Chapter 12 - Rural Environments • Retention of the amenities, quality and character of the different rural environments within the Plan area; • Consolidation of commercial, service and industrial activities in settlements, except where these activities need to be close to particular resources in rural areas, or when it is unsuitable for these activities to locate in urban or township areas; • Development of a range of viticultural based activities including associated commercial, industrial and service activities; • Maintenance of the landscape values including spaciousness, outstanding landforms, extensive indigenous vegetation cover, and views and panoramas; • Retention of the indigenous bio-diversity of the Wairau/ Awatere and its remaining indigenous ecosystem functioning; • The sustainable management of the resources within the defined areas of Landcare Groups; • The protection and conservation of areas of significant indigenous flora and fauna; • Protection of riverbeds and associated lake and wetland habitats for birdlife and fish; • Water quality consistent with protecting the safe human consumption of groundwater and fish from surface waters, safe water contact recreation, and protection of the natural and scenic values of the water resources; • Retention of a wide range of recreation opportunities; • Avoidance of loss of property or danger to people from natural hazards; • Retention of clear distinctive urban area boundaries; • Efficient access to properties without interfering with the safe and efficient functioning of adjacent roads; • Future development and consolidation of the Rainbow Ski Area, in a manner which avoids, or mitigates any adverse effects to their locality or the wider environs; • The effective, efficient and safe operation of the airport facilities; • Airport activities carried out in a way which avoids or mitigates adverse effects on the environment; • Minimal noise nuisance from airport activities on nearby residents; • Enable the continued operation of the solar production of salt at Lake Grassmere in a manner, which avoids, remedies or mitigates any adverse effe cts on the locality or the wider environment; and • Retention of primary production options on the Wairau Plain. 12 - 27