Outstanding Natural Landscapes (ONLs), Outstanding Natural Features (ONFs), and Significant Amenity Landscapes (SALs) have been identified in SCHED4-NFL - Schedule of Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes, and Significant Amenity Landscapes, and are shown on the planning map overlays.
ONLs are the broad scale landscape features in the district that are outstanding in the context of the South Waikato's landscapes. ONFs are features that are also outstanding, but which involve a much smaller geographical area. SALs are landscape areas which are not outstanding but still have high amenity values.
The standards stated in NFL-R5(1) and (2) impose controls that apply only to the areas identified as ONLs, ONFs and SALs in SCHED4-NFL with overlays. The standards stated in NFL-R5(1) and (2) are in addition to the standards of the GRUZ and RLZ (whichever is relevant to the particular location).
The purpose of the standards is to manage the extent of development within the identified landscape areas to protect the outstanding landscape values present (ONLs and ONFs), and to maintain amenity values within the SALs. The standards have been formulated in response to the forms of development that could have an adverse impact on the landscape values, whilst also recognising the predominant forestry and farming land-uses, and the existing hydroelectric power generation and electricity transmission activities within some areas.
The potential ‘threats’ to the identified outstanding landscape areas and features, (which might constitute the ‘inappropriate subdivision, use and development’ referred to in section 6(b) of the RMA), are relatively moderate given the limited growth pressures the district faces, and the predominant plantation forestry and farming activities. Standards to manage the scale of buildings and avoid extensive earthworks and landform modifications are included in the rule framework within NFL-R5 to address these matters.
The Built Heritage Inventory (SCHED1-HH) and Cultural Heritage Site Inventory (SCHED2-CH) contain several heritage items that are related to areas also recognised as having outstanding or significant landscape values. These are the Okoroire Hot Springs Hotel and staff accommodation (within NF2 in SCHED4-NFL(a) -Natural Features), Hatupatu’s Rock (SCHED2-CH 1), and the Eastern Tram Tunnels (HH-28C) within NL8 in SCHED4-NFL(b) – Natural Landscapes.
Conservation land administered by the Department of Conservation is located primarily within the GRUZ. Provisions relating to landscape values are used to manage the significant values that exist, both within the conservation estate, and within private land.
To provide for the protection of outstanding landscape values, and to conserve the cultural and heritage values of sites, while enabling primary production and other activities in a rural location
To recognise the outstanding natural features and landscapes in the district and protect the landscape values within these areas from inappropriate subdivision, use and development
To maintain and enhance amenity values within outstanding natural landscapes and features, and significant amenity landscapes.
To recognise and provide for the relationship Raukawa and the Te Arawa River Iwi as Tangata Whenua have with the landscapes of the district.
To safeguard the significant landscape and natural values of the Waikato River and its margins while enabling existing rural land-uses and electricity generating infrastructure and electricity transmission and distribution lines.
To safeguard the significant landscape and natural values associated with the high quality water resources of Te Waihou River and its tributaries.
Promote land management practices that are consistent with the productive capabilities of the soil/resource, and the protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes.
The effects on the cultural and spiritual relationships of Raukawa and the Te Arawa River Iwi as Tangata Whenua with the outstanding natural features and landscapes identified, in the district, shall be recognised and provided for in considering resource consent applications for subdivision, use, and development.
To implement the Objectives of the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River by managing subdivision and land-use within areas with natural values and located within the River catchment in a way that restores and protects the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River, by identifying the Waikato River as an Outstanding Natural Landscape
Enable the Department of Conservation to manage public conservation lands under the Conservation Act 1987, without a duplicated regime of district plan provisions applying to those areas.
R1-PER activities – all zones |
Subject to |
(1) Any PER activity within the Outstanding Natural Features or the Outstanding Natural Landscape areas identified inSCHED4-NFL. |
(a) NFL-R5(1) (b) NFL-R6 |
(2) Any PER activity within the Significant Amenity Landscape areas identified in SCHED4-NFL. |
(a) NFL-R5(2) (b) NFL-R6 |
R2-CON activities – all zones |
Subject to |
(1) Any CON activity within the Outstanding Natural Features, or the Outstanding Natural Landscape areas identified in SCHED4-NFL. |
(a) NFL-R5(1) (b) NFL-R6 Matters of control (a) The extent to which the activity reduces or impacts on the qualities, values, or characteristics that have determined the locations and status as an ONFL or SAL. (b) The extent to which additional buildings on site may cause adverse effects on the identified landscape. (c) The extent to which the siting, orientation, design, and bulk of buildings and materials used for their construction, integrate the building into the surrounding natural environment. (d) The extent to which the scale and location of earthworks associated with roads, vehicular access tracks, and building sites, or recontouring detracts from the values and character of the landscape. (e) The extent to which the cut and fill has been minimised and the final contours can be re-vegetated. (f) The extent to which earthworks maintain the existing landform profile and align to the contour. (g) Any effect on outstanding landscapes identified by the plan or other places of special value to present and future generations. (h) NFL-R6 |
(2) Any CON activity within the Significant Amenity Landscape areas identified inSCHED4-NFL. |
NFL-R5(2) and NFL-R6 Matters of Control (a) The extent to which the activity reduces or impacts on the qualities, values, or characteristics that have determined the locations and status as an ONFL or SAL. (b) The extent to which additional buildings on site may cause adverse effects on the identified landscape. (c) The extent to which the siting, orientation, design, and bulk of buildings and materials used for their construction, integrate the building into the surrounding natural environment. (d) The extent to which the scale and location of earthworks associated with roads, vehicular access tracks, and building sites, or recontouring detracts from the values and character of the landscape. (e) The extent to which the cut and fill has been minimised and the final contours can be re-vegetated. (f) The extent to which earthworks maintain the existing landform profile and align to the contour. (g) Any effect on significant amenity landscapes identified by the plan or other places of special value to present and future generations. |
R3-RDIS activities |
Subject to |
(1) Any PER or CON activity failing to comply with one or more standards |
Matters of discretion (a) Council has restricted its discretion over the matters relating to the effect of allowing non-compliance with the standard(s) which the proposal has failed to meet. Conditions may be imposed to avoid, remedy, or mitigate the effects of non-compliance. (b) For CON activities those matters of control which relate to that type of CON activity (c) Matters of control for R2(1)(a) to (g) (d) NFL-R6 |
R4-DIS activities |
Subject to |
(1) Any DIS activity within the Outstanding Natural Features, or the Outstanding Natural Landscape areas identified in SCHED4-NFL. |
Matters of discretion (a) NFL-R5(1) to be used as a guide (b) AA-R4 (c) NFL-R6 as a guide |
(2) Any DIS activity within the Significant Amenity Landscape areas identified in SCHED4-NFL. |
(a) NFL-R5(2) to be used as a guide (b) AA- R4 (c) NFL-R6 as a guide |
R5-NC activities |
Subject to |
(1) Any NC activity within the Outstanding Natural Features, or the Outstanding Natural Landscape areas identified in SCHED4-NFL. |
RMA provisions |
(2) Any NC activity within the Significant Amenity Landscape areas identified in SCHED4-NFL. |
(1) Activities within an Outstanding Natural Feature or an Outstanding Natural Landscape Area
(a) Structures must not:
(i) Exceed 8m in height; or for electricity poles exceed 20m in height,
(ii) exceed 250m2 in area, and
(iii) cladding materials and paint colours on all structures shall not exceed a reflectivity value of 40% when applying British Standard 5252:1976. Roof cladding shall be a minimum of 5% darker than the walls and other vertical claddings.
(b) Refer to EW-R2(4)
(2) Activities within a Significant Amenity Landscape Area
(1) Buildings must not:
(i) exceed 8 metres in height; or for electricity poles exceed 12m in height
(ii) exceed 350m2 in area; and
(iii) cladding materials and paint colours on all buildings shall not exceed a reflectivity value of 40% when applying British Standard 5252:1976. Roof cladding shall be a minimum of 5% darker than the walls and other vertical claddings.
(2) Refer to EW-R2(5)
The following may also be relevant:
(1) Section 7.1 Energy, 7.2 Infrastructure, 7.3 Transportation
(2) Section 8.1 Contaminated Land,8.2 Hazardous Substances, 8.3 Natural Hazards
(3) Section 9.1 Historic Heritage, 9.2 Sites and Areas of Significance to Māori
(4) Section 10.1 Ecosystems and Indigenous Biodiversity, 10.2 Natural Character, 10.4 Public Access
(5) Chapter 11 Subdivision
(6) Section 12.1 All Activities
(7) Section 12.2 Activities on the Surface of Water, 12.3 Air Emissions, 12.4 Earthworks, 12.6 Light, 12.7 Noise, 12.8 Signs, 12.9 Temporary Activities
(8) Part 3- Any relevant zone or overlay
Council will collaborate with the Department of Conservation to protect and enhance the landscape values located within the conservation estate, pursuant to statutory protection under the Conservation Act 1987.
That the adverse effects of earthworks and of new buildings, are managed to avoid, remedy or mitigate their impact upon the landscape values that have been identified as being outstanding or significant in the district, except where earthworks and structures are necessary within the SPZ-ELG for the purposes of providing, maintaining or operating strategic transport infrastructure, or for the management and harvesting of an existing plantation forest.
Rules are included to manage activities and land-uses that may adversely affect the landscape attributes within these landscape areas and features.
Some regulatory methods are considered necessary to protect outstanding natural features and landscapes, and significant amenity landscapes. Council has sought to apply a set of rules that enable development and land-use change to occur, but in a manner that protects the identified landscape values of particular areas. In this context, protection does not mean that no development or land-use change will occur, but rather those particular activities such as clearance of vegetation, modification of the landform, and the scale of buildings and structures, that are likely to detrimentally affect landscape attributes need to be managed.
(As shown on planning maps)
Site ID |
Name |
Location |
Map Reference |
Cross Reference |
NF1 |
Waihou River Blue Springs |
Whites Road, SH 28, Putaruru |
Map 4 |
|
NF2 |
Okoroire Hot Springs |
Somerville Road, Okoroire, Tīrau |
Map 2 |
|
NF3 |
Jones’ Landing Ignimbrite Cliffs |
Jones Landing Road, Arapuni |
Map 6 |
|
NF4 |
Rhyolitic Domes |
Atiamuri |
Map 13, 14 |
|
NF6 |
Lake Road Wetland |
Lichfield |
Map 7 |
|
NF7 |
Waihou River Wetland |
Leslie Road, Putaruru |
Map 4 |
|
NF9 |
Fitzgerald Glade – Tukorehe Scenic Reserve |
SH5 |
Map 4 |
|
Site Id |
Name |
Location (Legal Description) |
Map Reference |
Cross Reference |
NL1 |
Arapuni Dam (section of Waikato River) |
Arapuni Rd, Arapuni Pt of Lot 1 DP 313236 |
Map 3
|
|
NL2 |
Arapuni Walkway and Lake Arapuni (section of Waikato River)
|
Secs 1, 3 and 4 SO 326129, Lot 2 DP 434079, Lot 1 DPS 89582, Lot 1 DP 313236
|
Map 3, 6 |
|
NL3 |
Waipapa Dam Gorge (section of Waikato River) |
Pt of Lot 1 DPS 89582 |
Maps 6, 9 |
|
NL4 |
Lake Waipapa (section of Waikato River) |
Lot 1 DPS 89582, Sec 1 SO 326126, Lot 4 DP 411958
|
Maps 9, 12 |
|
NL5 |
Lake Whakamaru and Whakamaru Gorge (section of Waikato River) |
Sec 1 SO 326120, Pt Whakamaru Maungaiti, Sec 6 SO 60573, Lot 5 DP 399187, Lot 2 DP 324603, Lot 2 DP 324603 |
Maps 13, 15, 16 |
|
NL6 |
Matahana Basin Rim |
Section 1 SO 60421, Lot 2 DPS 62530 |
Map 11 |
|
NL7 |
Mokaihaha and its Corridors |
Section 9 SO 430972, Lot 9 DP 430239, Section 1 SO 60422, Lot 1 DPS 62530, Section 2 SO 60432, Lot 1 DP 421248, Lot 3 DP 428183, Lot 2 DP 428183, Lot 1 DP 428183, Part Section 106 Block VII Patetere North East SD |
Map 7, 8, 10, 11 |
|
NL8 |
Waihou River Headwaters |
Lot 2 DPS 88269, Lot 1 DPS 88269 |
Map 4 |
|
NL9 |
Mamaku Corridor |
Section 1 SO 437149, Section 2 SO 437149, Section 3 SO 437149, Section 50 Block X Patetere North East SD, Lot 2 DPS 92048, Lot 2 DPS 68219, Lot 1 DPS 92048, Part Whaiti Kuranui 2C Block, Lot 8 DP 372421, Part Section 47 Block IV Patetere North East SD, Part Section 49 Block IV Patetere North East SD, Lot 3 DPS 85780, Lot 5 DP 414173, Lot 8 DP 414173, Lot 5 DP 414173, Lot 10 DP 414173, Part Whaiti Kuranui 2C East Block, Lot 2 DP 543307, Part Whaiti Kuranui 2E2No4B Block, Part Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No18B Block, Part Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No19C2 Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No19B Block, Lot 3 DPS 9273, Lot 4 DPS 9273, Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No9D Block, Part Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No9C Block, Part Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No7 Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D4 Section 3B Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D4 Section 4B Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D1A and 2D1B Section 2 Block, Part Whaiti Kuranui 2D2 (Roadway) Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D2M2 Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D2W Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D2P Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D2R Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No14 Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No15A Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No15B Block, Whaiti Kuranui 2D4No16 Block, Part Whaiti Kuranui 2C East Block, Lot 5 DP 414173, Lot 8 DP 372421, Part Whaiti Kuranui 4A Block,, Lot 1 DPS 24566, Part Whaiti Kuranui 5B Block, Part Whaiti Kuranui 5D2 Block, Whaiti Kuranui 5C2 Block |
Maps 2, 4, 5 |
|
NL10 |
Lake Karapiro (section of Waikato River) |
Secs 1, 3 and 4 SO 326117, Pt Sec 1 DP 12694, Pts Lot 22 DP 3076, Lot 5 DP 429966, Secs 2 and 15 Block VIII Maungatautari SD, Lot 2 DPS 27689, Lot 4 DPS 89111 |
Map 1, 3
|
|
NL11 |
Lake Maraetai (section of Waikato River) |
Lot 1 DPS 89539, Secs 1 and 2 SO 326125, Lot 4 DP 411958, Lots 1, 3, 4 and 6 DP 428181, Sec 1 SO 424510
|
Maps 12, 13, 15 |
|
Legal descriptions are of sites within the NL and are subject to change.
(As shown on planning maps)
Site ID |
Name |
Location (Legal Description) |
Map Reference |
Cross Reference |
AL1 |
Pokaiwhenua Stream |
Horahora Road – Arapuni Road, Arapuni |
Map 3 |
|
AL2 |
Waihou River Walkways |
Whites Road – Yandle Road, Putaruru |
Map 4 |
|
AL3 |
Okoroire Precinct |
Okoroire |
Map 2 |
|
AL4 |
Arahiwi section of Ngatira Railway |
Ngatira Road, Lichfiled |
Maps 7, 8 |
|
AL5 |
Lake Moananui |
Maraerai Road, SH32, Tokoroa |
Map 10 |
|
AL6 |
Jim Barnett Reserve |
Waotu South Road, Waotu |
Map 6 |
|
NB – The important values of each of the above areas and features, and their ranking against seven assessment criteria, are detailed in the South Waikato District Landscape Assessment, completed by Isthmus Consultants in August 2012.