Brook Sabin/Stuff
Some West Coasters are calling the policy a “land grab”, which will lock up land and prevent any development. (File photo) Mayor Jamie Cleine and deputy Sharon Roche are also members of the Te Tai O Poutini Plan Committee responsible for writing a one district plan for the region. The pair did not vote with the committee when it decided to reject a report on the issue which included a map of potential SNAs. They wrote to Shaw and Nanaia Mahuta to call for open dialogue and compensation for West Coasters. The report showed the majority of the native vegetation on the West Coast was a potential SNA, the pair said. The issue was causing a “great deal of anxiety”, they said.
The committee voted to reject a report on the issue at its meeting on Tuesday. Grey mayor Tania Gibson said the report included a map of proposed SNAs, which covered the vast majority of the private land in the region. Only scattered pockets in each district were deemed to have no SNA present, she said. She wrote a letter to all rural and provincial mayors asking for their support in the battle against SNAs, which she said was “theft by regulation”.
ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff
Associate Environment minister James Shaw says the policy will allow some existing and new use on significant natural areas.
ACT would remove the
requirement for councils to identify Significant Natural
Areas through the National Policy Statement for Indigenous
Biodiversity,” says Mr Seymour.
“In addition, we
would create a $10 million fund to provide funding for local
biodiversity initiatives, such as the work undertaken by the
Queen Elizabeth II trust.
“Private property rights
are under threat thanks to the Government’s directive to
councils to identify and manage SNAs.
“Farmers, iwi
and all property owners are worried that their land will be
taken from them if the council rezones
it.
“Protecting biodiversity is a goal shared by all
New Zealanders. But SNAs undermine private property rights
West Coast councils ready to pause SNAs over Government indecision stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Detail: What is the issue with Significant Natural Areas? stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.