We are getting lots of questions about what will happen to the Tasman Environment Plan (TEP) now the Government has introduced new legislation that will require Tasman and Nelson to produce a single plan. In short:
Read more about the changes here.
Tasman District Council currently has two key resource management documents, the Tasman Regional Policy Statement (TRPS) and the Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP - which includes our district, regional and regional coastal plans). Together, they provide a blueprint for where and how our communities will grow and how we manage natural resources. They do this by setting some rules and environmental bottom lines that affect people and businesses on a regular basis.
Creating the modern plan to replace the TRPS and TRMP is a big opportunity for Tasman. Through quality policies, we can plan for sustainable development, build greater resilience in the face of a changing climate and natural hazards, enable livelihoods, turn around biodiversity loss, retain productive rural land, and protect and restore waterways.
Council will work closely with iwi partners, stakeholders, and our communities to make sure the new Tasman Environment Plan provides for quality development in appropriate places, while protecting and restoring our land, air, and water ki uta ki tai (from the mountains to the sea).
This is a multi-year journey, and we will provide opportunities along the way for community input.
Visit Shape Tasman(external link)
Be involved with the Tasman Environment Plan process on Shape Tasman. This is where you can keep up to date with progress, take part in any current or upcoming engagement, explore feedback received to date, and also sign up for our regular update newsletter.
You can also email any queries on the Tasman Environment Plan or process to environmentplan@tasman.govt.nz.
We want to make sure that our planning documents are current and reflect the environmental outcomes that are important to the Tasman community. We are facing some significant challenges:
We also have a legislative obligation to review our plans and recent amendments to the RMA require changes to the format of planning documents, including a requirement for an ePlan (digital plan).
The iwi of Te Tau Ihu, as tāngata whenua, have a unique relationship with Tasman District Council. There are a number of legislative requirements which oblige us to engage more collaboratively with iwi and Māori - including provisions in the Resource Management Act, Local Government Act and Treaty of Waitangi settlement legislation.
The Tasman Environment Plan review includes a wide range of planning issues of interest to iwi and Māori. We are committed to growing our partnership with the iwi of Te Tau Ihu through sharing information, consultation processes, receiving feedback and active collaboration during the review process. To support this kaupapa, we will be working closely with representatives of the iwi of Te Tau Ihu through the Tasman Environmental Policy Iwi Working Group (the IWG). The IWG includes representatives from the following organisations:
For more information please contact Barry Johnson.
Over 2019 and 2020 Council staff evaluated the objectives and policies of the Tasman Regional Policy Statement (TRPS) and Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP). The purpose of this review was to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of the provisions contained within these plans. It helps us understand if the TRPS and TRMP provisions are doing what they’re meant to do.
This evaluation process is a fundamental step in the policy review cycle and a requirement of the Resource Management Act 1991. It informs good quality plan-making and helps maintain confidence and integrity in the process. The results of this evaluation will inform the review of the TRPS and TRMP.
View the summarised evaluation reports:
Alternatively, view the full reports:
In 2020, locals shared their experiences and views on Tasman’s environmental and development issues and opportunities with us. We collected feedback through our website, phone conversations, meetings, emails, and community based events. Council then processed all the feedback received and further investigated issues and opportunities.
The issues and options reports below outline specific issues or opportunities in our district, investigate potential options and define the recommended options to address the issues or opportunities. The feedback and direction received on the potential options will inform development of the Draft Aorere ki uta Aorere ki tai – Tasman Environment Plan. Further issues and options report covering mainly natural resources topics will be added to our website mid-2023.
2021-06-24 Issues and Options final report - Coastal.pdf (pdf 756 KB)
22-10-00 Issues and Options Paper -Towns & Villages FINAL .pdf (pdf 11 MB)
2022-04-06 Issues and Options Paper Urban-General FINAL.pdf (pdf 1.5 MB)
2021-08-17 Issues and Options Paper - Signage FINAL.pdf (pdf 815 KB)
2021-08-17 Issues and Options Paper - Light FINAL.pdf (pdf 742 KB)
2021-06-23 Issues & Options Report Landscapes FINAL.pdf (pdf 755 KB)
2021-08-13 Issues and Options Paper - Historic Heritage FINAL.pdf (pdf 671 KB)
2021-08-13 Issues and Options Paper - Notable Trees FINAL.pdf (pdf 565 KB)
Issues and Options Report - Coastal Tasman Area and Rural 3 Zone FINAL.pdf (pdf 1.8 MB)
Transportation Issues and Options FINAL.pdf (pdf 1.4 MB)
Rural Environment - Issues and Options Report FINAL.pdf (pdf 717 KB)
2021 Issues and Options Report - Significant Regional Issues.pdf (pdf 678 KB)
Tasman District's two operative resource management documents are:
These documents are prepared under the Resource Management Act 1991 and set out a comprehensive approach to the sustainable management of natural and physical resources in order to provide for the social, economic and cultual wellbeing of our current and future communities. The TRPS was made operative in 2001 and the TRMP from 2008.
The planning rules in the TRMP will remain the operative rules until there have been decisions issued on submissions on the new Tasman Environment Plan. There is a specific statutory process for determining the status of the rules during the development of the Plan - so we recommend you check this website for updates or speak to a duty planner or the policy team at Council if you are in any doubt.
We expect the current TRMP rules to apply to all developments and resource consent applications until at least 2024.
