1. Introduction

1.1    Purpose

The NPSET requires local authorities to give effect to its provisions in plans made under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) by initiating a plan change or review within four years of its approval: that is, by 10 April 2012. Over this period it is expected that many of the first generation of regional policy statements and regional and district plans prepared under the RMA will be reviewed. Indeed, a number of local authorities are already well advanced in developing or notifying their second-generation plans.

1.2    Focus and approach

This guidance recognises the differing circumstances of local authorities around New Zealand, particularly in relation to the nature of their existing regional and district policies and provisions, and current trends in policy-making at the regional and district levels.

At a regional level, although this framework focuses on responses made through the regional policy statement, regional plans are also expected to give effect to the NPSET where they have direct application to transmission activities, such as in regard to earthworks, air quality and activities in the coastal marine area.

The guidance has been designed so local authorities can adapt rather than adopt the examples provided to suit the particular format and structure of their planning instruments, or as part of addressing the specific resource management issues of their region or district.

1.3    Key messages

Following is a summary of the key messages of this guidance.

• The NPSET requires a proactive response to give effect to its objective and policies.
• The NPSET imposes obligations on both Transpower New Zealand Limited (Transpower) and local authorities.
• In developing regional and district policies in response to the NPSET, early consultation with Transpower is encouraged, particularly in relation to Transpower’s development planning for that particular region or district.
• Conversely, Transpower will need to work with councils to provide relevant information in policy development and resource consent process.

1.4    Other associated documents

Figure 1 below shows the relationship between the NPSET, the National Environmental Standard for Electricity Transmission Activities and the associated guidance documents.

Figure 1: Relationship of this guidance with other associated documents

 

This diagram illustrates the relationship of this guidance document with other associated documents.

1.4.1   National Environmental Standard for Electricity Transmission Activities

The National Environmental Standard for Electricity Transmission Activities (NESTA) will provide national consistency in how electricity transmission activities are managed, thereby helping councils to implement the NPSET. The Ministry for the Environment will prepare detailed guidance on the NESTA for councils and the public.

1.4.2   Further Guidance on Risks of Development near High-voltage Transmission Lines

This guidance has been developed by Transpower New Zealand Ltd to provide further information on the risks of development and activities on the transmission network. The information is intended to help in the preparation of the section 32 evaluation with respect to implementing NPSET Policies 10 and 11.

1.4.3   Technical Information on Electricity Transmission

This guidance will provide information on the technical aspects of electricity transmission, particularly the form and function of the national grid and the issues associated with planning for its long-term development, as well as ongoing maintenance and upgrading requirements. For example, information will be provided on common operational and maintenance activities (including the constraints involved), such as the hows and whys of raising tower heights. This detailed guidance will be released as part of the guidance package for the NESTA. In the meantime, a glossary of relevant terms used in the NPSET has been prepared, and can be found under ‘Terminology’ on page 5 of this guidance.

1.5    Structure

This guidance is structured as follows.