Coromandel Peninsula Local Area Blueprints

Transcription

1 DRAFT Coromandel Peninsula Local Area Blueprints PREPARED FOR THE BLUEPRINT PROJECT March 2011 BY Urbanismplus Ltd WITH Pocock Design:Environment Ltd Prosperous Places Pty Patrick Partners Pty TTM Consulting Pty Transport Planning Solutions Ltd delivering sustainable urban form LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE

2 Please note : The Draft LAB documents are subject to approval by the Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint project partner agencies. Mana-whenua, mana-moana too mana, too tohu i mahue atu koe The mana of the ocean and land your legacy COROMANDEL PENINSULA LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINTS 10 March 2011 Urbanismplus Ltd WITH Pocock Design:Environment Ltd Prosperous Places Pty Patrick Partners Pty TTM Consulting Pty Transport Planning Solutions Ltd Disclaimer The Local Area Blueprints have been prepared with information provided predominantly by Thames-Coromandel District Council and Environment Waikato. It is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge. Constraints information such as natural hazards, soil conditions etc are indicative only and should if acted on, be verified with the appropriate authority. The record of community consultation in Appendix 1 represent the views of individual speakers only. PAGE 2 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011

3 How to use this draft document This project covers a significant body of work from Peninsula-wide, to catchment, to settlement scales. It is anticipated that this report s audience will include a wide range of user groups - some who want to know about the district-wide response, and others who are interested only in their local area. The report has been put together to allow easy access to headline responses across the breadth of the project with fuller details found in supporting appendices. For details about each section refer to the user guide to the right of the table below: Table of contents User guide Page 4 Section 1 - Introduction Refer to Sections 1 and 2 for a broad outline of the project - its purpose, the design inquiry approach and how the LABs fit with the Page 8 Section 2 - Project process Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint. Page 13 Section 3 - Giving direction to Blueprint outcomes A high level starting point that summarises whole-of-peninsula initiatives that achieve the four Blueprint outcomes - natural taonga, diverse centres, liveability for generations and resilience Page 22 Section 4 - Local Area Blueprints For specific settlement priorities that underpin each LAB and examples of Iwi plans refer to this section and the full list of supporting actions tabulated in Appendix 2 Page 65 Section 5 - Future governance and action recommendations This section suggests an evolution of the project s governance structure to oversee consultation and drive implementation of the Local Area Blueprints Page 66 Section 6 - Process from here Refer to this section for ideas about how partner agencies can target critical actions to move the LABs forward with confidence and support Page 67 Glossary Glossary of terms Page 70 References Technical background documentation used in the development of LAB proposals Supporting appendices Appendix 1 Page 72 Appendix 2 Page 169 Appendix 3 Page 220 Appendix 4 Page 229 Appendix 5 Page 258 Consultation and community background Local Area Blueprint actions Local Area Blueprint Transport Strategy Local Area Blueprint Employment Strategy Technical District-wide information Appendices provide important background information about settlements and the Peninsula, a fuller explanation of strategy details, and examples of certain projects which could give effect to the LABs. Appendices should be read in conjunction with the core document. LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 3

4 This is a summary of the draft Local Area Blueprints - the anchor-stone of the preferred future vision for the Peninsula found in the Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint Framework for our Future. Local Area Blueprints shape a 40 year picture of use, development and protection of settlements and natural areas. 1.0 Introduction The purpose of the Local Area Blueprints (LABs) is to move the Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint Framework for our Future forward into an action phase. The Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint is a strategy to manage land, water and marine use on the Peninsula. It identifies four main outcomes: In the year 2050 the Peninsula is a place: that embraces its natural taonga - treasures that has diverse and vibrant communities where generations can live, work and enjoy that has resilient communities. Taking these long term outcomes forward requires a detailed look at the local-scale (catchments, settlements, harbours), and an indepth understanding of how to give greater certainty to the district-wide vision. The Local Area Blueprints (LABs) set out an integrated package of actions for the next 40 years (to 2050) that aim to help the Peninsula s communities grow into more resilient and prosperous places, each with a strong sense of identity. The project partners represented in the Blueprint are the Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC), Environment Waikato (EW), Hauraki Whaanui and the Department of Conservation (DOC). A strategy to unlock and reconcile the detail. The LABs are about understanding and providing a response for: catchments and natural processes including protection of ecological values and management of natural hazards testing growth scenarios including the implications of phased development on natural resources and values, physical built form and infrastructure investment urban design opportunities, including the role of each settlement in the wider Peninsula, the role of collective settlements, and at a local level, possible solutions for open space, harbours, transport, land uses and Iwi related interests allocation of land and water uses forward thinking implementation actions in terms of how each LAB could be delivered over short, medium and longer term horizons. It is important to keep in mind that the LABs are not legally binding documents that can be strictly enforced. The LABs communicate generalised spatial planning ambitions and strategies for the management and protection of the Peninsula's land and marine resources (both in public and private ownership) to give Iwi / communities intended planning directions. Identification of particular areas or sites for activities within this document are indicative and have no influence on property ownership. The project partners still need to follow due process under resource management and local government legislation before changes are made. Critical to its success are continuing partnerships between key agencies. Fulfilment of the LABs will require continuation of the joint efforts by agencies that share the responsibility as environmental guardians, planners and providers of services and infrastructure across the Peninsula. The LABs have been developed with the advice and input of other key stakeholders groups such as New Zealand Transport Agency, PowerCo, Ministry of Education and other public and private sector organisations including several hundred Peninsula locals. The importance of kotahitanga - unity - with Hauraki Iwi. Tangata whenua are ready and willing to be part of change and to cement shared priorities with project partners. Inclusion and participation of tangata whenua and representatives from the Hauraki Whaanui Advisory Group has established a broad outline for potential papakaainga development areas as well as opportunities to provide for urban development for Maaori within the three main centres. It is important Hauraki Iwi within the Thames- Coromandel District can fulfil their future economic, social and cultural development aspirations. These aspirations sit within an environmental framework that recognises Hauraki kawa and tikanga o Te Taiao. The LABs build on cultural knowledge, explores opportunities to reconnect with ancestral whenua-kai and lay the foundations of a sound management framework. Giving higher order District-wide directions. The LABs are by no means starting from a blank slate. LABs build on the significant body of background analysis and community voice compiled under the Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint Framework for our Future, and have added further technical and local knowledge into the mix. Cycles of settlement and catchment based design exploration have led to a number of overarching priorities for the whole Peninsula including urban areas, smaller settlements, rural and coastal areas, and water space (harbours, estuaries and the open coast). By taking the big picture preferred future framework that has already been adopted and reinforcing this with ground-level planning, a number of spatial imperatives for the natural environment, economy, community, transport and growth have been found. 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5 Starting with catchment-wide considerations The LABs acknowledge the importance of the life supporting capacity of the biosphere, most particularly in catchments on which the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of the district s communities directly depend. All LABs commence with a catchment based explanation of the key terrestrial and marine based influences in that area. The LABs capture biophysical, natural resource and hazard based issues and treat this as a lens through which catchment-wide management and intended planning directions for local settlements is framed. Further investigations for areas located outside specific LAB settlements will occur beyond this document. Putting the spotlight on urban hubs across the Peninsula. The strategic platforms of the Blueprint are designed to flow into specifics for local settlements through LABs. Concept maps and statement of principles set a clear direction going forward for the three main centres of Thames, Whitianga and Whangamata, and the main secondary settlements of Coromandel, Matarangi, Hahei/Cooks Beach, Tairua and Pauanui. These eight LAB areas were chosen on the basis of feedback gained from the Preferred Futures consultation and an assessment of land use and geography. Each LAB is place specific and locally relevant to prevent generic responses to problems. Concepts have been supported by a number of recommended actions to deliver comprehensive and sustainable change (Appendix 2). The LABs build on the body of work and priorities found within existing Local Community Plans (Appendix 1). The LABs have been shaped by engagement with Iwi, stakeholders and the community. Consultation emerging from the Framework for our Future revealed that Peninsula communities value: the Peninsula s natural environment and landscapes Centres which are diverse and vibrant inter-generational equity and creating enjoyable places for living, working and playing resilient and adaptable communities in the face of economic adversity or natural hazards. LAB-specific consultation in localised areas and areas of cultural significance to Iwi confirmed the four outcomes that have been adopted in the Blueprint. The process gave communities a chance to put pen to paper and put forward a number of ideas to achieve the above four outcomes. The LABs have canvassed and responded directly to feedback gained from the presentation of provisional ideas for the Peninsula and local areas. Creating a platform for regulatory change. The Blueprint project will lead to changes and realignment of important planning and resource management tools which manage growth and development on the Peninsula including the District Plan, Long Term Plans, Regional Policy Statement, Conservation Management Strategy and Iwi Management Plans. Coming out of the LABs are actions recommended for inclusion in various statutory documents and suggestions that feed into separate review projects. New ideas can be incorporated into the LABs. While the LAB document is a complete package in its current state, it should be seen as a living document which will be subject to the Blueprint monitoring, review and updating process being developed by TCDC, EW, DOC and Hauraki Whaanui. This will ensure the LABs continually respond to important decisions which will happen in the future such as Treaty settlements and aquaculture industry growth, and maintain relevance over long project horizons. The Government has signalled its desire to encourage aquaculture around the country. It has identified the Coromandel Peninsula as the major growth area for New Zealand over the next ten years. As a result the Government is amending Environment Waikato's Coastal Plan and reviewing the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement to open up new fin fish farming opportunities. The Ministry of Fisheries is also in the process of designating 300ha for fin fish farming a move likely to bring in $ m for the industry and district. As these policy changes are happening now, it has not been possible to incorporate the implications fully into the LABs. Some aquaculture growth has been provided for, including ensuring sufficient industrial land for processing, wharfing options and employment projections. However, much of this work is based on growth projections based on the current shellfish industry and does not fully take into account potential fin fish farming developments. Work is being undertaken by the Hauraki-Coromandel Development Group to identify wharfing options and land based infrastructure requirements. The outcomes of this process will be incorporated into the LABs and District Plan as appropriate once completed. Environment Waikato is also intending to prepare an Aquaculture Strategy that will identify appropriate areas for future growth in marine farming. LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 5

6 1.1 How the LABs fit into the Blueprint project From its inception in 2006, the Blueprint project has achieved a number of milestones. The LAB phase moves the project into a detailed delivery phase Key agencies come together to manage the Coromandel s water, land, coastal and marine resources in an integrated way The Blueprint project is initiated with research on the Peninsula s make-up and future trends to inform a vision (refer to the Blueprint Profile Statements) Strong community engagement on possible future scenarios result in a preferred future for the District (refer to the Blueprint Preferred Future Summary document) 2009 The Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint Framework for our Future is adopted in December 2009 which includes an implementation framework that refers to development of LABs (refer to the Blueprint Summary document, Volume 1 and Volume 2 - Implementation Framework) February 2010 An Inquiry by Design approach for the LAB phase of the project involving periods of community engagement and technical design workshops is endorsed October 2010 Draft LABs: an integrated community based direction for land, water and marine areas to help achieve the Blueprint vision is completed Project partners adopt the LABs and confirm governance arrangements, work programmes and align various tools to enable implementation Local Area Blueprint phase Ongoing management of LAB settlements including public consultation on specific implementation activities will be undertaken through other statutory processes PAGE 6 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011

7 1.2 This document at a glance The LABs have built on the four main outcomes found in the District s Blueprint. The LABs reflect a place-based process of identifying the specific actions possible to give effect to the community s vision as set out in the Blueprint Framework for our Future. LABs provide detail at a Peninsula-wide scale as a bridge between the high level goals and local area directions for individual catchments and settlements. The document provides summary headlines in a number of theme areas - open space and ecology, water space, Iwi, transport, growth, community, town centres and employment in individual centres. It concludes with a full record of consultation, comprehensive implementation tables and detail around the actions. Vision Summary of Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint outcomes (Section 3) Outcome 1 Embraces its natural taonga - treasures 6 goals Strategies Outcome 2 Diverse and vibrant centres 5 goals Strategies Outcome 3 A place where generations can live, work and enjoy 5 goals Strategies goals Outcome 4 Resilient communities Strategies LAB direction to Blueprint outcomes (Section 3) LAB response to Outcome 1 LAB response to Outcome 2 LAB response to Outcome 3 LAB response to Outcome 4 Settlement responses in Section 4 Ecology Water space Iwi Transport Growth Community Town centres Employment Local Area Blueprints LAB areas (Section 4) LABs Building on known aspirations (Appendix 1) Wider catchment Thames Coromandel Summary of Blueprint Actions Wider catchment Whitianga Summary of Local Area Blueprint consultation record Mercury Bay Mercury Bay South Mercury Bay North Summary of Local Community Plan aspirations Wider catchment Whangamata Tairua Pauanui Updated Community Plan initiative tables Spatial plan examples for future Iwi Management Manaia Harataunga Concept maps and guiding principles Ecology + Open space Water space Iwi Transport Community and Growth Town centre and Employment Action Implementation (Section 5,6 and Appendix 2) Implementation framework Detail of actions LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 7

8 The LABs have been informed by: Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint outcomes, goals and strategies. Local Community outcomes and aspirations. Feedback gained from the area-specific Peninsula-wide community and Iwi engagement process held during April, May and September Local Area Blueprints process The LABs have been informed or directed by a number of components The foundations for the LABs are clearly set by the shared future vision found within the Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint Framework for our Future document focussed around the four key outcomes. The adopted Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint captures what the community cares strongly about and outlines broad use and management aspirations for land, water and marine areas. While the Blueprint paints a preferred strategic future, it has been the role of the LAB process to put these words into deliverable, local actions to achieve the District-wide vision. The LABs have also been informed by Community Plans and the voice of the community heard through both the Blueprint Framework for our Future and LAB phases. The rationale behind a workshop-based approach Exploring the aspirations of communities, stakeholders and the input of specialists with technical knowledge has been the basis for an Inquiry By Design process. This unique process has focussed around four workshops that brought key disciplines and partners around the same table in an integrated way. The robust process has allowed the advantages and disadvantages of possibly competing interests to be openly and fairly compared, ideas to be shared amongst a wide audience and ensure all implications of one action on other issues are understood. The approach is explained in more detail in Section 2.1. A broad decision making framework has allowed negotiation to take place across the following levels: between technical disciplines between regional and local authorities and government agencies (project partners and stakeholders) between the Peninsula-wide/district networks and local placebased communities between spatial plans and implementation initiatives between the full range of community and stakeholder interests. Specific technical analysis by various themes has been completed during the LAB process including: Natural area related Land and marine based working studies for each identified catchment Natural area constraint and opportunity analysis for individual LAB settlements Peninsula-wide ecology and Hauraki Gulf marine use analysis. Iwi Formulation of spatial concept maps for papakaainga areas (Section 4.6) and urban centres that Iwi could include in Iwi management plans or other future processes. Transport A position paper summarising transport issues in the Peninsula across relevant policies, plans and strategies (Appendix 3) Mapping of existing and planned passenger transport routes (bus and ferry), transport improvements (vehicular, cycle and recreational) Place-based testing of main street configurations, boat ramps and intersections. Growth Analysis of existing zoned development capacity in LAB centres Identification of possible growth pockets, growth capacities and future demands. Preliminary feasibility testing considered conditions including visual sensitivity, land stability (where known), soil condition (where known), land slope, proximity to services, and accessibility - factors that make settlements more or less appropriate for growth. Assessing these in combination helped determine an overall reference for growth and assigned a provisional grade around the desirability of residential development high, medium, or low. Further ground-testing such as comprehensive hazard assessments and management plans for each community are still required in ongoing implementation phases Analysis of existing development densities on various flat and sloping land. Formulation of a proposed density target for new growth areas and a suggested resource management approach for development on sloping land Identification of future Structure Plan areas and assessment requirements for medium density housing and urban subdivision for consideration under the District Plan Review Community Heritage and character analysis and mapping for all LAB centres Social and community infrastructure distribution mapping Reviewing Community Plan Actions - their status and applicability to LAB settlements District-wide population projections for people of Maaori ethnicity. Town centres Analysis of activity centres, their role and retail catchments within the sub-region or district Identification of assessment requirements to enhance town centre character Employment Economic and employment analysis of the Peninsula s existing situation including a statistical exploration of strengths, weaknesses and job growth potential Place-based projection of employment demands for industrial land and business space using multiple future scenarios Analysis of compatible activity types in major new employment areas Analysis of industry specific LAB implications including tourism, aquaculture, agriculture, forestry, power and communications (Appendix 4). PAGE 8 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011

9 2.1 Identifying solutions together The LABs were put together using an Inquiry By Design workshop approach, guided by an extensive parallel stakeholder and community consultation process. Inquiry By Design is a unique tool to explore and negotiate issues in an evolving process, and testing strategies in a dynamic, integrated way. The workshop process undertaken with the guidance of a multi-disciplinary team of government agencies, technical specialists and stakeholders including Hauraki Whaanui. Four workshops were held between May and August 2010, involving the following key steps: Workshop 1 (May) - Natural area focus Key steps: understanding issues and opportunities associated with land-based matters for catchments understanding the coastal marine area including estuaries and harbours as well as their interface with the land preliminary ecological assessment of the Peninsula. Workshop 2 (June) - Working studies Key steps: responding to the Peninsula s growing population - household and dwelling trends comparative assessment of employment on the Peninsula - which economic activities are growing, declining, are potentially threatened or missing transport infrastructure pressures and a preliminary transport strategy exploring opportunities for harbours, harbour catchments and land areas in and around settlements a preliminary understanding of detailed settlement-specific issues, constraints and opportunities. Workshop 3 (August) - Economic and employment focus ( in Supporting documents) Key steps: exploring the current landscape of major industry groups - aquaculture, forestry, power, communications, agriculture, tourism, quarrying and waste establishing the likely drivers of change for existing industries and how sectors may respond. Stage 1 LAB consultation - issues to canvass the opinion of the public, stakeholders and Iwi Seek input of industry groups such as aquaculture, freight, manufacturing, agriculture, tourism and others Workshop 4 (August) - Putting it all together Key steps: testing, assessing and prioritising growth pockets in and around LAB settlements under medium and long term horizons (Appendix 2) understanding the social make up of communities establishing the conditions for successful business settings securing where and how much additional land use activities are desirable e.g. for retail uses, commercial and community facilities reconciling settlement, catchment and harbour opportunities and a supporting list of proposed implementation actions focussed discussion on how to deliver the LABs - governance, resource management tools and possible approaches. Local Area Blueprints Stage 2 LAB consultation - outcomes to gather community feedback LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 9

10 2.2 Community and Iwi engagement 32 community meetings were held over a two stage consultation process. They attracted hundreds of interested community members from across the Coromandel Peninsula. An extensive public consultation programme was held between April to September This ensured the LAB process considered the values and preferences of the community. Public and Iwi workshops gave stakeholders with specific interests in business, environmental and social areas as well as all members of the public an opportunity to contribute their ideas for localised areas. The valuable local knowledge gained at these sessions (Appendix 1) was considered alongside the district Blueprint and technical information and helped to guide the design-responses documented within the LABs. Stage 1 LAB consultation (April-May) Objective: To canvass community opinion on the issues that matter most in local areas, and to share information on the purpose of the LAB project. Targeted consultation centres included: Thames (13 April: am, pm, pm; 7 May: pm) Whitianga (5 May: pm, pm, pm; 6 May: am) Whangamata (14 April: am, pm pm; pm) Coromandel (12 April: pm) Mercury Bay South (5 May: am, pm) Mercury Bay North (5 May: pm; 6 May 1-3pm) Tairua (18 May: pm, pm, pm) Pauanui (17 May: pm; 18 May: am, pm) Targeted Iwi consultation centres included: Thames (13 April: pm) Manaia (7 May: pm) Koputauaki (7 May: pm) Harataunga (7 May: am) Whangapoua / Wharekaho (6 May: pm) Whangamata (17 May: pm) Stage 2 LAB consultation (September) Objective: To present provisional ideas for the Peninsula and local areas following the technical workshop process, and to gather community feedback. Targeted consultation centres included: Thames (28 September: 7pm) Whitianga and Mercury Bay combined (30 September: 5pm) Whangamata (29 September: 5pm) Coromandel (1 October: 10.30pm) Tairua (30 September: 1pm) Pauanui (30 September: 10am) In addition, an Iwi-specific consultation session was held in Thames on 29 September 10-12pm. A LAB consultation feedback session in Whangamata (September 2010) PAGE 10 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011

11 Some of the key ideas and feedback received at consultation sessions are presented on the following pages with the full details in Appendix One. Whangamata priorities: Share land more freely with social services Find ways to support permanent residents Connect reserve areas with boardwalks Get signage to main attractions A boat wash and more boat trailer parking is needed Need jobs locally which are not tourist dependent Mercury Bay South priorities: Create a transitional zone between flat and hill land. Protect the rural interface Parking is an issue around Ferry Landing Encourage a vibrant dining scene by the waterfront More protection of the Purangi estuary is needed Respond to sea level rise and peak oil Recognise horticulture is a major employer Reconsider the reflectivity controls in the District Plan Whangamata community workshop (14 April 2010) Mercury Bay South community workshop (5 May 2010) Thames priorities: Make use of the steep hills at the back of town Keep the harbour and bush pristine Get retailers & businesses behind events Utilise Thames strong engineering heritage Improve affordability for retiree s Make sure heritage isn't under threat Matarangi priorities: Consider community transport because of the small dispersed population Preserve biodiversity Accept Matarangi is a rural community Encourage public access in the hinterland and around the coast Don t allow ribbon development along the coast Bring in more income than just tourism Take community plans seriously Thames community workshop (13 April and 7 May 2010) Mercury Bay North community workshop (6 May 2010) Whitianga priorities: Develop a green belt to prevent urban sprawl Respond to sea level rise Plan for walkways & cycleways Coromandel priorities: A bypass road to Colville is needed to avoid the town centre Take care not to disturb sensitive areas Provide for retail growth without degrading the centre Embrace aging and youth populations Address the loss of harbour to mangroves Build on the airport s good long term vision Make a servicing loop at the back of the shops Support aquaculture industry Grow the village character, soul and ambiance Look to leverage more off ferry visitors Whitianga community workshop (5/6 May 2010) Coromandel community workshop (12 April 2010) LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 11

12 Pauanui priorities: Create a community focal point near to the shopping centre Provide a boardwalk up to Hikuai & down the river to Tairua Tairua priorities: Provide a cycle and walkway around the foreshore and harbour Do something about sedimentation in the harbour Consider opportunities for apartments above retail Maintain the accessways and the beach Pauanui community workshop (18 May 2010) Have more stringent controls on outstanding landscapes Sort out the Red Bridge Road industrial area Tairua community workshop (18 May 2010) Avoid beachfront high rise Sort out the entrance to Pauanui Promote work from home opportunities using the airfield Get good telecommunications Provide a new sportsfield Allow different groups to promote Tairua as a destination Iwi priorities: Pick up on the Whanau Ora integrated health delivery system Make sure Iwi have the tools in place to take their aspirations forward post Treaty settlement Focus on whanau delivery Get subsidies for upgrading septic tanks and reliable power supply to communities Ensure Te Tiriti (The Treaty) is implemented for Maaori freehold land title Establish the definition of papakaainga with Iwi Understand satellite Maaori settlements are very unique and special Understand that the tribal footprint is far wider than the Peninsula itself Fix flooding in Manaia Prevent land loss from erosion, use and activity Get Iwi boundaries mapped Provide the conditions for everyday living and well being Ensure there are employment options for youth who currently move away for jobs Empower the people to make decisions Get a plan in place for those with a right and a need to come back here Look at economic development opportunities which are available Consider traditional Maaori land development Thames Iwi workshop (13 April 2010) Wharekaho / Whangapoua Iwi workshop (6 May 2010) Manaia Iwi workshop (7 May 2010) Koputauaki Iwi workshop (7 May 2010) Harataunga Iwi workshop (7 May 2010) PAGE 12 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011

13 3.0 Giving direction to Blueprint outcomes The test of a well conceived planning strategy is in its ability to give co-ordinated spatial guidance for the Peninsula wide Blueprint vision as a whole as well as identifying locallyfocussed opportunities. The Local Area Blueprints are not just about delving into detail and direction at a local level. The purpose of the LABs is to reconcile the high level direction found in the Blueprint as much as it is about finding deliverable outcomes for local centres. In doing so, the vision can be grounded in a way which gives a clear, legible strategic direction that can be grasped and energised by the community and project partners. Through the incorporation of technical information and testing of impacts the high level direction has been given effect to. The following pages present a snapshot of how the conceptual maps which support the four Blueprint outcomes have been given effect to and taken forward into a number of integrated responses. Outcome 1 Embraces its natural taonga - treasures Outcome 2 Diverse and vibrant centres Outcome 3 A place where generations can live, work and enjoy Outcome 4 Resilient communities Blueprint outcomes + concept maps Detailed LAB snapshots of outcomes LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 13

14 3.1 Embraces its natural taonga - treasures Conceptual Blueprint map LAB responses to Outcome 1 goals: Goal: The environment is fundamental to the well-being and vitality of the community Focussed development in return for biodiversity and/or landscape protection, enhancement and linkages Goal: Native biodiversity and ecology is protected Establishing ecological and pest free islands Further investigate and ground-truth identified potential ecological corridors Manage and enhance biodiversity, habitat and riparian corridors Goal: Significant landscapes and seascapes are preserved Co-ordinated zoning of land and the Coastal Marine Area to balance activity needs with natural character values, seascapes and habitat Provide protection measures to maintain and enhance landscape, natural character and amenity values Provide for the identification of important seascapes Goal: Kaitiakitanga guardianship is practiced by all Expanding the use of an Iwi estuarine monitoring toolkit to evaluate environmental change Establish protocols and tikanga based land and water use management to allow converstations about culturally and ecologically significant areas Goal: Quality of open spaces, air, soil and water is retained Protecting and enhancing coastal wetland areas as sediment traps, habitat areas and to allow inland migration in response to climate change Planning and restrictions around coastal edge to protect and enhance natural character and alleviate natural hazards Restrictions of coastal water spaces Stormwater management plans for centres Restrictions to protect high quality soils Strong controls on waterway management and ecological corridor enhancement Goal: Access to open spaces and the coast is maintained and enhanced Trans-Coromandel mountain bike / hiking connections - from the mountains to the sea Enhanced coastal and bush tracks between and around settlements Ecological centre / gateway hubs at Thames, Coromandel and Whitianga with recognisable ecological and cultural values Investigating opportunities for farm parks Kayaking and cycle trails around the Gulf Hauraki Gulf connections (refer to map on page 15) The LABs propose a stronger cross-boundary view of the Coromandel Peninsula be taken to grow its recognition within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park (HGMP) / Ko te Pataka Kai o Tikapa Moana. Governed by a special piece of legislation recognising its status as a national park of the sea and administered by the integrated political agency, the Hauraki Gulf Forum, it is critical that strong ties between the LABs and the Forum are forged. Into the future, the Forum could act as a vehicle to influence public and private sector investment, drive positive momentum for activities on the Peninsula, and deliver aligned programmes to avoid any competing use issues. Focus of potential ecological centres (refer to map on page 15) Whitianga ecological centre focus: Eco-sea tourism / cultural visitor centre DOC area office Information on ecological corridors Water recreation Cathedral Cove Thames ecological centre focus: Eco-tourism / cultural visitor centre Ramsar wetland research / information Link to Kauaeranga Valley Cycle hub DOC area office Coromandel ecological centre focus: Eco-tourism / cultural visitor centre Information on Moehau Aquaculture Multi-sport / adventure activities Ferry service PAGE 14 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011

15 Detailed LAB map Outcome 1 Please refer to the LAB maps in Section 4 for more detail. NB. Further catchment investigations (especially in places located outside of settlements) are required Hauraki Gulf connections Tikapa Moana Ecology with enhanced biodiversity Natural amenity related routes and nodes Important harbours Hartbour catchments Firth of Thames Ramsar site Key: Te Whanganui a Hei marine reserve High marine biodiversity possible future marine protected areas Potential Auckland Firth of Thames kayak/waka trail Trans-Coromandel connections Potential ecological centres LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 15

16 3.2 Diverse and vibrant centres Conceptual Blueprint map LAB responses to Outcome 2 goals: Goal: There is a range of lifestyle opportunities Confirmation of Thames, Whitianga and Whangamata as the main urban hubs to accommodate the bulk of future growth Limiting development in smaller centres such as Hot Water Beach and Hahei to protect distinctive coastal character Rural-residential lifestyle can be difficult to manage but enjoys an established market demand. To maximise positive effects for the Peninsula, lifestyle development is proactively enabled in the best possible locations to prevent a continuation of a reactive response to ad hoc development. Clustering growth in and around the existing settlements rather than establishing new ones Providing for papakaainga development as a unique living and working arrangement within identified areas of significance to Iwi Goal: Economic and job opportunities are diverse Tapping into new sources of prosperity and building an economy based on competitive advantage focussed on knowledge based activities Continued growth of resource based industries such as aquaculture focussing on improving their competitiveness and innovation Grow Iwi/Hapuu economic development based on aquaculture and fin-fish processing and servicing opportunities Utilising solid rock geologies where feasible to meet district-wide needs Ensuring compatible locations for future industrial and commercial activities and possible residential activities Keeping development away from valuable soils for farming and horticultural activities and high natural amenity landscapes Goal: Unique experiences are provided Stronger management of historic and cultural heritage, local character and amenity to create a distinctive look and feel in local streetscape, architecture, and service provision Use cultural signage and interpretive sculpture poupou, tomokanga to raise community awareness about culture and local history Provide for protection of heritage values in Thames and Coromandel by applying more efficient design controls to support sympathetic development Improve and enhance built form and quality of design approaches for eastern seaboard towns Goal: Urban settlements have clear boundaries Containing townships on flat land and in locations where there is existing capacity (infrastructure) to help with affordability Focussing future growth within centres to minimise travel and maximise the efficient use of existing facilities Goal: Communities are connected Supporting lifestyles which are less-energy intensive by encouraging greater density close to town centres Prioritising road network improvements to contribute to economic and population growth Local road network improvements (including additional cycling and walking strategies) to provide equity of access and enhance recreation and tourism connections Airfield and ferry expansion as an alternative means of access What does this mean for the main centres? Thames Population 2010: 7,253 Pop 2042: 8,900-10,500 Stable centre Head office of the Peninsula Mainstreet and entrance requires improvement Strong heritage / character values in Grahamstown Reconnect the two town precincts Town centre more susceptible to competition in terms of peripheral development that could undermine retail activity and vibrancy in the core area, which requires a clear management strategy under the District Plan Place-based town centre Coromandel Pop 2006: 1,653 Pop 2042: 3,300-3,900 Stable population and catchment is projected Prioritise retail expansion close to town Continue to monitor future demand for a supermarket Protect the strong heritage / character values from inappropriate development Whitianga Pop 2010: 4,320 Pop 2042: 9,000-13,700 Higher population growth projected Incremental retail growth expected with no additional retail anchors in the next years Need to manage two centres (town centre core and Waterways retail node) via District Plan provisions Look to turn the town to the water Whangamata Pop 2010: 3,536 Pop 2042: 9,000-13,700 Limited population growth Has a high provision of retail activities Avoid creating another independent centre Review town centre zone and ground floor controls Extend town centre (if needed) to the south Build on the wider attraction resource base PAGE 16 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011

17 Detailed LAB map - Outcome 2 Please refer to the LAB maps in Section 4 for more detail Key:..... Opportunities for Community based Transport schemes Urban hubs residential - existing (black) and possible future (red); employment (purple) Travel routes Auckland ferry connection Sea routes Aquaculture opportunities Township containment important Papakaainga development areas Airfields of district or strategic significance One-lane bridge improvements Commercial wharf facilities LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 17

18 3.3 A place where generations can live, work and enjoy LAB responses to Outcome 3 goals: Goal: People can settle and families can thrive Trans-Coromandel mountain bike / hiking connections - from the mountains to the sea Enhanced coastal and bush access between and around settlements utilising DoC tracks and huts Meeting health, education and welfare expectations to attract workers with skills and knowledge to drive employment growth Building a strong year round visitor market by realising the potential of scenic and natural attractions and visitor accommodation opportunities Planning for existing and future demand in recreational facilities like boat ramps and kayaking trails from population and seasonal growth Investigate zoning and management options for Coastal Marine Area water space to respond to activity and character demands Provide for any aquaculture processing Goal: People can reconnect with their roots Boosting Maaori cultural tourism through immersion experiences and establishment of heritage trails Leveraging small and large scale employment opportunities on Maaori land in papakaainga and finding employment opportunities in urban centres Protect and sustain customary fisheries by identifying Rohe Moana and applying principles of use and protection Goal: Living is affordable Intensification in existing settlements wherever appropriate in a way which does not undermine existing character and amenity Opening up greenfield land to development on the periphery of main urban hubs to help with affordability Goal: Communities are well serviced Using residential growth to leverage other opportunities such as healthcare expansion, events, new community facilities or quality school, training and tertiary education Concentrating investment in larger leisure and recreation facilities in main urban hubs to service a larger population. Goal: Cultural heritage and diversity is celebrated Protecting waahi tapu and other historic heritage through activity controls Provide for the assessment of cultural landscape values Strengthening the character of the townships by celebrating and protecting heritage structures and buildings, and other elements that display local history and culture Develop cultural centres or urban marae to accommodate community meeting space, arts and crafts, training and exhibitions, cultural festivals and fulfil kokiri/polytechnic functions Cultural Heritage / Whakapapa Conceptual Blueprint map Cultural heritage goals in relation to Iwi, Hapuu, Whanaau need to be broadly defined in order to be successfully implemented. Iwi/Hapuu Cultural Heritage is more than material things or specific sites. Focussing only on material values and specific sites fails to recognise and provide for the comprehensive nature of Iwi/ Hapuu spiritual and cultural heritage and the maintenance of the whakapapa links. Iwi/Hapuu whakapapa (genealogical links) show our links go back in time to Te Kore (The Void) and descends to all things in the Creation connected to Papa and Rangi (Earth and Sky) through to humankind. It is the spiritual links, whakapapa, that provide the passageway for the mauri, life energy force, to descend from Te Kore to everything in the natural creation, that is, to all natural taonga and humankind. Whakapapa imposes responsibilities on every individual and their communities to maintain these links. Maintaining the whakapapa links is paramount to ensuring the survival of the natural world and humankind. Thus the principle and practises of Kawa are upheld, kawa being the principle of maintaining the connections, and tikanga, the practises that uphold the whakapapa connections to preserve the passageway for our life-energy force (mauri). One of the imperatives for maintaining the mauri is that of Raahui tapuu, the imposition of a ban or prohibition for a specified period on the use of any natural resource that is stressed, to allow time for that resource to restore its life-energy force (mauri). It is anticipated that in the future Iwi, Hapuu, Whaanau will be returning to their ancestral bases with strong job and education prospects. Some may want to settle in urban areas and others in papakaainga communities that have flexible land use policies. Resources will be used for self-determination and partnerships with agencies will be strengthened. PAGE 18 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011

19 Detailed LAB map - Outcome 3 Please refer to the LAB maps in Section 4 for more detail Key: Employment / tourism centres Cultural tourism trail Scenic coastal route Trans-Coromandel connections Inter and intra-settlement walkways Rohe Moana (work in progress) Schools for potential training & specialisations Recreational boating infrastructure improvements Kayaking trail opportunities Coastal Marine Area water space management LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 19

20 3.4 LAB responses to Outcome 4 goals: Resilient communities Goal: Communities are safe Protecting and enhancing coastal wetland areas as sediment traps, habitat areas and to allow inland migration in response to climate change Work with the New Zealand Transport Agency to reach agreement on a programme for the reduction of the incidence of flooding on key transport routes Seek funding partnerships to assist with one-lane bridge replacements on SH25 and the east coast Dune restoration on all frontal dunes along eastern Coromandel including: the restoration of spinifex and pingao on seaward dunes; weed control on reserves; and community based action and agency partnerships Development restrictions in areas prone to natural hazards and flooding Advocate for the installation and maintenance of Tsunami warning systems in at risk communities Emergency response co-ordinated between agencies Goal: Communities can adapt to change Development restrictions around coastal edge to protect and enhance natural character and alleviate natural hazards Encouraging working with nature in management of coastal erosion. Where engineering works are required support with design guidelines to ensure appropriate location and design Management of flood hazards continues to be well resourced Take into account the potential impact of climate change when considering locations for new development Goal: Resources are well managed Mitigate the effects of urban development in locations subject to water scarcity through requirements for water efficiency Stormwater management plans for centres Conceptual Blueprint map PAGE 20 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011

21 Detailed LAB map - Outcome 4 Please refer to the LAB maps in Section 4 for more detail KEY : Flooding on State Highway network One-lane bridges One-lane bridge improvements Development restrictions near tsunami prone areas Alternative infrastructure as lifeline linkages Air access Helicopter access LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 PAGE 21

22 This section provides a set of future spatial planning priorities and implementation actions for each catchment and LAB settlement. These LABs guide the services, projects and programmes of the partner agencies. 4.0 Local Area Blueprints This Section takes the Peninsula futures identified in the maps in Section 3 into a 40 year desired reality for each of the 8 LAB settlements. For each LAB settlement a number of forward looking priority or headline recommendations and supporting maps and action tables have been prepared. These cover open space and ecology, water space, Iwi development, transport, residential growth, community facilities, town centre and employment activities. In addition, this section identifies a number of core actions for those natural catchments that contain LAB settlements. These catchments provide for the life supporting capacity of the bio-physical environment on which the social, economic and cultural wellbeing LAB Catchment Areas of the Peninsula s communities depend. Further investigations for areas located outside specific LAB settlements will occur beyond this document. As well as being achievable, the LABs provide for certainty and quality. LABs are supported by a number of comprehensive implementation tables found in Appendix 2. These tables explain each proposed action in more detail, identify start timeframes and the project partner(s) who are likely to be responsible for its delivery. While informed by local community plans, outlined in Appendix 1, the actions are not related to initiatives identified within the community plans nor with other committed or proposed projects underway by the partner agencies. Local community plans are non-statutory plans developed by, or in collaboration with communities across Thames-Coromandel District. Through the LABs they were often used as a starting point to gain momentum with the community and to understand core issues and opportunities in settlements. In many respects the LABs remain consistent with (or overlap) with the outcomes proposed in community plans. However it is not proposed the LABs give effect to community plans they may continue to be pursued independently by communities. Progress on each community plan was summarised and actions assessed for their relevance to the LABs are also highlighted in Appendix 1. Key: Main urban hubs moderately sized centres exhibiting a higher degree of self-sufficiency and more community, commercial, retail, industrial activities. They act as service centres for the surrounding area and will accommodate the bulk of future growth on the Peninsula. PAGE 22 LOCAL AREA BLUEPRINT DOCUMENT - COROMANDEL PENINSULA March 2011 Secondary hubs smaller scale centres with a local retail function serving their immediate catchment and surrounding rural area. Some settlements - especially those located close to tourist attractions and on main highways - may have higher order community facilities. Any future growth is within current boundaries and existing capacity of infrastructure. Papakaainga development focus areas comprehensive areas for maaori resource development where there is a strong connection to the whenua (land) Rural communities maintaining farming and horticultural activities and the rural character of communities Natural (land based) catchments Whangamata and Wharekawa 1. Tairua and Pauanui 2. Mercury Bay, Opito Bay and Whangapoua 3. Colville Bay, area to the north and Waikawau Bay 4. Kennedy Bay, Coromandel and Manaia (Waikawau East) 5. Thames Coast up to Waikawau west and Kopu 6. Rural area south of Thames and Kopu 7. + Coastal Marine Areas out to the 12 nautical mile limit