Volume One 10. Heritage Resources and Notable Trees 10. Heritage Resources and Notable Trees Introduction Historic heritage are the natural and human made features of the landscape that combine to give people a sense of place and are valued for providing a connection with our past. Heritage resources include historic buildings, places and sites; heritage trees, places or sites of significance to Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi; and archaeological sites. These resources collectively contribute to environmental quality and community wellbeing in many ways. In addition, some trees may also contribute to amenity values. Within Marlborough there are a variety of important heritage resources reflecting a rich and varied cultural history. This includes a long history of occupation by Māori and a legacy left by early exploration (e.g. Cook’s visits), settlement and extractive industries, including agriculture, flax milling, logging, mining and whaling. What is exciting about Marlborough, in the heritage sense, is the number of New Zealand firsts and the diversity of heritage resources. While there may be more iconic heritage examples in other parts of New Zealand, Marlborough possibly contains the best overall combination of sites with historic heritage value. Some of Marlborough’s heritage resources are nationally significant, such as the history of Māori occupation at the Wairau Bar or the ship Edwin Fox in Picton Harbour. Many other heritage resources are either significant for the district or for local communities. Sites of historical or cultural value are also becoming increasingly important as tourism in Marlborough grows, bringing with it the advantage of commercial support for the enhancement of historic heritage. Most people wish to retain the heritage of the past, not only for themselves but also for those generations to come. Protection of heritage resources is one of the duties of stewardship that the Council accepts as being essential for the District. Heritage New Zealand is the agency that manages heritage resources on a national basis. This autonomous Crown Entity administers the New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero, which informs property owners and the public about New Zealand's historic places. It also investigates and processes proposals for new additions to the List. It is also important to note that Heritage New Zealand retains regulatory responsibilities regarding archaeological sites. Any modification or destruction of a known or unknown archaeological site requires an archaeological authority under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 and Heritage New Zealand processes applications for such authorities. The protective mechanisms for places or sites listed on the List are administered by local authorities through district plans prepared under the RMA. This reflects Section 6(f) of the RMA which requires the Council to recognise and provide for protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use and development. Local authorities can also protect unregistered heritage resources that are significant to the district, or to local communities within it. Indigenous biodiversity is also a heritage resource. Habitats of indigenous fauna and areas of indigenous flora make a significant contribution to Marlborough’s unique natural heritage. However, protecting and maintaining indigenous biodiversity is a significant issue in its own right and has been dealt with in Chapter 8 - Indigenous Biodiversity of Volume 1 of the Marlborough Environment Plan (MEP). 10 – 1