Paradise Lost

02 Dec 2010 08:31a.m.

Phillip Baker wrote:

@trout. You are incorrect in saying the RMA specifically allows Territorial Authorities to permit development where demand is demonstrable, and refers to a well balanced approach considering social economic factors. Nowhere does it state this, on the contrary, the RMA is an effects based piece of legislation with an environmental bottom line. I was not having a stab at the RMA, rather my comments were targeted at the overall approach to coastal protection: there is no authority to prevent development and there should be. This is what Raewyn Peart advocates in the video. The RMA as it stands is not designed to say NO to coastal development unless it is given prohibited activity status, which is highly unlikely and this would only be set by district plans not national or regional coastal policy. Current national and regional coastal RMA policy has never had enough clout as it seems there is always endless litigation which ultimately determinines where the buck stops. It always seems to go back to what the District Plan allows by developers 'proving' effects on the environment are minor and are mitigated. This is because of enabling appeal rights. A planning authority that decided yes or no to coastal development without appeal rights is what we need, or new legislation that could identify special areas like the Waitakere Ranges Act that prevents future subdivision on the foothills. You are wrong in drawing a paralell with Te Arai and preventing growth near developed areas: it is a spot development on pristine coast. With much subdiviison provided for in Mangawai, this is where development should be targeted in line with this arguement. Having travelled to 12 foreign coastlines this year I have seen what coastal sprawl is and the amenities harm that it causes. Currently I am in California and when I talk to my friends here about the unspoiled regions of New Zealand's coastline they can only wish and dream of how lucky we are (to date that is) in Aotearoa.

09 Oct 2010 09:52a.m.

atrout wrote:

@Phillip Baker. Your statement that drawing the line at "NO development, good or bad." Is not only a logical nonsense but does not fit with the RMA which specifically allows Territorial Authorities to permit development where demand is demonstrable. This does not mean open slather by any means but a logical, gradual and 'well consulted" process to respond to social and economic pressures to develop. Unfortunately some Council Planners are interpreting their mandate to limit or exclude development from coastal areas. These personal biases work against the better interests of the environment and local communities. It drives property prices upward through diminished housing and property stock and favors the very wealthy who can afford coastal lifestyles at the expense of the less well off. Creating no grow zones in proximity to developed areas is out of step with regions such as Northern Europe where a pristene natural environment is possible alongside well planned residential and commercial communities. Travel a bit Phillip and see what can be done with a bit of thought and care. Another thought- if sea levels are rise dramatically in your lifetime then is there a case for banning all development in threatened areas or is it more logical to allow substantial development at the property owners' risk, banning only noxious waterbourn discharges? To ban is to create arbitrary criteria for land use where conditional use implies that everyone knows the risks and are prepared to lose or gain from informed decisions. Better to trust people's better judgement than to leap in and ban everything. With the RMA as it is development is well critiqued, slow enough and expensive enough to only allow developers with expensive lawyers to succeed. Everyone else can only pay to visit special areas.

05 Oct 2010 06:37p.m.

Shark Diver NZ wrote:

I expect to see a lot more about the Great White sharks in particular in the news as we head into this summer. I firmly believe we will have more sightings this year than we had last year, due to the females coming into the shallows to have thier pups. Learn more about the Great White sharks and see them for the beauty they have where they belong in our aquatic realm. http://www.diveplanet.co.nz/sharkdivenz/executive.asp
Research them and learn about them, http://www.diveplanet.co.nz/dplfoxgwresearch/index.asp