Hauraki Gulf Islands  review

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Issues and options papers

Definitions

Issue
Definitions set out the meaning of terms and expressions used within a District Plan. The current District Plan is a permissive document that focuses on the built environment and the effects of land use on that environment. Because there are limited restrictions on activities, many activities are not defined within the 'Definitions' section of the Plan. However, some activities, because of their scale, location, intensity, or operational characteristics, may require particular assessment to determine whether they are suitable, or under what circumstances they may be suitable, in certain areas. For example, taverns and rest homes are not included within the 'Definitions' section of the current Plan. However, the nature of these activities may give rise to effects that need to be considered.

Concerns have also been raised about the clarity of the wording for some existing definitions. Unclear wording can lead to difficulties for applicants and for those administering the Plan.

Given the rate of change that is being experienced in parts of the Gulf, there may be a need to define a greater range of activities. In addition, some existing definitions may need to be revised to ensure that their wording is clear, concise and relevant. Some may need to be updated to keep up with changes to legislation, or in terminology or technology.

Since the new District Plan may be the primary statutory document until 2020, there is a need to consider what the relevant issues and considerations may be for that period. For example, activity on Waiheke Island has changed considerably since the current District Plan was notified in 1993. Viticulture and the number of wineries have increased and there has been a significant increase in the development of facilities for visitors.

You may have a better or alternative approach to those outlined below. If so, we would like to hear from you.

• Retain the status quo. The existing definitions would remain in the new District Plan. This approach would ensure that the existing permissive nature of the plan is retained, with the majority of activities remaining permitted and the principal focus of the Plan remaining on the built environment.
• Update some existing definitions to ensure they reflect changes in legislation and current practice. The existing wording could be revised if necessary. Do not add any additional activities into the 'Definitions' section. This approach would also retain the permissive nature of the Plan, yet provide for a more robust definition section.
• A hybrid approach could be adopted. It would involve defining some additional activities in the District Plan and revising the existing definitions to ensure they are worded appropriately and correctly.
• Greater emphasis could be placed on activities that may give rise to effects because of their nature. Criteria and considerations could apply to particular activities throughout the Plan. This approach might change the permissive nature of the existing District Plan. It could still allow for revisiting some definitions to ensure that the wording is clear, concise and relevant.

Note:

While this issue paper can be read in isolation, it is best read in association with the issue papers relating to:

• Human Activity/Natural Environment
• Gross Dwelling Area
• Gross Floor Area
• Residential Development Definitions
• Visitor Facilities
• Multiple Dwellings
• Sustainability