Response of regional councils to the role of allocating coastal space for marine farming

Abstract

Analysis of the regional coastal plans of five regional councils and one unitary authority indicated that variation exists in the policy approaches developed and implemented to manage the adverse effects of regional marine farming activities. International literature suggests that when a flexible management regime such as that of the New Zealand Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA91) is employed decision-makers may be inclined to interpret the provisions of the law to meet the specific needs and desires of their region. It has been noted internationally that regions suffering financial stress, high unemployment and low economic productivity are likely to favour the development of industries like marine farming over any environmental concern. Regional characteristics shown to be of importance in influencing policy development are not limited to environmental concerns. Other regional characteristics of importance include, the statutory processes; the economic value of the activity concerned; and, strong industry-political connections. To assess the occurrence of such trends in New Zealand I have analysed the relevant resource management documents of six regional councils that vary widely in their locality, economic productivity, employment and population levels, and the pressure exerted by the marine farming industry of their respective coastal resources (principally space). This thesis indicates that in the New Zealand situation policy development is influenced by council philosophy, pre-RMA controls, stage of policy development, council philosophy, level of knowledge, and regional finances, but it is harder to determine the degree of influence exerted by regional socio-economic characteristics or the extent of the activity. It is also clear from the analysis that there is no hard and fast rule or model for predicting how or what regional characteristic or combination of characteristics will influence the policy of any particular region. Other factors that may play a role include, the type of industry involved; the biophysical conditions of each region; and, the personal philosophies of the policy- and decision-makers involved. Consideration of these characteristics extends beyond the scope of this thesis. Further, regional interpretation of the RMA91 was anticipated in the development of the legislation and is common to many regional councils, but remains consistent with the intent of the RMA91. Although some issues were identified with regard to the development and content of some regional policies no council can conclusively be said to interpret the RMA91 in a manner that tends to the promotion of the industry in their region for whatever purpose.