The management and administration of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary

Abstract

The effectiveness of the management and planning systems in resolving or ameliorating the problems and conflicts related to the Avon-Heathcote Estuary is investigated and several management and administrative options are considered.

Previous research is used in conjunction with numerous interviews with people involved in the administration and management of the estuary, to describe its key features, its resource value and resource use conflicts. Resource use conflicts are identified as relating to shoreline modification, water quality and problems associated with recreational activities.

Existing policy related to the estuary under the seven principal acts affecting it is identified and evaluated together with administrative and management practices. Comment is made on the effectiveness with which the resource is managed and with which the problems are resolved or ameliorated.

Several options for the management and administration of the estuary and their implications are considered. These include: to continue as at present (the status quo option), to establish a maritime planning authority, and to establish a reserve or sanctuary. The option submitted as being most relevant to the administrative and management needs of the estuary is the use of existing controls but with the inclusion of an informal management plan and a range of incremental changes. This option is not optimal and has disadvantages which are discussed, but is considered the most appropriate when the scale and type of problems affecting the estuary are taken into account.