Figure 1: Policy framework for natural resource management in New Zealand
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Text description of figure
This figure is a flowchart of Resource Management Act responsibilities.
Central Government develops National Environmental Standards (NES), National Policy Statements (NPS), and the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS).
The National and Coastal Policy Statements feed into Regional Policy Statements that integrate land, air and water management. This happens at level of the Regional Councils, which have responsibility for soil, land use, water, air, pollution and coast.
Regional Councils develop Regional Plans and Regional Coastal Plans, with input from the relevant Standards and Statements mentioned above.
At the next level down, District Councils are responsible for land use, subdivision and noise. They develop District Plans that are influence by National Environmental Standards and Regional Policy Statements.
Finally this leads to Resource Consents and Permits for water, discharge, land use, subdivision and coast. They receive direct input from the National Environmental Standards, Regional Plans, District Plans, and Regional Coastal Plans.
