Application 124771 - Ministry of Fisheries

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(b) to use the resources of the Gulf …for economic activities and recreation…and
(c) to maintain the…water and ecosystems of the Gulf”.
It is considered that the application is consistent with these directives.
7.6 Section 8 identifies management objectives. These relate to a range of environmental,
Maori and community matters, all of which have been addressed in this application. The
protection of kaimoana is one objective, and based on the assessments referred to in this
AEE, there will be no adverse effects on this resource as a result of the application. Subsection
(e) states:
“the maintenance and, where appropriate, the enhancement of the contribution of
the …physical resources of the Hauraki Gulf…to the social and economic well-being
of the people and communities of the Hauraki Gulf and New Zealand”.
Marine farming provides an opportunity to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of
people and communities of the Hauraki Gulf (as discussed in section 4 above).
7.7 It is considered that this application for a one hectare extension is consistent with the
directions of this NZCPS, and with the work being undertaken by the Hauraki Gulf Forum.
Operative Regional Policy Statement
7.8 The operative Regional Policy Statement (2007) includes a section on coastal
management in section 3.5. In particular:
Objective 3.5.4 refers to the preservation of natural character, which is a matter of
national importance in s6(a) of the RMA. This objective is implemented in particular
through policies on protection of significant areas, recognition of coastal processes
and adoption of a precautionary approach.
Objective 3.5.5 addresses coastal water quality and includes one policy on
maintaining and enhancing water quality.
Objective 3.5.6 covers integrated management and is implemented by policies on
consistent management approaches by different agencies and recognition of Tangata
Whenua interests.
Objective 3.5.7 and its related policy cover the maintenance and enhancement of
public access
Objective 3.5.8 and its related policy address excessive noise emissions
7.9 The proposed area that is the subject of this application is consistent with the above
policy directives. The area is in a locality where marine farming is already being
undertaken and the additional impact on natural character of the additional 1 ha area
would be negligible. Marine faming requires high quality water quality in order to meet
food and health standards. The activity within the area being applied for would not
degrade existing water quality. The need for integrated management is recognised and
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