New law in July proposes that it be mandatory for councils to survey, identify and protect SNAs. The new law also proposes identification requirements for highly mobile fauna, taonga etc. Identification which in itself does not achieve protection.



Under the current law Hurunui District Council in 2016 removed all mapped SNAs from its District Plan. There were no appeals and this decision is now legal - all SNA sites are gone.


If you give access to a council employee or contractor to assess your land for SNA purposes you reduce your ability to protect your legal rights as a landowner.


Sites of significance to Maori. Are now going through the one plan process


Natural Hazard identification is now going through the one plan process


Outstanding Natural Landscape Are now going through the one plan process


Outstanding Natural Features Are now going through the one plan process


Outstanding Natural Character Are now going through the one plan process


If your land gets designated under any of these category’s you will need a Notified resource consent to make changes and improvements to your land.
When a resource consent application is notified, other people will have an opportunity to have their say on your project. It also means the processing time frame will be longer and the costs will be higher.


When public classifications are involved they ensure any person or organisation anywhere in New Zealand can make a submission for consideration.


This Government has the numbers to do whatever it wants.


My question why are the opposition parties not drawing a line in the sand ?