Issue 1 Land and soil resources Particular issues relating to the District s land and soil resources are:

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1 Sustainable management issue The use of non-renewable resources Section 5 of the Resource Management Act defines the purpose of the Act which is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. Section 5(2) goes on to state that sustainable management means: managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources in a way, or at a rate, which enables people and communities to provide for their social, economic, and cultural well-being and for their health and safety while: (a) Sustaining the potential of natural and physical resources (excluding minerals) to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations; and (b) Safeguarding the life-supporting capacity of air, water, soil and ecosystems; and (c) Avoiding, remedying, or mitigating any adverse effects of activities on the environment. The use of the District s non-renewable resources can be contrary to the concept of sustainable management, as it can lead to the depletion or exhaustion of the resource and limit the opportunity for future generations to meet their needs. The land ecosystems of Hurunui are complex and consist of the high country, hills, valleys and plains, as well as the life systems contained within them. Each of these features includes animals, plants and organisms which inhabit and form part of those ecosystems. The land ecosystems of Hurunui are linked with the fresh and coastal water ecosystems of the District. The aim in managing the District s non-renewable resources is to maximise the life of non-renewable resources by, promoting the use of sustainable practices and the use of renewable resources as substitutes. There is one key issue for Hurunui District in relation to the use of non-renewable resources: Options for future generations may be reduced through the adverse effects of activities on the District s land and soil resources. Issue 1 Land and soil resources Particular issues relating to the District s land and soil resources are: (a) The loss of life supporting capacity of soil through erosion, contamination, and degradation of soil health including adverse changes in soil fertility, nutrient cycles and levels of organic matter. (b) Subdivision, inappropriate management practices and development can adversely affect the life supporting capacity of soils within the District. (c) A range of opportunities are required in land-based production to enable people and the community to provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing. Undue restrictions on the use and development of land can limit these opportunities. (d) Land use activities in the steep hill and high country can have a range of environmental effects on natural landscapes, vegetation important to the District, downstream water resources, soil health and could contribute to soil erosion, siltation of waterways and wilding tree spread. Last amended 12/06/2012 The use of non-renewable resources 001

2 (e) Extraction activities (for example topsoil mining or quarrying) in the District have the potential to deplete the productive potential of land and create adverse effects on the environment, such as siltation of water. (f) Weeds and pests are a particular problem within parts of the District and, if allowed to spread, could undermine the sustainability of the District s land resources. Land and soil are the most important non-renewable resources in the District, being the basis for the District s economic, social and cultural wellbeing, both now and in the foreseeable future. The potential of land is based on the ability of soil resources to supply food and other essentials to support our way of life. Soil retention is important in maintaining the productive potential of land in the District as well as protecting water quality. The productivity of soils is also dependent on soil quality which results from the physical, chemical and organic elements that make up the soil. However, land resources are also important for many other reasons. Other sections of this Plan deal with these issues. Sustainable management does not require that all land be in productive use or that its potential be fulfilled, rather, it requires the safeguarding of the land s life supporting capacity. The high country in Hurunui is a valuable resource for the District for a variety of reasons, including the ecosystems and natural resources it maintains. The term high country refers to the Hanmer Basin floor, major river valley, mountain range and main divide landscapes; as outlined in the Landscapes of the Hurunui District (February 1995) by Lucas and Associates. Most high country land contains Class VI to VIII soils. As the high country is the source of most of the main rivers in the District, land use in the high country, can have an impact on downstream water resources and lake systems through reducing water yields. It is therefore essential that the District s land and soil resources are protected from activities which may adversely affect its life supporting capacity. This means avoiding land use practices that could lower the quality of the soil, result in erosion, or limit the opportunity to use the potential of the soils for other purposes. Soil that has been cleared of vegetation can become exposed to wind and rain, and soil that has been loosened by cultivation or excavation is more easily eroded. The issue of soil conservation is complicated by the varying importance of different soil qualities and the various factors which can affect the importance and usefulness of soil, such as irrigation and access. Where references are made to the class of land, they refer to the land classes as defined in the Land Use Capability Survey Handbook written by the Water and Soil Division of the Ministry of Works (Wellington, New Zealand 1971). The use of land and soil resources is a key element of the well-being of present and future inhabitants of the District, and the management of those resources should seek to maintain their availability, and to enable a wide range of opportunities for their use. Where land is used for productive purposes, the management of that land resource should not unreasonably inhibit the continued use and development of existing activities. 002 Management strategy Part 1 Last amended 12/06/2012

3 Objective 1 To maintain those physical and biological characteristics of the soils of the District which enable them to retain their life supporting capacity and to sustain plant growth. Policies Policy 1.1 To provide for land-based and related activities while avoiding or mitigating any adverse effects on the life supporting characteristics of soils. Policy 1.1 shall be implemented through: Regular meetings to discuss land management issues with landowners and relevant groups and organisations such as Federated Farmers, Waipara Winegrowers Alliance, surveyors, forestry interests, Land Information New Zealand (including the Office of Crown Lands) and the Department of Conservation Active participation in the development of Environment Canterbury policies and plans on the management of land and soil resources in the District District Plan rules that provide for activities which meet specific environmental standards (refer to Rules A1.2.15, A1.4(a), A3.2.5 and Sections B1 B5) Resource consent processes to assess activities which do not meet environmental standards Consultation with tangata whenua in the integrated management of soil resources in the District Policy 1.1 provides for a variety of land-based (for example agriculture or horticulture) and non-land based (ancillary) activities throughout the District if they meet the environmental standards prescribed by this Plan which aim at maintaining soil quality. This policy recognises that activities which are not land-based still need to be provided for and that one of the main ways of promoting the sustainable management of land resources is to provide a wise range of opportunities for landbased activities. Activities which are directly related to those activities (such as abattoirs, stockyards and rural industries arising from agricultural activities) also need to be provided for, as they are central to the functioning of the rural area. The consent process will be used to assess the impact of activities which do not meet the environmental standards on the sustainable management of the District s land and soil resources. In addition, to promote integrated management, it is appropriate for the Council to work with Environment Canterbury to develop policies on land resources and related issues, and to work with other organisations which have roles in using, developing and protecting the District s land and soil resources. Policy 1.2 To manage the adverse effects of subdivision and land use activities in order to maintain and enhance the life supporting capacity of the District s soils and to avoid or mitigate soil degradation, erosion or contamination. Last amended 12/06/2012 The use of non-renewable resources 003

4 Policy 1.2 shall be implemented through: Co-ordination/liaison with landowners, relevant groups and surveyors through regular meetings to discuss subdivision and land management practices Active participation in the development and implementation of Environment Canterbury s Natural Resources Regional Plan and Regional Policy Statement, and through the monitoring of the impacts of land use and subdivision within the District Participation by tangata whenua in management of land and soil resources in the District Development and implementation of a Guide to Urban and Rural Subdivision in Hurunui within two years of this Plan being made operative Gathering and dissemination of information on good land use practices and subdivision design District Plan rules to provide for land-based activities, to manage subdivision proposals which could impact on the District s soils, and to control the spread of urban development (refer to rules A and A3.2.5) Resource consent processes to assess the potential impact of proposed activities on the District s soils District Plan change processes The District contains a wide range of soils of differing qualities, and yet has a scarcity of those classified as the best agricultural soil; only 5.2% of the District has Class I or II soil, located mainly around the urban areas of Amberley and Waikari/Hawarden. While all soils in the District are important, areas of highly versatile soils are of particular importance because of the ability of these soils to sustain a wide range of productive uses, usually on an intensive basis and without the input of resources (such as fertilisers) that would be required on soils of lesser quality. Subdivision and land use activities may reduce the life supporting capacity of land and soils, and hence prevent future generations from meeting their reasonably foreseeable needs by inappropriate management practices and over-intensification. It is important that areas of Class VI and VII soils are also protected from land use activities which may reduce their life supporting capacity and ability to be productive because these soils too, can be utilised for a variety of uses and contain important ecological features. To achieve these policies, active involvement with Environment Canterbury which has responsibilities and policies in this matter, is essential, as it is with other groups involved in subdivision and land development. A management framework to achieve these policies can be established through District Plan rules to prevent sporadic urban growth and to provide subdivision standards that allow for most land-based activities and an assessment process for smaller-scale subdivision to assess the potential impact of these policies. In some cases, the resource consent process may be necessary to assess the full implications of development or subdivision proposed outside of the parameters determined in the District Plan. Policy 1.3 Where land is used for productive purposes, to manage that land and its soil resources in a way that avoids unreasonable limitations or restrictions on existing activities and maintains future options for uses for that land. 004 Management strategy Part 1 Last amended 12/06/2012

5 Policy 1.3 shall be implemented through: District Plan rules that allow, in areas of productive potential, for the use and development of the land resource without creating unreasonable limitations on existing activities Resource consent decision-making consistent with the above policy Monitoring the adverse effects of the use and development of activities arising from the intensification of rural land uses On-going education and advocacy with landowners and occupiers and other relevant groups Promotion of the development and use of guidelines and industry codes of practice District Plan changes The circumstances of the District are such that the productive use of the land and soil resource is of considerable importance to the continued well-being of the community. In order to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations, Policy 1.3 is aimed at enabling investment and change in the use and management of rural land and soil resources. Managing the effects of rural activities must be done in a way that does not unreasonably limit change and innovation in rural activities over time. This applies whether the area is part of the high country, the general rural area, or an area with special land, soil and other physical qualities and characteristics such as the Waipara Wine Growing Area. However, depending on the area and its existing and future land use characteristics, the policy may need to be interpreted in slightly different ways throughout the District. For example, in areas of productive use such as the Waipara Wine Growing Area, the management of cross-boundary effects of intensive activities may have to be given more emphasis, while in the high-country, protection of the life sustaining capacity of the soil resource may be of more significance. This policy is closely linked to others which ensure the physical protection of the land and soil resource. Policy 1.4 Avoid or mitigate run-off, contamination and erosion of soil from subdivision and settlement development in the high country so as to assist in sustaining the life supporting capacity of the soil. Policy 1.4 shall be implemented through: Advocacy with landowners District Plan rules to provide special controls on development, including in areas identified as being of outstanding landscape value (refer to Rules A1.2.3, A1.2.15, A3.2.5 and Section A2- Landscape) The resource consent process to assess the potential adverse environmental effects of subdivision and land use activities Participation by tangata whenua in the management of land and soil resources in the District in the high country Last amended 12/06/2012 The use of non-renewable resources 005

6 New settlement development and subdivision in the high country could result in adverse environmental effects such as contamination, erosion and problems with water quality, weeds and pests as well as undesirably obtrusive or damaging activities in an area which is susceptible to change. The management of subdivision and settlement is therefore necessary in the high country. Policy 1.5 To integrate into the subdivision design and decision-making process considerations relating to the potential use, development and constraints of land. Policy 1.5 shall be implemented through: Advocacy through regular meetings to discuss issues with landowners, interest groups and surveyors, and to promote and encourage good subdivision design Active participation with Environment Canterbury in the subdivision decision-making process Education through the development and implementation of a Guide to Urban and Rural Subdivision in Hurunui within two years of this Plan being made operative Gathering and dissemination of information on subdivision development in the District District Plan rules to provide standards in the subdivision consent process (refer to Section A3 Subdivision) Participation by tangata whenua in the subdivision process Subdivision is usually a precursor to a change in land use, and the size and shape of the new lots will often have an effect on the type of activity that can occur on the subdivided land. Properly managed subdivision should provide a number of opportunities for a diverse range of activities, yet protect the life supporting capacity and potential of the land for future generations. It is therefore important that land that is proposed to be subdivided is not only suitable for the anticipated land use, but is also suitable for a range of uses, without unacceptable hazards or limitations. This can be achieved through being involved with the Canterbury Regional Council in the decision-making process, as appropriate, advocating good subdivision and land development design and configuration through guidelines, and by regularly meeting with persons and groups involved in the process. Appropriate subdivision standards and criteria for decision-making are established in the District Plan by way of rules. The potential for adverse effects of subdivision in the General Management Area can be managed by maintaining a land density lower than that in urban area whilst ensuring that the land area is sufficient for the land use proposed. The level of density must be low enough to: avoid adverse effects on natural or physical resources maintain the low density character of the area avoid potential reverse sensitivity effects which can occur when residential activities locate in close proximity to rural activities. 006 Management strategy Part 1 Last amended 12/06/2012

7 Policy 1.6 Avoid or mitigate, through advocating responsible land use practices, the contamination, degradation and erosion of soil from land disturbance or vegetation removal. Policy 1.6 shall be implemented through: Education and advocacy regular meetings to discuss land management issues with landowners and relevant groups and organisations, such as Federated Farmers, surveyors, forestry interests, the Land Information New Zealand (including the Office of Crown Lands) and the Department of Conservation Active participation in Environment Canterbury planning processes to achieve integrated management of land resources within the District Establishment and support of landcare groups Participation by tangata whenua in the formulation of policies for the management of land use practices It is important that the effects of activities on land are managed and monitored in such a way as to prevent the depletion of resources. This is particularly important in areas that are susceptible for a combination of reasons, including: Proneness to erosion, due to geological conditions (like mudstone or siltstone) for example, or because of forces affecting the coast Climatic conditions, such as periods of heavy rainfall Vegetative conditions, such as an absence of forest Proximity of property or features that could be damaged by landslip, erosion or other event Proximity of streams that could be filled with sediment runoff Although Environment Canterbury has prime responsibility in these areas, the District Council needs to address the potential effects of land use on the quality and life-supporting capacity of the District s land resources, and to employ such methods as are appropriate for encouraging good land use practice to complement those of the Regional Council. The District Council will also seek to be involved with the Regional Council on such matters. Policy 1.7 To provide for the extraction of land resources in a manner which avoids or mitigates any adverse environmental effects. Policy 1.8 To require the rehabilitation of sites where extraction of land resources has occurred. Policies 1.7 and 1.8 shall be implemented through: Last amended 12/06/2012 The use of non-renewable resources 007

8 Active participation with Environment Canterbury on the management of mineral extraction District Plan rules to set standards for land resource extraction and rehabilitation (refer to rule A1.4(a)) Resource consent processes to assess proposals and set necessary conditions, including joint hearings Consultation with tangata whenua where extraction of resources may affect resources of significance to tangata whenua It is recognised that the District relies, to a significant extent, on the extraction of certain land resources, such as through quarrying and aggregate mining. Such activities are fundamental to the successful and efficient development of the economy and our way of life. While such activities will continue to be provided for, it is important to ensure that extraction is managed to minimise the loss of land resources and that rehabilitation occurs once extraction has been completed. This can be achieved through rules to establish standards for such activities to meet, and the resource consent process to assess proposals and impose any necessary conditions of consent where such standards cannot be met. Commercial quarries and mines can, however, due to the nature of the activity, have adverse effects on users of other properties. Residential uses are particularly sensitive to them. The cause of this is that not all of their adverse effects can be internalized: that is, they cannot all be mitigated to the extent that they have no effect outside the property boundary. The potential conflict between quarrying and mining and residential areas and residential activities is dealt with at policies 10.6 and 10.6(a). Policy 1.9 To promote sustainable land management practices in the high country to ensure soil conservation, retention of indigenous vegetation and natural values. Policy 1.9 shall be implemented through: Advocacy and liaison with landowners, land users, Environment Canterbury, the Department of Conservation, conservation and recreation groups and other appropriate organisations Active participation in the preparation of Environment Canterbury s Regional Plans, Department of Conservation s Management Strategy, and other relevant plans, so as to seek to promote policy initiatives Establishment and support for landcare groups Regular meetings with high country farmers, Federated Farmers and other farming groups Council acting as advocate in respect of issues of sustainable management in the high country Liaison with Environment Canterbury and the Department of Conservation to identify and protect areas of significant natural vegetation through research initiatives Participation by tangata whenua in the management of the high country Much of the high country includes land managed by the Department of Conservation, or land previously managed under the pastoral leasehold and licence system. Land is now moving into freehold 008 Management strategy Part 1 Last amended 12/06/2012

9 ownership or where the land has conservation values, it will be passed on to the Department of Conservation. The Regional Council also has management responsibilities in the high country, primarily for water and soil conservation. Achieving sustainable land management in the high country will rely on the knowledge and commitment of organisations, private landowners and users of the resource. The sustainable management of the high country will depend largely on good land management practices which can be fostered and promoted by working with farmers and other high country users to ensure the sustainability of the land s natural and physical resources is not undermined. As such, the District Council will liase with and encourage all groups that have an interest in this resource to develop ways of implementing sustainable management. It will also act as an advocate for the sustainable management of the District s high country, before central government, government agencies and Regional Council as issues arise that require national or regional policy initiatives. Policy 1.10 To avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse environmental effects on the District s land and soil resources from forestry activities in the high country. Policy 1.10 shall be implemented through: Co-ordination and liaison with appropriate organisations and individuals Participation by tangata whenua in the management of land and soil resources in the District The promotion of sustainable forestry development and management practices in accordance with the New Zealand Forestry Code of Practice Logging, Industry Research Organisation NZ Code of Practice, FRI guidelines for Control and Management of Wilding Trees in Canterbury High Country to limit soil erosion, prevent damage to existing indigenous habitats and fauna, and to confine the spread of wilding trees Economic instruments (such as bonds) Resource consent processes The promotion of the objectives of the New Zealand Forest Accord The environment of the high country is favourable for the growth of exotic trees, particularly conifer species. Benefits from establishing these forests include soil conservation and preventing erosion, as well as the economic and social benefits to the District. However, exotic forestry has the potential to cause adverse effects, especially from wilding trees, particularly in the Amuri Ranges and the high country. These tend to dominate the habitats they invade and can alter environments to the detriment of existing, often native, flora and fauna. Economic instruments, such as bonds to ensure compliance with standards and good practice, may also be an effective supplementary method. Policy 1.11 To avoid wilding tree spread from new plantings and to promote the establishment and implementation of a wilding tree control programme to contain or eradicate wilding trees in the District. Policy 1.11 shall be implemented through: Last amended 12/06/2012 The use of non-renewable resources 009

10 Advocacy with the Department of Conservation, Environment Canterbury, foresters and landowners/occupiers to adopt planting programmes that reduce the potential for wilding trees to develop and spread in the District Work jointly with Environment Canterbury, the Department of Conservation and landowners/occupiers to identify a strategy and means of implementation to eradicate wilding trees from the Amuri Range within five years of this Plan being approved The processes and responsibilities detailed in the Biosecurity Act to enable management of wilding trees Promotion of the use of guidelines and the use of rules within the Forestry Management Area to minimise the risk of wilding trees In situations where a risk of wilding spread is likely the Council may require as a condition of the consent the removal of wilding trees associated with new tree planting activities. A number of commercial forests have been developed in the Hurunui District by Crown agencies, particularly in the Amuri Ranges. These forests have led to the spread of wilding trees in the District. The spread of wilding trees is having an adverse effect on the landscape and soils. It is recognised that long-term action is required to curb the problem. Circumstances that lead to wilding tree spread vary considerably (for example site topography, micro-climate and surrounding land uses) and wilding prevention is reliant on good forestry management (for example, yearly clearing of any trees on neighbouring properties). The risk of wilding tree spread is greatly reduced where there are surrounding intensive land uses such as high stocking rates, intensive horticulture or urban land uses. The Council has therefore identified a line demarking where the risk of wilding spread is considered greater. This line defines the Forestry Management Area and the District Plan contains rules for controlling the adverse effects associated with wilding tree spread. In other regions of the District, the Council will implement the policy by promoting good planting and maintenance practices among landowners, working with key organisations to advocate wilding prevention, such as by disseminating information like Guidelines for Wilding Prevention by Forest Research. Policy 1.12 To encourage land use practices which avoid or reduce animal and plant pests throughout the District. Policy 1.12 shall be implemented through: Ongoing education and advocacy with landowners/occupiers and relevant groups Advocacy, through the development of regional pest management strategies, to ensure resources are committed to reducing animal and plant pest infestation in the District Identifying areas of weed infestation, the extent, significance and patterns of the problem, and the measures that can be taken to mitigate adverse effects of infestation Participation by tangata whenua in management of land resources in the District 010 Management strategy Part 1 Last amended 12/06/2012

11 The processes and responsibilities detailed in the Biosecurity Act to enable management of animal and plant pests throughout the District The annual plan process to provide resources from time to time to assist in reducing plant and animal pest infestation in the District Publicity and promotion of the Regional Council Biosecurity approaches and requirements District Plan rules to control the farming, keeping and release of species likely to establish feral populations (refer to Rules A7.3 (d) and (f)). Animal and plant pests are an increasing problem within Hurunui District. It is of key importance that their spread does not result in the inefficient use or loss of productive land. For this reason, this policy of encouraging good land use practice which prevents land being lost to pests will be actively promoted by the Council. The policy is intended to complement the role of the Regional Council (which has primary responsibility under the Biosecurity Act 1993), but seeks to ensure that activities on the land, or land management practices, do not result in adverse effects from animal and plant pests. This policy will be achieved through advocacy with landowners, and close liaison with the Regional Council to make sure there is a consistent approach and on-going commitment to managing this problem within the District. Anticipated environmental results The implementation of these policies and methods is anticipated to have the following environmental results: A diverse range of activities undertaken in a manner that is consistent with maintaining the life supporting capacity of soils Minimal loss of the most versatile soils Efficient use of less versatile soils with minimal adverse effects Minimal adverse environmental effects from subdivision and land use activities on the quality and quantity of the District s land resources, particularly in the high country Minimal environmental disturbance from extraction of land resources Restoration of land altered by resource extraction Sustainable land management practices used in the high country Monitoring and review procedures Matter to monitor Information to be gathered Information source Review period Trends in the use, development (including subdivision) and protection of land and soil resources Rural subdivision consents: average lot size in each ward number of new lots in each ward Council resource consent records Annual Last amended 12/06/2012 The use of non-renewable resources 011

12 Matter to monitor Information to be gathered Information source Review period Rural land use consents: type Council resource consent records/field work Annual compliance with conditions Change in type of land use activities Valuation New Zealand records Annual or 5-yearly Changes in contaminated sites: Environment Canterbury Annual additional remedied Changes in land and soil degradation Environment Canterbury Annual or as initiated Any matters arising from management of the high country High country interest groups Annual or as initiated Any matters arising Department of Conservation, Environment Canterbury or any other parties Annual or as initiated Effectiveness of conditions of consents and methods used in controlling adverse effects Complaints and enforcement proceedings Council complaints register Annual Compliance with conditions Council resource consent records/field work Annual Land management plans submitted: Council records (GIS) Annual number area covered Animal and plant pests, including the effectiveness of Council s policy of promoting good practice in controlling the spread of wilding trees (in particular, to determine whether a more regulatory approach is necessary). Change in existing area affected by animal and plant pests, including wilding trees new areas species Environment Canterbury and/or photo surveys: 5-yearly 012 Management strategy Part 1 Last amended 12/06/2012