The Regional Policy Statement (RPS) for Northland covers the management of natural and physical resources in the Northland Region, from Kaiwaka in the south, to Cape Reinga in the north, and out to the 12 nautical mile (22.2 km) limit.
One of the main purposes of the RPS is to provide for the integrated management of Northland's natural and physical resources. This means considering the environment as a whole and recognising that changes, or the effects of human activities, in one area or on one resource, can affect other resources.
The RPS guides the development of other plans prepared by the Regional Council, as well as district plans prepared by the Whangarei, Kaipara and Far North District Councils. The RPS must also be consulted by the regional and district councils when they consider resource consent applications.
Why would you use the RPS?
The policies and methods in the RPS give guidance at a higher planning level. It does not contain rules that would require a party to gain consent, but rather provides guidance to those plans that do contain rules.
Status of the Plan
The RPS was made fully operative in July 2002 with the inclusion of the Outstanding Natural Features and Outstanding landscapes Section, which resulted from an appeal.
Efficiency and Effectiveness Review
The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) requires the Northland Regional Council (NRC) to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of policies, rules, or other methods in the RPS and to make available to the public a review of the results of its monitoring at intervals of no more than five years.
The NRC has completed aboth a 5 and 10 year efficiency and effectiveness report for the RPS.
View the 5 year efficiency and effectiveness report for the RPS
View the 10 year efficiency and effectiveness report for the RPS
Development of a New Regional Policy Statement
In addition, pursuant to section 79 (1) of the RMA, the NRC is required to commence a full review of the RPS no later than 10 years after the RPS became operative.
The NRC is in the process of developing Northland’s new RPS. The 10 Year efficiency and effectiveness report provides an extensive review of the RPS that sets the platform for the development of Northland's new RPS.
Find out more about the development of the New Regional Policy Statement
How to get a copy of the Operative Regional Policy Statement for Northland
Order a copy
Contact the Northland Regional Council office to order a copy of the Regional Policy Statement on 0800 002 004 or email mailroom@nrc.govt.nz
Hard copy: $45.00 (including GST)
CD: $20.00 (including GST)
You can also phone 0800 002 004 or send an email to: mailroom@nrc.govt.nz
Download a copy (No charge)
See files below.