Policy 15: Natural features and natural landscapes

To protect the natural features and natural landscapes (including seascapes) of the coastal environment from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development:

1. avoid adverse effects of activities on outstanding natural features and outstanding natural landscapes in the coastal environment; and
2. avoid significant adverse effects and avoid, remedy, or mitigate other adverse effects of activities on other natural features and natural landscapes in the coastal environment; including by:
3. identifying and assessing the natural features and natural landscapes of the coastal environment of the region or district, at minimum by land typing, soil characterisation and landscape characterisation and having regard to:
1. natural science factors, including geological, topographical, ecological and dynamic components;
2. the presence of water including in seas, lakes, rivers and streams;
3. legibility or expressiveness – how obviously the feature or landscape demonstrates its formative processes;
4. aesthetic values including memorability and naturalness;
5. vegetation (native and exotic);
6. transient values, including presence of wildlife or other values at certain times of the day or year;
7. whether the values are shared and recognised;
8. cultural and spiritual values for tangata whenua, identified by working, as far as practicable, in accordance with tikanga Māori; including their expression as cultural landscapes and features;
9. historical and heritage associations; and
10. wild or scenic values;
4. ensuring that regional policy statements, and plans, map or otherwise identify areas where the protection of natural features and natural landscapes requires objectives, policies and rules; and
5. including the objectives, policies and rules required by (d) in plans.