Coastal resource management in New Zealand : a case study : the Whakatane District coastal resource : its management, control, planning and implications for its future use

Abstract

Coastal resource management in New Zealand is accompanied by complex legislation, a multiplicity of authorities who have jurisdiction over the coastal zone, competing resource uses and a unique yet finite, natural resource.

This thesis examines the Whakatane District Coastal Zone in terms of the public agencies involved in resource administration, the inherent nature of the coastal resource and the current uses applied to the resource in pursuit of the following 'aims: (i) Identifying both resource based problems, such as conflicts among competing uses and organisational problems such as insufficient data and a general lack of adequate information on which to base sound decisions. (ii) Recommending appropriate solutions to the problems in the context of current and anticipated impacts of particular resource uses on the environment.

The recommendations are contained in the form of policies derived for particular resource uses and for the maintenance of important environmental parameters such as water quality.

The section on regional planning deals with appropriate levels of coastal resource planning within existing legislation and with an adequate background of data and tools for implementation.

Appropriate legislation and agencies currently exist for comprehensive coastal zone management and planning at the district level. All that is needed now is commitment and innovation by the Whakatane District Council and a high degree of public involvement in managing what is essentially a public resource.