NZ Coastal Policy Statement

The Resource Management Act 1991 established a new coastal management regime based on a partnership between the Crown and the community through their regional and local authorities.

The Act requires that there shall be at all times a New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) to guide local authorities in their day to day management of the coastal environment. Local authorities must give effect to relevant provisions of the NZCPS in planning documents and resource consent authorities must have regard to relevant provisions when considering consent applications.

The Minister of Conservation is responsible for preparing the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, which is to promote the sustainable management of the natural and physical resources of the coastal environment, including land, foreshore, seabed and coastal waters from the high tide mark to the 12 nautical mile limit.

The existing New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement was issued in 1994. It has been reviewed and a proposed NZCPS 2008 has been produced.

Proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2008

New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 1994