Statutory requirements NZCPS 2010 Policy 15 Natural features and - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Proposed Natural Resources Plan

Schedule J - Significant geological features in the coastal marine area Dr Iain Dawe

Te Rakauwhakamataku point

Statutory requirements

NZCPS 2010 Policy 15 – Natural features and landscapes:

“To protect the natural features and natural landscapes (including seascapes) of the coastal environment from inappropriate subdivision, use and development” Natural features includes: (i) natural science factors, including geological, topographical, ecological and dynamic components

RPS Policy 25 – Identifying outstanding natural features and landscapes in district and regional plans:

“District and regional plans shall identify outstanding natural features and landscapes…” (a) Natural science values including geological, ecological, topographical and natural process components of the natural feature or landscape (b) Representativeness; Research/Educational value; Rarity (c) Be “exceptional” and have a degree of naturalness

Assessment criteria

There are four main criteria by which the sites have been assessed:

• The representativeness of the site or feature within the region (rare to common)
• The integrity of the site or feature, the degree of modification it has experienced and

its potential for protection or restoration (unmodified to heavily modified)

• The vulnerability of the site or feature to disturbance and its potential for remediation

if it was disturbed (high to low)

• The scientific merit of the site or feature and the educational opportunities it presents

(local to international)

The sites assessed contain or display one or more of the following significant geological features:

• Geomorphic landforms (incl. natural processes)
• Earth deformation/seismic features
• Structural geology (eg, faults)
• Sedimentary/Metamorphic/Igneous geology
• Minerals
• Fossils

Previous work & references

• “RPS review: Coastal environmental sites of regional significance”.

Boffa Miskell (2007) with input from Prof. Mike Crozier and Nick Preston (VUW)

• Kenny & Hayward (1996), “Inventory and maps of important

geological sites and landforms in the Manawatu and Wellington regions”. Geological Society of New Zealand.

• Homer & Moore (1989), “Reading the Rocks: A guide to the

Geological Features of the Wairarapa Coast”. GNS Science.

• Geological sites listed in the various district and regional plans
• 75 scientific peer reviewed articles/reports/theses
• “Geological Features of the Wellington Region”.

Wellington Regional Planning Authority (1975) (updated 1985)

Turakirae Head

Titahi Bay fossil forest

• Over 120,000 yrs old
• Shoreline was several km west

and Mana Is. connected to mainland

• Titahi Bay low lying valley with

swampy podocarp forest

• Forest drowned and covered in

sand in last interglacial warm period as sea levels rose (2-4 m higher than present)

• Sub-fossil tree stumps of rimu,

matai and totara

• Intermittently uncovered by

erosion when they become vulnerable to damage

• Internationally uncommon
• Good example of paleo-

environment for climate research and education

Criteria Value Classification Representativeness 1 Nationally rare Integrity 2 Partly modified Vulnerability 2 Vulnerable Scientific & Educational Value 2 National significance Total 7 Rank 2

Discrete sites examples

Rock Point and Titahia corrugata Webby Pariwhero/Red Rocks

Criteria Val ue Classification Representa tiveness 1 Rare Integrity 1 Unmodified Vulnerabilit y 2 Vulnerable Scientific & Educationa l Value 2 National significance Total 7 Rank 2 Criteria Val ue Classification Represent ativeness 2 Uncommon Integrity 1 Unmodified Vulnerabil ity 2 Vulnerable Scientific & Education al Value 2 National significance Total 7 Rank 2

Lake Onoke and barrier spit

• Nationally significant, only two such landform

features of this type in New Zealand (Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere)

• Reflects a range of tectonic, sedimentological

and geomorphological processes

• Geologically young (Holocene aged) formed in

past few 1000 yrs from a tidal bay

• The ‘spit’ is 3.5 km long and 350 m at its

widest formed from sediment transport from the east connecting spit to western side to form a ‘barrier’ beach

• Tectonic uplift from 1855 EQ moved outlet

from Kiriwai lagoon to Lake Ferry creating illusion it grew from west to east

• Foraminifera (small marine amoeba) have

been recorded living above the high tide mark (uncommon) and is an important locality for research into biogenic fossil markers

Criteria Value Classification Representati veness 1 Regionally Unique Integrity 2 Partially modified Vulnerability 2 Vulnerable Scientific & Educational Value 2 National significance Total 7 Rank 2

Larger scale landforms examples

Also have natural character

Cape Palliser/Matakitaki Whiterock – Te Kaukau coast Whakataki shore platforms