Is it working? New Zealand's coastal policy statement and the Auckland Unitary Plan

Abstract

This paper uses the objectives and policies inherent in the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010 as a template for benchmarking the adaptation strategies contained in the natural hazards section of the Unitary Plan for Auckland City, New Zealand's largest coastal municipal area. The research assesses through selected criteria and a rating system developed in conjunction with literature studies and stakeholder contribution, the degree to which the coastal hazards section of the plan aligns with the appropriate adaptation policies required by the Coastal Policy Stat ement. A case study tests the effectiveness of the adaptation requirements. Results indicate an appropriate degree of compl iance with the relevant adaptation criteria, but that, in order to minimise future disruption, more attention should be given to the long-term planned withdrawal of housing from hazardous coastal situations.