The Regional Coastal Environment Plan promotes sustainable management of the natural and physical resources of the Bay of Plenty's coastal environment.
The second generation Regional Coastal Environment Plan became operative on 3 December 2019.
In March 2021, the Minister of Conservation approved the remaining provisions of the Regional Coastal Environment Plan, resolving the two outstanding appeals relating to the Motiti Protection Area and Matakana Island. These new policies and rules have now been incorporated into the plan as follows:
Provisions relating to Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes (ONFL) 5 – Te Ure Koti Koti (Matakana barrier arm) are operative on Tuesday 18 May 2021.
These provisions establish and protect three reef systems around Motiti Island making up the Motiti Protection Area and became operative on Wednesday 11 August 2021. Read more about these new rules and what it might mean for you on the Motiti Protection Area webpage.
Watch this video to find out:
This plan has been in the making since 2011 and the journey has included multiple courts, hearings and appeals, plus iwi/hapū and stakeholder participation.
The Plan covers the entire coastal environment including the coastal marine area (the area between mean high water spring tides and the '12 mile limit' of the territorial seas) and the land backdrop. It includes:
Regional Coastal Environment Plan Maps (PDF versions)
The planning maps cover the entire coastal strip of the region, including harbours and offshore islands and land backdrop at a scale of 1:25 000. The maps identify many of the special values of the coast that need protecting.
The digital maps can be viewed here.
Coastal Marine Area and River Mouth Boundary (Schedule 1)
Council, territorial authorities and the Minister of Conservation are required to agree on the location of river mouths in the region, which are then used to establish the boundary of the coastal marine area in rivers that enter the sea.
The Coastal Marine Area Boundary and River Mouths were redefined in 2008 by a new agreement signed by the relevant territorial authorities (Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Tauranga City Council, Whakatāne District Council and Ōpōtiki District council), Council and the Department of Conservation (acting on behalf of the Minister of Conservation). These boundaries can be found on the Regional Coastal Environment Plan maps, while descriptions of their locations can be found in Schedule 1 of the text.
The following signed agreement and maps are available for you to download:
History of Matakana and Motiti Appeals to the Regional Coastal Environment Plan
The Ngā Whakaaetanga-ā-Ture ki Te Taiao ā Toi (Statutory Acknowledgements in the Bay of Plenty) is a compendium document to be read as an attachment to and in conjunction with the Operative Regional Coastal Environment Plan including any proposed regional plan or policy statement, and any variation or change notified by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Check out the Statutory Acknowledgements for more information.
The 2006 Coastal Use and Values Maps provide a comprehensive spatial record of existing activities, environmental features, and cultural values across the Bay of Plenty coastal area to inform the planning and location of Aquaculture Management Areas (AMAs). These maps are intended to ensure that any new marine farming (aquaculture) proposals—such as mussel, oyster, or salmon farms—are sited with full awareness of navigational routes, ecological sensitivities, cultural sites, and other marine uses.
These finalised maps form the foundation for balanced, transparent decision-making around where and how aquaculture can sustainably coexist with other coastal uses and values.
Map Set: A total of 12 thematic maps, each focusing on a different use or value:
Please note we are having a technical issue with the following maps and will have them back up ASAP.
The Plan is available to view at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council offices, all public libraries throughout the Bay of Plenty and service centres of Bay of Plenty's City and District Councils.
Get in touch with Stacey Faire regarding the Regional Coastal Environmental Plan on 0800 884 880, ext 8317.
Regional Coastal Environment Plan Maps
