Proposed Natural Resources Plan Notified and Open for Submissions

The Proposed Natural Resources Plan for the Wellington Region was today notified and made available for formal submissions.

The Plan is the result of five years of collaboration and consultation across the Wellington Region and the development process has set the standard for collaboration between Council and mana whenua.

Te Waari Carkeek, Co-chair of Te Upoko Taiao - Natural Resource Management Committee which oversaw the development of the plan says the document is the most valuable tool the region has when it comes to protecting the local environment.

“The purpose of this document is to promote the sustainable management of natural resources in our region. It identifies all the things we value in our region including cultural, natural and physical resources and sets out how we want them to be managed and preserved into the future. It has taken thousands of hours to prepare and is the result of a huge collective effort right across the region.

“While everyone may not agree with all aspects of the plan they can be assured we have made a massive effort to ensure all views have been considered and balanced against other interests. The Section 32 Reports which are also provided will help you to understand how objectives, policies, and methods in the plan were considered and evaluated.From now until 5pm 25 September people have a last chance to have their say and be involved before the Proposed Plan is adopted and becomes operative.”

The process to develop the plan, specifically the establishment of Te Upoko Taiao Committee and involvement of Te Ara Tahi (the Council’s iwi leadership forum) has received national recognition and interest from other local authorities throughout New Zealand.

The 500 plus page Plan and Section 32 Reports which outline the decision-making processes, are available for viewing on Greater Wellington Regional Council’s website, or call 04 384 5708 for a USB copy. Hard copies of the plan are available from the Wellington and Masterton Regional Council Offices.

ENDS

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