Figure A1.1: Hierarchy of Resource Management Act 1991 provisions

Text description of figure

This figure shows the legislative context and hierarchy for coastal hazard management.

The relevant statutory planning instruments fall under the umbrella of the Resource Management Act (1991) and can be divided into Central Government, Regional Council and Territorial Authority responsibilities.

At Central Government level, a Coastal Policy statement is compulsory, whereas National Policy Statements and Environmental Standards are optional.

At Regional Council level there are compulsory Regional Policy Statements and Regional Coastal Plans, plus optional Regional Plans.

At the level of Territorial Authorities, compulsory District Plans are required.

All these planning instruments can result in a range of actions to reduce coastal hazards, for example:

• Community group formation (e.g., Dune Care)
• Resource Consents
• Hazard Mitigation Strategies
• Land Designations, and
• Education initiatives.