pleasant environment free of nuisance arising from excessive noise, odours and other elements, and attractive development of the built environment.
Taranaki's rural environment contains many valued amenity values. However, Taranaki's rural areas are also working environments and places of production where rural activities such as farming forestry and pig and poultry farming predominate. As a result there may be effects on amenity values that arise from farming and other rural operations, for example, noise or odours from farm animals, vehicles and machinery. In many cases these are to be expected as part of normal and accepted farming practices characteristic of rural areas.
It is recognised that through appropriate subdivision, use and development there are opportunities to provide facilities or features in the rural and urban environment for the enjoyment of people that may increase amenity values.
Most issues relating to adverse effects on local or regional amenity values arising from use and development activities (e.g. stormwater runoff, emissions to air, noise, discharges to land and water) are largely addressed in other sections of the Regional Policy Statement. However, other impacts, such as those on traffic or relating to site layout and building design, still apply.
The significant issues in relation to maintaining and enhancing amenity values are:
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Recognising the positive effects of use and development activities in relation to their maintenance and enhancement of amenity values.
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Avoiding, remedying or mitigating adverse effects that may arise from use and development activities on amenity values.
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Objective
AMY OBJECTIVE 1
To recognise the positive contributions of appropriate use and development in terms of providing for the maintenance and enhancement of amenity values in the Taranaki region, while avoiding, remedying or mitigating the adverse effects of inappropriate use and development on amenity values.
Policy
Amenity values
AMY POLICY 1 The adverse effects of resource use and development on rural and urban amenity values will be avoided, remedied or mitigated and any positive effects on amenity values promoted. Any positive effects of appropriate use and development will be fully considered and balanced against adverse effects. Those qualities and characteristics that contribute to amenity values in the Taranaki region include: (a) safe and pleasant living environment free of nuisance arising from excessive noise, odours and contaminants, and from traffic and other risks to public health and safety; (b) scenic, aesthetic, recreational and educational opportunities provided by parks, reserves, farmland, and other open spaces, rivers, lakes, wetlands and their margins, coastal areas and areas of vegetation; (c) a visually pleasing and stimulating environment; (d) efficient, convenient and attractive urban forms; and (e) aesthetically pleasing building design, including appropriate landscaping and signs.
Explanation of the policy
Policy 1 states that the adverse effects of resource use and development on amenity values in the rural and urban development will be avoided, remedied or mitigated, and that any positive effects on amenity values will be promoted. Qualities and attributes that contribute to Taranaki's high amenity values are also identified.
While Taranaki's rural environments contain many highly valued amenity values, they are also places of production where there may be effects on amenity values. In many cases these will be the result of normal farming operations that can be expected in rural areas. Some urban or residential activities when locating in rural areas therefore have the potential to curtail established, legitimate rural and industrial activities through reverse sensitivity effects on amenity values. These issues need to be considered in implementing Policy 1.
Appropriate use and development may contribute positive effects on amenity values and also contribute to wider positive effects on the community (such as economic benefits) and these are to be fully considered and balanced under Policy 1.
Related policies
All policies in Sections 5.1 [Soil erosion]; Section 5.2 [Soil health]; Section 5.3 [Hazardous substances and contaminated sites]; Section 6.1 [Surface water allocation]; Section 6.2 [Surface water quality]; Section 6.4 [Wetlands]; Section 6.5 [Land drainage and associated diversions]; Section 6.6 [Use of river and lake beds]; Section 6.7 [Public access to rivers and lakes]; Section 7.1 [Air quality]; Section 8.1 [Natural character of the coastal environment]; Section 8.2 [Coastal water quality]; Section 8.3 [Public access to the coastal environment]; Policies 1 and 2 in Section 9.1 [Indigenous biodiversity]; all the policies in Section 10.1 [Natural features and landscapes]; Section 10.2 [Historic heritage]; Section 12 [Energy]; Section 13 [Minerals]; Section 15 [Built environment];and Section 16 [Issues of significance to iwi].
Methods of implementation
The Taranaki Regional Council will:
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Maintain a regional plan or plans with objectives, policies and methods of implementation that recognise and provide for the maintenance and enhancement of amenity values in the coastal marine area and associated with air, land and water resources.
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Apply regional rules in the coastal marine area and in relation to air and fresh water to allow, regulate or prohibit resource use and development activities that have potential or adverse environment effects on amenity values.
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Promote the maintenance and enhancement of amenity values as a trustee of the Taranaki Tree Trust.
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Recognise the ecological, intrinsic, amenity and conservation values afforded by indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna when carrying out the Council's responsibilities under the Biosecurity Act 1993, Soil Conservation and River Control Act and other legislation.
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Provide advice and information including guidelines to landowners, resource users and the public to: (a) generally promote awareness of the benefits of protecting and restoring areas of indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna; and (b) encourage the voluntary protection or restoration of areas of indigenous vegetation and habitats of indigenous fauna.
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Support the maintenance and enhancement of regionally significant gardens and, in conjunction with the territorial authorities of the region, consider supporting other regionally significant recreational, cultural and heritage amenities.
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Prepare and implement, in conjunction with the region's three territorial authorities, a regional walkways and cycleways strategy to enhance scenic, aesthetic and recreational opportunities. |
Territorial authorities may wish to consider the following methods:
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Include in district plans and on resource consents, provisions or conditions promoting the maintenance and enhancement of rural and urban amenity values.
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Encourage the use of corridors for public network utilities where feasible so as to contain the geographic effects on amenity values of such utilities to a defined and limited area. |
Principal reasons for adopting the objective, policies and methods
The objective, policies and methods establish a policy framework for the maintenance and enhancement of amenity values in the Taranaki region.
Maintaining and enhancing amenity values are largely the responsibility of the three territorial authorities through their land use responsibilities. However, the Taranaki Regional Council also has resource management responsibilities under the Resource Management Act for amenity values.
Through the implementation of the policies and methods adverse effects on amenity values are managed and action taken to enhance those values. Balancing the positive effects of appropriate use and development and promoting such effects will assist in achieving the sustainable management purpose of the Act.
The policies and methods build on current approaches. They have proven to be successful to date in terms of achieving desired environmental outcomes and are considered appropriate having regard to their efficiency and effectiveness and their benefits and costs.
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Environmental results anticipated AMY ER 1 Protection and enhancement of amenities on the Taranaki region. |