Summary of key issues with the current District Plan

As a result of the review of current policies and rules specific to sites and areas of cultural significance, the following issues with the current District Plan have been identified:

• Outdated definition of wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga
• Very limited rules as current District Plan focuses only on management of earthworks and the accidental discovery of artefacts as the tool to protect sites and areas of cultural significance.
• Traditional approach to how sites and areas of cultural significance are identified and protected ie similar to archeological or heritage sites, which overlooks cultural considerations.
• The following potential risks/threats to wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga identified by local Rūnanga are not presently provided for in the current District Plan:
• contaminated land
• subdivision
• vegetation removal and clearance
• disturbance of wetlands, riparian margins and waipuna
• restrictions on access
• structures, utilities and roads
• intensive farming and heavy industry
• commercial forestry
• commercial recreation and tourism.