10. Heritage Resources and Notable Trees Volume One through the provision of a range of non-regulatory methods and in the processing of resource consent applications. [RPS, D] Policy 10.1.10 – Liaise with Heritage New Zealand, the New Zealand Archaeological Association and Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi to develop and implement an appropriate discovery protocol for archaeological sites. Given the long history of Mā ori and more recent European settlement in Marlborough, it is likely that there are many unrecorded archaeological sites beneath the ground. Such sites can be unearthed as a result of land disturbance activities and there are legal requirements under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 that apply in such circumstances. However, the person undertaking the work may not be familiar with these requirements or be aware that the site is of significance as an archaeological site; for this reason, the Council will liaise with Heritage New Zealand, the New Zealand Archaeological Association and Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi to establish protocols to guide appropriate action in the event of a discovery of an archaeological site. These protocols will be published and provided to the community. [D] Policy 10.1.11 – Control land disturbance activities in places of significance to Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi. Policies 10.1.9 and 10.1.10 guide how the Council will assist in the protection of archaeological sites in Marlborough. Māori occupation of Marlborough in the past was extensive and not all sites of spiritual or cultural significance to Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi will be known and/or recorded. It also means that the significance cannot necessarily be attributed to a discrete site. For this reason, the policy applies to “places” of significance. Land disturbance within these places is to be controlled through regional and district rules so that the potential impact of excavation, filling or vegetation removal on the mana of the relevant iwi can be assessed. This will enable iwi to exercise kaitiakitanga through involvement in the resource consent process as affected parties. Issue 10B – Trees that contribute to Marlborough’s historic heritage and/or amenity values are at risk of being removed or adversely affected. Individual indigenous and exotic trees and stands of trees contribute significantly to Marlborough’s character and the amenity values that the community enjoys. Some trees also have historic heritage significance because they commemorate an important local event, serve as an important local landmark or have an association with a well-known public figure. The contribution that notable trees make to historic heritage and amenity would be lost if they were to be adversely affected, harmed or felled. This may occur where a notable tree has become an impediment to the use or development of a site or has become a nuisance (e.g. through size, blocking of sunlight or leaf fall). Ignorance of the heritage or amenity value that the community places on the tree increases the risk that it could be felled. Sometimes the removal of a notable tree is unavoidable, especially if it is dying, diseased or creates a threat to public safety. Maintenance pruning of notable trees can also pose a threat, as such work could damage the tree or adversely affect the essential qualities for which the tree is valued. Other activities undertaken in close proximity to notable trees create the potential for adverse effects. Activities of particular concern include excavation, laying of overhead or underground services and the construction of buildings. 10 – 6