Chapter 2 - Tangata Whenua Individual areas have special significance for each iwi. For example, the Wairau Lagoons have significant values for iwi. Notwithstanding the requirements of the Act, the Council is committed to sustainable management of the resources of the Plan area and wherever practicable to a partnership with Maori on all matters of common interest. The above policies are a way in which the Plan can assist in recognising and providing for matters of concern to the tangata whenua. The Plan also endeavours to carry these and other principles forward to the construction of other elements of the Plan. 2.1.3 Methods of Implementation Management Where a resource consent application is in or immediately adjacent to a site of significance to tangata whenua, the applicant may be asked to notify and consult directly with the affected tangata whenua to determine whether the granting of the resource consent would have any adverse effects on the values that give the site significance to the tangata whenua; and how any actual or potential adverse effects which might result from the activity could, in the view of the tangata whenua, be avoided, remedied or mitigated. Specific Specific recognition in the Plan rules will be accorded to the Recognition existing marae within the Plan area. (Omaka, Wairau) Sites of significance include waahi tapu, tauranga waka, mahinga maataitai and areas of taonga raranga. Resource consent applications could potentially affect the values of sites which are of significance to tangata whenua, (for example an activity which disturbs the seabed could affect the fisheries values of mahinga maataitai). The applicant will need to show whether any actual or potential adverse effects can be avoided, remedied or mitigated (in that order of priority). This could be achieved through changes in design of the proposal, negotiation with tangata whenua over appropriate compensation, or conditions on the resource consent. The tangata whenua group affected may be an iwi authority, but is more likely to be a smaller group such as a land-owning trust, a hapu, or a whanau. The marae are active living centres of the Maori community with potential for development and change. The range of activities undertaken on marae is expected to be wider than, for example, residential sites. It is considered that zonings (Residential or Rural) may unduly hinder the functioning and development of marae. It is considered to be necessary and appropriate to provide for special ‘marae’ identification with sufficient flexibility to enable marae to function and develop whilst protecting important amenities of surrounding environments. 2.2 Anticipated Environmental Results Implementation of the policies and methods relating to tangata whenua will result in: • The maintenance and enhancement of the relationship of tangata whenua to their culture and traditions. 2 - 3