Introduction and General Provisions

Purpose of the Draft District Plan

The Waitaki District Plan has been prepared in accordance with the Resource Management Act 1991 (hereafter, the RMA). The Waitaki District Plan is the tool through which WDC manages the use, development and protection of land and associated natural and physical resources as required by the RMA.

The District Plan must achieve the purpose of the RMA which is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. 

How The Plan Works

District Plan framework The National Planning Standards (November 2019) contain standards that set out the required structure, format, spatial layers, and mapping requirements for a District Plan, as well as definitions. The Waitaki District Plan has been prepared to give effect to the National Planning Standards. The District Plan should be read in full; it contains five interconnected parts as summarized below.

Part 1 – Introduction and General Provisions
This part of the District Plan contains the chapters that explain the District Plan’s context, how it works, provides definitions, abbreviations, and a glossary to assist in the interpretation. The chapters also provide context and process related information in relation to mana whenua and resource management.

Part 2 – District wide matters
This part of the Plan is in two parts: Strategic Direction and District Wide Matters.

Part 3 – Area specific matters
This part of the Plan is in two parts: Zones and Designations. Please note: the Designations Chapter has not been released with the Draft District Plan and will be released when the Proposed District Plan is notified.

Part 4 – Appendices and schedules

The appendices and schedules contain the technical information and data such as schedules of specific areas (overlays managed under the district-wide matters chapters). For example, SCHED6 – Significant Natural Areas lists those areas of the District that have been identified as Significant Natural Areas and includes a description of each area’s characteristics and values.

Part 5 – Maps
Planning Maps spatially define zones, areas, overlays and features referred to within the District Plan chapters.

Looking for tools to interpret the Draft District Plan?

Download the Definitions, Abbreviations and Glossary below:

National Policy Statements and New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

National Environmental Standards (NES) are prepared by Central Government and can prescibe technical standards, methods (including rules) and/or other requirements for environmental matters throughout the whole coutnry or specific areas. If an activity does not comply with an NES, it is likely to require a resource consent. NES must be observed and enforced by local authorities.

Participation of mana whenua in RMA processes

Waitaki District Council partnership acknowledgement

The WDC seeks to work in partnership with Kāi Tahu and will engage with the iwi authority, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, via the Papatipu Rūnaka for this District. WDC is committed to meeting its responsibilities under Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi and statutory obligations under the RMA.

The Waitaki District Council recognises the mana whenua and tino rakatirataka of Kāi Tahu over their resources and taoka and the Waitaki District Council’s commitment to its Treaty responsibilities is reflected throughout this Plan. The Council and Te Rūnanga o Moeraki have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (2016) which outlines the shared commitment to partnership. WDC will work to ensure that its policies and actions recognise and protect mana whenua rights and interests within Waitaki District.

The WDC will consult Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, Te Rūnanga o Waihao, Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua and Te Rūnanga o Kati Huirapa ki Puketeraki, through Aukaha, on all matters related to the mana whenua values and interests identified in this Plan and will maintain regular and open communication with Aukaha on resource management matters and processes.