Government says new law will protect Raglan surf break

During today’s Questions And Answers in the House, Hon KATE WILKINSON (Minister of Conservation) said that a planned new law with protect Raglan’s surf break.

Thursday, 28 October 2010, 5:49 pm
Press Release: Office of the Clerk

Coastal Management—Improvements

6. JACQUI DEAN (National—Waitaki) to the Minister of Conservation: What steps is the Government taking to improve coastal management?

Hon KATE WILKINSON (Minister of Conservation): I am pleased to announce that I will be recommending that the Governor-General approve the 2010 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, which meets the Government’s promise to provide more national guidance for local authorities to meet their obligations under the Resource Management Act. The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement will provide stronger direction on natural character, outstanding landscapes, and biodiversity; provide updated policy on managing coastal hazards; and emphasise the priority the Government places on public access to the coast. I thank the board of inquiry for its contribution to this new policy statement.

Jacqui Dean: What new types of protection will be included in the 2010 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement?

Hon KATE WILKINSON: I am very pleased to announce for a start that some of New Zealand’s finest surf breaks will receive additional protection and recognition as being nationally significant. Those surf breaks are in Northland, Raglan, Coromandel, Gisborne, Taranaki, Kaikōura, and Otago.

Te Ururoa Flavell: Kia ora tātou. What will be the practical impact of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill, which allows iwi and hapū to take part in statutory conservation processes within their relevant common marine and coastal area?

Hon KATE WILKINSON: In noting that the bill is the responsibility of the Attorney-General, I point out that the practical impact of the universal award, which provides for iwi and hapū to take part in statutory conservation processes, is that it formalises many of the current practices of the department’s consultation with iwi and hapū. These include processes relating to marine reserve applications, marine mammal sanctuaries, permits for marine mammal watching, and proposals to extend conservation protected areas.

Te Ururoa Flavell: What is envisaged will be the effect of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill, which allows iwi and hapū with recognised customary marine title the right to give or withhold permission for specified conservation activities, and the right to participate in certain conservation decisions?

Hon KATE WILKINSON: If iwi or hapū gain customary title they have a right of refusal over whether marine reserves or conservation protected areas are established or concessions granted in the customary title area. The right relating to marine reserves and conservation protected areas is subject to an essential protection purposes test, which the Minister of Conservation may use to override the customary titleholder’s view. In using the test the Minister must have regard to the views of the customary title holder and other criteria set out in the bill, including protection of rare or unique habitats.