15 Monitoring and Review

Under s67(1)(i) of the RMA this Plan is required to state the procedures to be used to:

a. review the contents of the Plan, which are as follows:

1. the issues to be addressed in the Plan
2. the objectives sought to be achieved by the Plan
3. the policies in regard to the issues and objectives, and an explanation of those policies
4. the methods being or to be used to implement the policies, including any rules
5. the principal reasons for adopting the objectives, policies, and methods of implementation set out in the Plan
6. the information to be submitted with an application for a resource consent, including the circumstances in which the powers under s92 may be used
7. the environmental results anticipated from the implementation of these policies and methods
8. the processes to be used to deal with issues which cross local authority boundaries, and issues between territorial authorities and between regions

and

b. monitor the effectiveness of the Plan as a means ofachieving its objectives and policies.

his chapter sets out the approach which will be undertaken to monitor the CMA. The monitoring information will be used to contribute to the review of the Plan, which is required to be undertaken not later than ten years after it has become operative. Analysis of the information collected under the following monitoring sections may also trigger a review of the Plan.

In addition to evaluating the information from the monitoring strategies outlined in this chapter, Environment Waikato will consult with the following groups of people at regular intervals:

1. The Department of Conservation, with respect to the implementation of this Plan and its effectiveness.
2. Other regional councils with respect to any cross-boundary matters which have caused difficulties.
3. Territorial authorities with respect to the effectiveness of cross-boundary management in the coastal environment.
4. Consent holders with respect to the requirements in this Plan.
5. Key community groups with respect to the directions in this Plan.
6. Tangata whenua with respect to the on-going development and implementation of requirements and directions, in this Plan.

Where problems are identified with the Plan in achieving its objectives and policies, Environment Waikato will undertake an internal assessment to determine whether it should be formally reviewed prior to ten years after its operative date. A review may also be initiated should there be a change in related national law. Guidelines outlining the manner in which international obligations can best be carried out and implemented will be provided by government (refer Ch6 of the NZCPS).

The monitoring approach will include the following four key areas:

1. Current status of the various components of the coastal ecosystems, as well as trend monitoring to identify changes or trends in the quality or quantity of resources in the CMA
2. The use of resources within the CMA to assess the extent and way in which resources in the CMA are being used
3. In relation tocoastal permits granted:
1. the effects of each permit on physical, biological and intrinsic qualities and values and
2. compliance with the conditions on the permit.
4. The processes outlined in this Plan which will assist in measuring the effectiveness and appropriateness of its objectives, policies and methods.

Each of these key areas is outlined further in this chapter.

The purpose of gathering this information is to assist in decision-making as well as ensuring objectives, policies and methods in the Plan are appropriate. Monitoring may be undertaken by Environment Waikato, contracted to, or collected from other agencies, and set as a requirement on a coastal permit. At present there is limited information available on the resources in the CMA of the Waikato Region. Emphasis will, therefore, be placed on establishing baseline data against which future trends can then be assessed. In addition specific investigations and research programmes may be required to provide a better understanding of natural processes and the impact of human activities.