(Section 19 of the RPS)

This section sets out the objectives and policies to recognise and provide for the protection of outstanding natural features and outstanding landscapes in terms of Section 6 of the RMA. The RMA specifically requires the protection of outstanding natural features and outstanding landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use and development.

Landscapes, and a diversity of landscapes, are important to the particular character of an area, to intrinsic values of ecosystems, and to ecological, heritage, cultural, spiritual, and amenity values. Landscapes are more than just a nice view from some prominent point; they often comprise both physical qualities and perceptual values. Natural features are normally smaller than landscape units and often comprise a key element of a landscape, including rare or unique features of high scientific or cultural value.

Anticipated Outcomes

· Identification and community-wide acknowledgment of the region's outstanding natural features and outstanding landscapes.

· There is a direct link between the community's perception of landscape qualities and their protection for the community's enjoyment.

· Protection of the character and qualities of the region's outstanding natural features and outstanding landscapes.

· Preservation of the natural character of the region's coastal environment, wetlands, lakes and rivers and their margins through the protection of outstanding natural features and outstanding landscapes.

Policy Mix

The objectives for the outstanding natural features and outstanding landscapes section are:

· the identification of outstanding natural features and outstanding landscapes and their protection from inappropriate subdivision, use and development;

· to recognise, in the identification and protection of outstanding natural features and outstanding landscapes, that there values include intrinsic values of ecosystems, ecological, heritage, cultural, spiritual, and amenity aspects;

· any adverse effects of human activities on natural and physical resources are avoided, remedied or mitigated so that the qualities and values of any outstanding natural features and outstanding landscapes are maintained.

The policy approach is primarily to identify outstanding landscapes, building on the existing assessment work, and to regulate subdivision, use, and development that may impact on natural features and landscapes.

The Outstanding Natural Features and Outstanding Landscapes section contains six individual methods of implementation that flow from the policy direction discussed above.

What's the current state?

Landscape and natural features assessments were completed for all of Northland in the mid 1990's. Key to the assessments was the identification of "outstanding" landscapes. The landscape areas identified as "outstanding" tend to be those with indigenous forest, (most of which is on land administrated by the Department of Conservation) and elevated areas adjacent to the coast. The majority of privately owned land that has been identified as "outstanding" is adjacent to the coast. The landscapes most sensitive to development tend to be on the coast. In the Far North district a high proportion of outstanding landscapes are on Maori land.

The Kaipara district (7.5%) has a lower proportion of outstanding landscapes in comparison to the Far North (25%) and Whangarei districts (20%). This is principally because of the differences in indigenous vegetation cover. The Far North landscape is one of the most complex and varied to be found within any district of New Zealand because of the high diversity of landforms.

The Geological Society of New Zealand has identified 191 significant natural features in Northland, five of which are internationally important.

Very little work has been undertaken on assessing the natural character of Northland's rivers, lakes, wetlands, coastal environment, and their margins.

There is very limited data available to assess what, if any, impacts are occurring on natural features and landscapes within Northland. Part of the reason for this is that no further assessment work, to date, has been completed since initial landscape assessments were carried out in the mid 1990's. The district councils are recording information on the extent and location of approved subdivisions including approved building platforms but no analysis has been done to date comparing this approved development with the outstanding landscape areas.

Neither the 2007/2008 Annual Environmental Monitoring Report or the 2007 State of the Environment Report contain any information about Outstanding Natural Features and Outstanding Landscapes. This is a significant information gap that needs to be addressed.

What has worked in this section?

While the Regional Coastal Plan for Northland includes information on outstanding natural features, the Regional Water and Soil Plan for Northland does not manage the effects of activities on outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features. Instead, this has been addressed through district plans. Landscape assessments have been carried out in all three of Northland's districts and district councils have included information on outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features within their district plans.

What has not worked in this section?

The protection of landscapes and features often has a financial implication for the landowner and financial incentives/compensation issues are not well addressed within this section.

The scope of this section on outstanding landscapes and outstanding features is felt to be too narrow. This section could also address values that make a landscape outstanding and features that are not ranked outstanding.

General comments on this section:

Whilst outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features have been identified, the protection provisions of this section have not been implemented, and there has not been any great public support for district councils who have attempted to implement landscape protection measures through their district plans.

The RPS has focused on the identification and protection of outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features as these are identified as a matter of national importance (section 6 of the RMA). There has been some thought given to understanding and managing those landscapes that do not rate as outstanding.

Is this section Efficient and Effective?

No comparison has been made between the current landscapes (taking into account approved built form and/or building platforms) with the existing landscape assessment in order to be able to judge whether this section is effectively managing the effects of subdivision and development on natural features and landscapes.

Overall it is felt that the provisions of this section are good but this section has not been effective because the management mechanisms for outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features have not been consistently established within district plans.

Emerging Issues for this section?

There is a need to develop a program for systematic implementation of the provisions of this section as well as the development of areas that are lacking, including cultural landscapes.

This section should investigate closer interaction and possible joint processing with the authorisation requirements of the NZ Historic Places Trust and Archaeological Association. Similarly, linkages between the Building Act and the RMA should be investigated.

Landscape protection has become a widely recognised issue nationally, particularly as the nation experiences degradation of iconic landscapes. There is a need to change land owner perception and behaviour towards outstanding landscapes and natural features that are located on private property. Outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features need to be viewed as assets rather than liabilities. This may involve the development of mechanisms that empower and encourage landowners to protect and enhance outstanding landscape or feature on their property. Such mechanisms may include economic incentives.

Due to the inconsistent approaches adopted by district councils to the protection of Northland's outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features, the 2nd Generation RPS should map the outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features and then provide clear guidance as to the level and methods of protection expected of these landscapes and natural features from inappropriate subdivision, use and development.

Conclusions

The identification of outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features and the protection of their values are important, particularly to Northlanders' sense of place. While these landscapes and features have been identified, the degree of protection afforded to them has varied across the region and the effectiveness of any protection measures is questionable. Due to the inconsistency in implementation across the region, it is likely that the 2nd Generation RPS will need to take a more directive role in providing for the protection of Northland's outstanding landscapes and outstanding natural features.