Preserving our districts natural features and character

Hastings District has many outstanding natural features which need special protection to ensure they’re preserved for the future. Council is seeking feedback from the community on which features require ongoing protection and how we can do this?

The Natural Areas discussion document looks at a number of issues involving the future management of the district’s outstanding and significant features. It also looks at the management of the land surrounding rivers and lakes, the region’s indigenous vegetation and the character of our coastal areas.

The document poses a number of questions for your feedback:

Are the landmarks which have already been identified as vital to our future being given enough protection?

Should we be doing more to control the use of land surrounding our rivers and streams?
Are there other stands of indigenous vegetation that should be included in a protection plan?

Many of the districts landmarks, including the iconic Te Mata Peak, Cape Kidnappers, the Tukituki Valley and Ocean Beach along with areas of indigenous vegetation are likely to come under increasing pressure as our population increases and urban areas expand.

District Plan Working Party chair Cr Mick Lester says “Council is planning for a sustainable future for Hastings and it’s vitally important that we hear from our community, about what it is they value. We live in a very special part of New Zealand, with its iconic landscapes, significant wetlands and some of the most beautiful coastal areas in the country. To ensure we maintain the integrity of Hastings District and the quality of our environment, it’s essential that we are vigilant in our management of these areas.”

Feedback received on the Natural Areas discussion document will be included for further public consultation as part of Council’s review of the Draft District Plan. The plan is expected to be ready for adoption late in 2013.

To read the discussion document and to have you say on what is important to you, please visit www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz