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Preserving coastal natural character: C ourt interpretations of a long‐standing N ew Z ealand policy goal
Author(s) -
Froude Victoria Ann
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
new zealand geographer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1745-7939
pISSN - 0028-8144
DOI - 10.1111/nzg.12071
Subject(s) - naturalness , legislation , character (mathematics) , natural (archaeology) , indigenous , environmental resource management , ecology , geography , biology , economics , political science , mathematics , archaeology , law , physics , geometry , quantum mechanics
N ew Z ealand's policy goal to preserve coastal natural character was first incorporated into planning legislation in 1973 and protected area legislation in 1977. An evaluation of 100 relevant R esource M anagement A ct C ourt decisions determined the C ourts' interpretations of this policy goal. The C ourts have repeatedly found that natural character is of nature (not culture), including natural elements, patterns, and processes. There is a continuum of naturalness from pristine indigenous ecosystems to the urban environment. A 2014 S upreme C ourt decision has upheld the use of environmental bottom lines for natural character and the importance of protection as part of sustainable management.