In the coastal marine area (CMA), wetlands and estuaries are the meeting place of terrestrial and marine environments. They act as a buffer zone, protecting coastlines from erosion and filtering contaminants from upstream land use. Wetlands in the CMA are currently managed by the wetland provisions in the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020 (NES-F) and coastal plan rules developed under the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.
In the coastal marine area (CMA), wetlands and estuaries are the meeting place of terrestrial and marine environments. They act as a buffer zone, protecting coastlines from erosion and filtering contaminants from upstream land use. Wetlands in the CMA are currently managed by the wetland provisions in the Resource Management (National Environmental Standards for Freshwater) Regulations 2020 (NES-F) and coastal plan rules developed under the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement.
However, several issues with the application of the NES-F to wetlands within the CMA have become apparent.
- The physical extent of where the NES-F applies within the CMA is undefined.
- The risks to wetlands in the CMA are different from risks to inland wetlands.
- The overlap of the NES-F and coastal plans has led to unintended duplication and conflict.
To address these issues, we are consulting on options to retain or amend the application of the NES-F wetland provisions in the CMA. We want New Zealanders to share their views on how our wetlands in the CMA should be managed, on whether the current management system is meeting expectations, and on what more could be done to ensure a better future for our wetlands in the CMA.
Consultation closes on 21 September 2022.