Coastal policy statement reviewer named

Cabinet has confirmed Dr Johanna Rosier as the independent reviewer of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, Conservation Minister Chris Carter announced today.

The Coast Policy Statement acts as a guide to local authorities in their day-to-day management of the coastal environment in preparing plans and considering resource consent applications. It is a mandatory policy statement under the Resource Management Act.

The existing policy statement was gazetted in 1994 and is due to be reviewed.

Dr Rosier is a senior lecturer at the School of Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University, and holds a doctorate in environmental planning from Queensland University. She has also been involved in the preparation of the Wellington Regional Coastal Plan.

"Dr Rosier’s mix of solid academic expertise coupled with her knowledge of coastal legislation makes her an ideal choice as reviewer," Mr Carter said.

“New Zealanders place a very high value on the coast, and on public access to our beaches. This Coastal Policy Statement will be a key mechanism in protecting those values.”

The review will start on 3 February 2003 and run until 30 November 2003. Afterwards, the Conservation Minister will get a report recommending whether the policy statement should be amended through a formal process involving extensive public consultation.

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