3718 NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 148 4 NOVEMBER 2010

(a) avoid adverse effects of activities on outstanding natural features and outstanding natural landscapes in the coastal environment; and

(b) 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:

(c) 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:

(i) natural science factors, including geological, topographical, ecological and dynamic components;

(ii) the presence of water including in seas, lakes, rivers and streams;

(iii) legibility or expressiveness – how obviously the feature or landscape demonstrates its formative processes;

(iv) aesthetic values including memorability and naturalness;

(v) vegetation (native and exotic);

(vi) transient values, including presence of wildlife or other values at certain times of the day or year;

(vii) whether the values are shared and recognised;

(viii) 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;

(ix) historical and heritage associations; and

(x) wild or scenic values;

(d) 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

(e) including the objectives, policies and rules required by (d) in plans.

Policy 16 Surf breaks of national significance

Protect the surf breaks(^8) of national significance for surfing listed in Schedule 1, by:

(a) ensuring that activities in the coastal environment do not adversely affect the surf breaks; and

(b) avoiding adverse effects of other activities on access to, and use and enjoyment of the surf breaks.

Policy 17 Historic heritage identification and protection

Protect historic heritage(^9) in the coastal environment from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development by:

(a) identification, assessment and recording of historic heritage, including archaeological sites;

(b) providing for the integrated management of such sites in collaboration with relevant councils, heritage agencies, iwi authorities and kaitiaki;

(c) initiating assessment and management of historic heritage in the context of historic landscapes;

(d) recognising that heritage to be protected may need conservation;

(e) facilitating and integrating management of historic heritage that spans the line of mean high water springs;

(f) including policies, rules and other methods relating to (a) to (e) above in regional policy statements, and plans;

(g) imposing or reviewing conditions on resource consents and designations, including for the continuation of activities;

(h) requiring, where practicable, conservation conditions; and

(i) considering provision for methods that would enhance owners’ opportunities for conservation of listed heritage structures, such as relief grants or rates relief.

Policy 18 Public open space

Recognise the need for public open space within and adjacent to the coastal marine area, for public use and appreciation including active and passive recreation, and provide for such public open space, including by:

(a) ensuring that the location and treatment of public open space is compatible with the natural character, natural features and landscapes, and amenity values of the coastal environment;

(b) taking account of future need for public open space within and adjacent to the coastal marine area, including in and close to cities, towns and other settlements;

(c) maintaining and enhancing walking access linkages between public open space areas in the coastal environment;

(d) considering the likely impact of coastal processes and climate change so as not to compromise the ability of future generations to have access to public open space; and

(e) recognising the important role that esplanade reserves and strips can have in contributing to meeting public open space needs.

Policy 19 Walking access

(1) Recognise the public expectation of and need for walking access to and along the coast that is practical, free of charge and safe for pedestrian use.

(2) Maintain and enhance public walking access to, along and adjacent to the coastal marine area, including by:

(a) identifying how information on where the public have walking access will be made publicly available;

(b) avoiding, remedying or mitigating any loss of public walking access resulting from subdivision, use, or development; and

(c) identifying opportunities to enhance or restore public walking access, for example where:

(i) connections between existing public areas can be provided; or

(ii) improving access would promote outdoor recreation; or

(iii) physical access for people with disabilities is desirable; or

(iv) the long-term availability of public access is threatened by erosion or sea level rise; or