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The District Plan establishes a framework within which natural and physical resources will be managed in Westland. The Plan identifies issues relating to resource use, development and/or protection and sets out objectives and policies which address the issues.
Rules and non-regulatory measures have been developed in consultation with the community which aim to implement policy and so achieve the objectives.
The District Plan is just one of many documents that are required to be prepared under the Resource Management Act 1991. The Act is the principle piece of legislation which guides how natural and physical resources are to be managed in New Zealand. The Act has as its overall purpose "to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources." Figure 1 illustrates the hierarchy of plans and regulations under the Act and indicates where the District Plan will operate in relation to documents prepared by other agencies.
The Council's own Annual Plan will have a role in achieving the objectives and policies of the District Plan. The Annual Plan is produced each year under the Local Government Act 1974. The Plan sets out among other items the Council's significant activities, and details its financial commitments. The Annual Plan may also provide the mechanism for implementing policies on financial incentives.
