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Planning Joint Witness Statement 11
DIRECT REFERRAL
WAIHEKE MARINAS LTD (ENV 2013 AKL 00174)
DIRECT REFERRAL FROM CONSENT AUTHORITY OF RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION
IN THE MATTER
AND
IN THE MATTER
of the Resource Management Act 1991
of a Notice of Motion under s87G of the Resource Management
Act 1991
JOINT EXPERT WITNESS STATEMENT PLANNING
DATED: 3 SEPTEMBER 2014
Abbreviations used:
AEE
ARP:C
CMA
HGMPA
LGA
MHWS
MMA
MZ
NZCPS
ODP
PAUP
RMA
Section 87F Report
The Assessment of Effects on the Environment prepared by the applicant
Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal
Coastal Marine Area
Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act
Local Government Act
Mean High Water Springs
Mooring Management Area (ARP:C)
Mooring Zone (PAUP)
New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement
Auckland Operative District Plan - Hauraki Gulf Islands Section 2013
Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan
Resource Management Act
A report on the applications prepared by the Auckland Council
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Planning Joint Witness Statement I 2
INTRODUCTION
1. This signed joint witness statement is written in response to the Court's Minute dated 4 April
2014 which directed Environment Commissioner facilitated conferencing. This requires that the
experts seek to identify and reach agreement with the other expert witness(es) on the issues
and matters within their field of expertise, and at the conclusion of the conference, prepare and
sign a joint witness statement that includes:
• the issues/matters on which the expert witnesses agree;
• the issues/matters on which they do not agree, including the reasons for their
disagreement.
2. This report relates to the conferencing topic of planning
3. A conferencing meeting was held on 29th day of August 2014 and reconvened on 1st day of
September 2014.
4. Participants were:
• Nicole Bremner (NB) (for Auckland Council)
• Max Dunn (MD) (for Waiheke Marinas Ltd)
• Dave Serjeant (OS) (for Direction Matiatia Inc.)
5. In preparing this statement, the experts have read and understood the Code of Conduct for
Expert Witnesses as Included in the Environment Court of New Zealand Practice Note 2011.
6. Description of the Site and Project
The experts adopted the information contained in the AEE and Section 87F report.
7. Activity status of the applications
a. The experts noted that the application involves two options being a reclamation-based
marina and a deck-based marina. The reasons for the addition of the deck-based marina
are outlined in the Memorandum from Richard Brabant, the applicant's legal counsel,
dated 9 April 2014.
b. There is agreement between the experts that the reclamation-based marina is a Non
Complying Activity.
c. In the event of a deck-based marina, the experts agree that the proposal is a
Discretionary Activity under the ARP:C and the ODP. The proposal is a Non-Complying
Activity under the PAUP. The PAUP was publicly notified after the date that the
application was lodged, but before the deck-based option was introduced. There Is a
difference of opinion in the evidence of MD considering the deck-based marina to be
Discretionary overall, and OS considering the deck-based marina to be Non-Complying
overall. NB's evidence accords with OS, however, she considers that section 88A needs
to be taken into account. The experts agree that this is primarily a legal interpretation
matter that is expected to be dealt with in legal submissions by the respective parties.
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Planning Joint Witness Statement I 3
8. Bundling of applications
a. In their evidence, the experts agreed that bundling of the applications is an appropriate
approach. MD is reviewing his position on this matter and will be addressing this in his
rebuttal evidence.
Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal - Mooring areas
a. There is some uncertainty from the evidence of the different experts, notably Mr Dilley
and OS, as to the number of boats that can be moored in the Bay in the future. The
planning experts are of the view that the maximum number of moorings is currently
addressed through limits in the ARP:C
b. The ARP:C limits the number of moorings within the two Matiatia MMA's to 98. The PAUP
does not limit the number of moorings for the two Matiatia MZ's, although this could
change as a result of the submission and hearing process. MD will cover this matter in
rebuttal evidence. Also as noted below the two MZ's are significantly larger than the two
MMA's.
c. The northern MMA in the ARP:C is 2.7 hectares (approx), and the area of the southern
MMA is 3.5 hectares. The areas of the northern MZ and southern MZ in the PAUP are
larger at 4.5 hectares and 5.6 hectares respectively. These areas are indicative only,
based on scaled dimensions from small maps in the two plans.
d. The significance of this is that it is unclear what the overall increase in the number of
moored boats in the Bay could be under the PAUP, either with or without a marina. This
matter is discussed further below in relation to the Chapter 24 - Moorings, objectives and
policies on efficient use of the bay and whether the marina can be expected to result in
any rationalisation or limit on the number of moorings, as proposed in the evidence of OS.
9. Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal - Objectives and Policies
a. The experts have identified the following objectives and poliCies of the ARP:C where
there is disagreement on whether the proposal is contrary or not:
b. NB advised that her only outstanding issues of concern relate to cultural and spiritual
considerations (predominantly Chapter 6) and the remaining question of whether there
are preferable alternatives to reclamation and dredging (predominantly Chapters 13 and
15). NB's comments on these chapters are provided below.
c. Chapter 3 - Natural Character
The only provisions under contention between OS and MD are Objective 3.3.1 and Policy
3.4.1 in relation to the preservation and protection of natural character from inappropriate
development. One of the key matters of difference concerns the impact of future
development within the Matiatia Gateway Land Unit as provided for in the District Plan.
This matter is also noted in item 14 of the Joint Witness Statement of the landscape
experts.
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Planning Joint Witness Statemenl14
d. Chapter 6 - Maori Matters of Significance
e. The experts were unable to take this discussion any further than as stated in their
respective briefs of evidence. The experts reviewed the Joint Witness Statement from the
cultural conferencing and understand that item 7.1.1 confirms the presence of koiwi in the
bay, but the area in relation to the marina is not specified. OS and NB noted that not all
relevant parties attended the cultural conferencing. MO understands that Pita Rikys will
be considering this matter further in rebuttal evidence on behalf of the applicants.
f. Chapter 10 - General
OS considered that the proposal is contrary to Objective 10.3.3 in terms of maintaining
the open space nature of the coastal environment and Policies 10.4.5(a), 10.4.5(c),
10.4.8, and 10.4.15 in relation to existing character, cumulative adverse effects, efficient
use and cross-boundary resource management as provided for in the OOP Matiatia
Gateway Land Unit. MO considers the policy is met, although notes the different
landscape expert opinions on natural character. MO intends to address this and the other
policy matters in rebuttal evidence. In relation to Policy 10.4.12 OS's evidence was that
the proposal appeared to be contrary to this policy, however he accepts the conclusions
in the Navigation Safety Joint Witness Statement in relation to the safe and efficient
passage of vessels. MO considers the policy is met with reference to this same joint
witness statement.
g. Chapter 11- Activities
OS considered that the proposal is contrary to Policy 11.4.1 (b) in relation to the
accommodation of landward development and the effects of this on traffic, parking and
natural character. MO considers that the policy is more specific than OS is indicating and
relates more to a requirement that appropriate land-based provisions are made. NB noted
that the wording at the start of the Chapter indicates that these provisions specifically
apply to the boardwalk, viewing deck and pile mooring components of the proposal.
h. Chapter 13 - Reclamation
i. OS considers that reclamation Is contrary to Policy 13.4.1 (a). NB considers this is
the case when read in absolute terms, but notes the introductory phrase refers to
'generally inappropriate' suggesting that exceptions may be contemplated, MO
refers to the 'generally inappropriate' prefacing rather than 'prohibitive' wording of
the policy, the non-complying activity provisions, the non-complying reclamations
approved as part of the Sands pit marina (under construction) and the proposal
not being repugnant to the policy.
ii. OS also considers that reclamation is contrary to Policy 13.4.1 (b) in relation to an
existing land based site for marina parking not being demonstrated as being
practicable. NB agrees, and also notes that the deck-based proposal appears to
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 15
present a feasible alternative to a reclamation. MD advises that the parking deck
is an alternative CMA based method, that alternative land based sites have been
investigated and are not practicable and that the applicants will address this
matter in rebuttal evidence.
i. Chapter 23 - Marinas
i. DS considers that the proposal fails to meet Policy 23.4.6 in relation to the
appropriateness and size of the marina.
ii. NB identifies a conflict with the policy to the extent that a practicable alternative to
reclamation has been presented. As to the second part of the policy NB agrees
that the size of the reclamation has been minimised.
iii. MD remains of the view stated in his evidence that the reclamation is appropriate
and minimised.
iv. DS also has concerns relating to Policies 23.4.10 and 23.4.11, however the
content of these policies is addressed more specifically in other policies. The
views of MD and NB are unchanged from their evidence.
j. Chapter 24 - Moorings
i. In his evidence, DS considered the proposal was contrary to Objectives 24.3.2
and 24.3.3. Having considered the Navigation Safety Joint Witness Statement,
DS considers that Objective 24.3.2 is met.
ii. DS' concerns with Objective 24.3.3 remain in relation to efficient use and the
proliferation of boat moorings in the Bay, particularly in the enlarged southern
mooring zone in the PAUP in the future. NB had no particular concerns with this
policy, but considers it would be relevant to consider the potential for significant
increases in boat numbers moored compared to current levels as a result of the
marina. MD will investigate further the position under the PAUP, including any
submissions seeking a limit on moorings in the Bay, and clarify his position in
rebuttal evidence.
10. Auckland Operative District Plan - Hauraki Gulf Islands Section 2013
a. Land Units and Notations
i. Matiatia Gateway Land Unit
The experts note that the ODP land unit provisions provide for significant JTlixed
use development and transport facilities to be developed at Matiatia,
ii. Mixed Use and Transport Areas
MD noted that there are differences between the Mixed Use and Transport
Areas in the ODP and the Plan Change to the previous Operative District Plan
1996 that formed the basis of the current Matiatia Land Unit provisions. MD will
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 16
be covering this matter in rebuttal evidence in response to matters raised in the
landscape and traffic/transport joint witness statements.
b. Objectives and Policies
The experts have identified the objectives and policies of the ODP listed below where
there is disagreement on whether the proposal is contrary or not.
c. Chapter 3 - Strategic Management Areas (Waiheke)
i. DS considers the proposal to be contrary to Policies 1 and 4. Policy 1 of
Objective 3.3.4 provides for 'village' style activities and development. DS
considers that the scale of the proposal makes it contrary to this provision. MD
questions the application of the 'village' part of the policy to the Matiatia transport
gateway provisions in the ODP and even if it does, MD notes that marinas are
part of villages e.g. Gulf Harbour and Opua. NB considers that as the
reclamation will become part of the District this needs to be considered in the
village context of Policy 1.
ii. Policy 4 relates to landscape character. DS considers that the reference to
coastal landscapes in this policy takes in both the land and water areas of the
Bay. NB agrees that the assessment encompasses the proposed reclamation
area as this would become part of the District. The planners noted that the
subject matter of this policy is addressed in expert landscape evidence and the
differences between experts in both landscape and planning evidence remain.
d. Chapter 7 - Heritage
NB advised that the outstanding issue of concern relates to cultural and spiritual
considerations and has not changed her views as a result of the evidence. DS agrees.
MD position is generally unchanged, but may be updated in rebuttal evidence, based on
rebuttal evidence from Mr Rikys.
e. Chapter 13 - Transport
DS considers the proposal to be contrary to Objective 13.3.1 and Policy 2 thereafter on
Wharves, and also Policy 2 relating to Objective 13.3.3 Roading, because of the conflict
between marina-related traffic and the main wharf's primary function as a transport hUb.
NB noted her view that elements of inconsistency with the provisions of Chapter 13
remain as appended in Annexure 8 to her 11 July 2014 evidence-in-chief. The planning
experts will review this matter after reading the proposed conditions that will come from
the Traffic and Transport Joint Witness Statement.
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 17
f. Chapter 10a - Matiatia Land Unit
i. OS considers that Policy 1 to Objective 10a.18.3.1 about the prioritisation of public
transport over private vehicle use is not met by the proposal. MO is of the view that
passenger transport will continue to have priority. NB considers that the proposal is
partly inconsistent in that marina traffic will pass through a dedicated passenger
transport area that is specifically identified in the OOP for this purpose. However, NB
considers the proposal may not be contrary to this policy subject to appropriate
access controls for the marina car park that would maintain priority for wharf and
passenger transport.
ii. OS considers that Policy 2, on the further development of car parking areas which
enhance the safety and efficiency of the transport network, is not met by the marina
car parking proposal. NB considers that, provided the traffic and parking effects of
the proposal can be appropriately dealt with in the manner proposed by the traffic
experts, the proposal, while presenting some inconsistencies, will not be contrary to
the intent of the Policy. MO notes that the reclamation/deck are located adjacent to
the Transport area, where parking facilities, including buildings, are provided for, and
the priority of public transport in Ocean View Road will remain.
iii. OS considers that Policy 4, on the potential relocation of Ocean View Road, is not
met as the need for marina access will hamper outcomes for gateway redevelopment.
iv. NB considers the proposal to be inconsistent with the Policy, however given it is likely
that some form of vehicle thoroughfare for wharf traffic will be required in any future
design, Is of the view that the proposal is not contrary to the Policy.
v. MO considers the Policy is met, and notes that relocation of Ocean View Road is
provided for already, and does not appear to be a precursor to redevelopment of the
land unit, nor be affected by the marina proposal. MO will review this aspect further
and cover in rebuttal evidence.
vi. OS considers that Policy 6, on avoiding medium to large scale car parking areas
adjoining the esplanade or visible to those arriving at Matiatia, is not met by the
proposed car parking for the marina.
vii. NB agrees there is a partial inconsistency with aspects of the policy concerning the
siting of the reclamation car park, however adopts Mr Brown's expert landscape
advice that the adverse effects on landscape character are acceptable.
viii. MO considers the Policy is met, as the marina parking area will be located adjacent to
an historic reserve rather than an esplanade reserve, which is to the south of the
wharf. Also, MO also the marina parking area will be effectively screened from those
arriving at Matiatia by ferry by the existing and proposed structures.
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Planning Joint Witness Statement I 8
g. Rules relating to parking activities on the reclamation
The difference of opinion in the evidence of MD and NB as to the status of activities upon
the reclamation remains. MD considers the parking to be an innominate (Discretionary)
activity and NB considers this to be Non-Complying. DS agrees with NB on this matter.
11. Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan
a. Management Areas and Notations
i. Mooring Zone
See note in 9 j. above under ARP:C regarding the extent of the Mooring Zone
and the number of boats provided for therein.
ii. Historic Heritage (site or place of value to Mana Whenua) Overlay
The experts agree that the overlay shown in the PAUP relates to a single land
based, recorded archaeological site, which covers land area and water (CMA)
areas. Part of the proposed marina is affected by part of the overlay. The
experts note that, in s7.4.1 of the Cultural joint witness statement, there is
reference to a heritage protection overlay recording all known archaeological
sites in Matiatia Bay. The planners are not aware if this is intended to refer to the
same overlay, as there appears to be some potential conflict between the two
understandings.
b. Objectives and Policies
DS and NB agree that little weight should be given to the objectives and policies of the
PAUP. MD generally agrees, but in rebuttal evidence will give further attention to any
PAUP provisions where the Council has signalled a significant policy shift.
12. RMA Framework
a. Permitted Baseline - Under the ARP:C up to 98 moorings are permitted. There is no
numerical limit under the PAUP, but there is an area limit.
b. Existing Environment - The experts agree that the boat grid forms part of the existing
environment. The experts are not aware of any approved but unimplemented resource
consents that would have a bearing on their conclusions but will check prior to the
hearing.
13. Section 104 Gateway Test for Non-complying Activities
a. DS considers that the application is a non-complying activity irrespective of whether the
parking area is reclamation or deck-based, and that the application does not meet either
of the gateway tests. NB considers that the proposal fails the effects test, however, it
potentially passes the second (objectives and policies) gateway test. NB qualifies this
statement by reiterating that there are unresolved cultural and spiritual matters, and a
remaining issue of what alternatives there are to reclamation and dredging. MD has a
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Planning Joint Witness Statement I 9
different view, and considers that both gateway tests are met as outlined in evidence.
MO expects that, with reference to the other jOint witness statements, that any more than
minor archaeological, navigation/safety and noise effects are able to be dealt with through
consent conditions and this is likely to be the same for ecological/water quality and
traffic/parking effects (once conditions are formulated), but that there are significant
remaining differences of opinion on cultural and landscape/natural character effects.
b. The experts noted that if the deck-based marina is a discretionary activity this does not
require an analysis under S1040 RMA.
14. New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement
a. The experts have identified the following objectives and policies of the NZCPS where
there is disagreement on whether the proposal has regard to:
b. Objective 3 and Policy 2 in relation to matters of significance to tangata whenua;
OS considers that the application does not have regard to these provisions. NB agrees
that further consideration of cultural and spiritual values is required under these
provisions. MO notes this matter will be covered in rebuttal evidence.
c. Policy 4 in relation to integrated management across the line of MHWS;
d. Policy 4 requires specific consideration of areas above and below MHWS in an integrated
way. OS considers that the application does not have regard to this policy. OS has
concerns as to how this applies to parking, and this is addressed in d. below. NB and MO
consider the proposal has been addressed in an Integrated way, including across MHWS.
e. Policy 6 (1) (b), (e) and (i) in relation to the rate of built development and infrastructure at
Matiatia (b), controlling development so as not to compromise the functioning of the
transport hub (e), and setting back the car park from the coastal marine area (which is
reasonable and practicable) so as to protect natural character, open space and amenity
values of the coastal environment (i).
f. OS considers the transport hub to be regionally significant infrastructure and that the
location of the marina parking will compromise the function of the hub, due to future
conflict between access to marina parking and passenger transport. NB agrees that
providing for future growth and operation of the transport hub is a critical consideration.
MO considers the policies are met as based on other expert evidence the marina will not
compromise the transport, natural character and other recorded values of the Matiatia
area.
g. Policy 6(2) (d) in relation to the car park being located in the CMA generally and whether
it has a functional need to.
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 110
OS considers that the car park does not need to be located in the CMA, and an option in
the mixed use area needs to be considered. NB reiterated that there is still a question of
what alternatives may exist to reclamation within the CMA. In response to a deck based
option, NB is of the view that an alternative on land would better meet the policy, but
constraints on available land are also noted. As stated earlier, MO confirmed that
practicable alternatives to a reclamation or deck will be covered in the applicants rebuttal
evidence.
h. Policy 10 (3) in relation to whether the reclamation and its intended purpose provides for
efficient operation of infrastructure, including ferry terminals and marinas;
i. OS considers that while the reclamation might be efficient for the marina, it does
not provide for the efficient use of the ferry terminal into the future.
ii. NB notes that the deck-based marina appears to provide a practicable alternative
to a reclamation.
iii. MO considers the policy is met as the joint witness statement on navigation safety
does not appear to identify any matters that will affect the efficiency of the wharf
based part of the ferry terminal.
i. Policy 23(5)(a) relates to managing discharges from marine facilities to take all
practicable steps to avoid contamination of coastal waters, substrate, ecosystems and
habitats, that is more than minor;
i. NB notes that while not all matters concerning the assessment of contamination
and ecological effects have been resolved in the Joint Witness Statement on
Coastal Ecology and Antifouling, proposed conditions of consent may enable this
policy to be met.
ii. MO understands that the ecological and water quality effects will generally be no
more than minor, with the possible exception of contaminant discharges from
boat hulls in the longer term, and the experts are preparing a set of conditions
that are expected to address this. MD also notes that legal submissions are
expected to be made on whether contaminant discharges from boat hulls in the
marina are able to dealt with through consent conditions.
iii. OS considers that the policy places an ongoing obligation on the consent holder
to ensure that effects are no more than minor and that this needs to be achieved
through conditions which set standards and require monitoring and review. MD
agrees with this approach and his view is based on a set of reasonable and
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 111
implementable consent conditions being agreed on by the ecology and planning
experts.
15. Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act
a. One set of provisions under contention are Sections 8(b), (e) and (f) in relation to the
protection of natural resources and the maintenance and enhancement of physical
resources.
i. OS considers that the application does not have regard to these provisions, in
particular the wharf and transport hub, that contribute to the recreation and
enjoyment of the Gulf by residents and visitors to Waiheke.
ii. MO considers these provisions are met as outlined in evidence-in-chief.
iii. NB has not identified any issue with these provisions that have not been covered
by other comments.
b. A second set of provisions under contention are Sections (6), 7(2)(a)(i), and 8(c)
i. NB considers that further analysis is required on matters of cultural and spiritual
significance.
ii. OS agrees with NB.
iii. MO considers these provisions are met as outlined in evidence-in-chief.
16. Auckland Regional Policy Statement
a. The experts have identified the following objectives and policies of the ARPS where there
is disagreement on whether the proposal has regard to the provisions listed below:
b. Chapter 3 -Matters of Significance to Iwi
i. OS considers that the OMI iwi evidence suggests that regard is not being had to
Objective 3.3, and Policy 3.4.1, and Objective 7.3.1.9 and Policy 7.4.7.6 on
recognising and providing for the relationship of Maori with special sites and
places.
ii. NB adds that Objective 7.3.9 sets out similar requirements. NB agrees with OS
to the extent that further assessment is required.
iii. MO's position is set out in evidence-in-chlef, and may be further addressed
through rebuttal evidence.
c. Chapter 7 - Coastal Environment
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 112
i. Objective 7.3.1.1 on preserving natural character, and associated Policy 7.4.4.1
(iii)
DS considers the application has not avoided, remedied or mitigated the adverse
effects of either the car-parking proposal (reclamation or deck), and the
proliferation of boats in the Bay. DS does not have concerns about the marina in
relation to this objective and policy.
NB and MD do not identify any concerns with either provision.
ii. Objective 7.3.1.3 on enabling appropriate development in the coastal
environment;
As set out in relation to 7.3.1.1 and other provisions of the NZCPS and HGMPA,
DS considers the proposal has not had regard to this objective.
NB and MD do not identify any concerns with this provision.
iii. Objective 7.3.10 on achieving integrating management.
17. Other Matters
As set out in relation to other provisions of the NZCPS and HGMPA, DS
considers the proposal has not had regard to this objective.
NB and MD do not identify any concerns with this provision.
a. The experts agree that the following documents are relevant to assessing the proposal
and that the applicant has given them appropriate regard:
i. Matiatia Transport and Directional Plans March 2008.
NB notes that these documents were produced after the date the then Proposed
District Plan 2006 was publicly notified.
ii. Essentially Waiheke (which is explicitly referred to in Part 3 Strategic
Management Areas, clause 3.3.2 of the ODP)
iii. Auckland Transport Plan 2009, Auckland Regional Land Strategy 2010, Auckland
Regional Public Transport Plan 2011 (these are strategic planning documents
which guide the Matiatia ferry terminal and parking area)
The documents in (i) and (ii) were specifically referenced in the section 87F
report.
b. The experts also considered the following documents:
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 113
i. Hauraki Gulf State of the Environment Report 2011 (referred to in MO evidence)
ii. Waiheke Local Board Plan 2011 (referenced in the s87F report).
The experts note that there is a new Waiheke Oraft Local Board Plan 2014. This has only
recently been released and was not taken into account in evidence-in-chief, nor in the
s87F report which was prepared in November 2013.
c. The experts are not aware of any Iwi Management Plans that are relevant.
18. Part 2 of RMA
a. The experts agree that there are matters in contention in relation to the following:
i. Section 5
ii. Section 6(a), (e) and (f)
iii. Section 7(a), (b), (c) and (f)
iv. Section 8
b. The matters in contention have been addressed in more detail in the sections on the
national, regional and district plans and policy statements which are set out above.
19. Outcomes from other expert witness conferencing
At the preliminary meeting on 26 August 2014, a number of issues were raised by Section 274
parties for consideration by the experts. The issues are listed below, together with the experts'
responses.
a. Integrated planning, infrastructure planning
At the meeting, questions were raised about how the project fits within an integrated
planning approach for the area, and in particular the planning for future infrastructure.
The experts consider integrated planning, including infrastructure planning, is the primary
responsibility of Auckland Council through higher level LGA and RMA processes, and the
applicant has limited ability to address this through a resource consent process. This
matter has also been addressed in the sections relating to the NZCPS, HGMPA and
ARPS above.
b. Top-down/bottom up planning approaches
At the meeting, a conflict of approach was identified between the local community's plans
(bottom up) and wider RMA-based plans (top down). The experts have assessed the
application in accordance with s104 and 1040, and the latter directs that a "gateway test"
on the OOP and ARP:C be undertaken. The experts note that the community's plans are
relevant matters to consider under s1 04(1 )(c).
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 114
c. Relevant plans including non-statutory documents
At the meeting, queries were raised as to whether consideration had been given to all
relevant plans. The experts are satisfied that consideration has been given to all plans
relevant under the RMA, and these plans have been listed in above.
d. NZCPS provisions, especially pOlicies 4, 6, 9
The experts have considered all relevant provisions of the NZCPS, of which Policies 4
and 6 are dealt with above. The experts note that Policy 9 relates to Ports serving
national and international shipping, and accordingly does not apply to Matiatia, which is
addressed in terms of Policy 6.
e. Future growth and how this is managed
At the meeting there were concerns that the proposed marina could affect future growth
of the Matiatia ferry terminal area. The experts hold different opinions on this, which
have been set out above in relation to a number of planning provisions.
f. Siting of marina next to a transport hub
At the meeting, In addition to direct traffic effects, which are addressed below, there was
a more strategic concern expressed about the future planning implications of having the
proposed marina adjacent to the ferry terminal and future development and links to the
passenger transport network for the island. The planning experts hold different views on
this matter, as outlined above.
g. Traffic effects
At the meeting there were concerns raised about the existing traffic congestion around
the Matiatia ferry terminal, and the impact that the proposed marina would have on this.
Some participants described it as chaotic. The planning experts currently have different
views on traffic effects, as outlined above, but note that traffic management is addressed
in the joint witness statement on traffic and transport, and that the traffic experts are
working on a proposed condition to address this.
h. Permitted baseline
This was discussed at the meeting and is addressed in Section 12 a. above.
i. Water access to marina (kayaks etc)
At the meeting, a question was raised about whether kayak access all the way around
the marina would be available in the future. While it was indicated at the meeting that it
should be possible, the planning experts cannot confirm this, but expect the applicant's
engineer and/or navigation expert will be able to clarify this at the hearing.
j. WML submission on the PAUP
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 115
At the meeting a concern was raised with the applicant's submission on the PAUP
seeking to remove the Historic Heritage Overlay. MD noted at the meeting and as
outlined above, that the overlay relates to only one of several recorded archaeological
sites around the Northern Bay, and the basis of it, especially in relation to other recorded
sites, and application to CMA areas, was not clear. This is a matter that will be
addressed through the PAUP submission/hearing process.
k. Weight to be afforded to the PAUP
This was discussed at the meeting and is addressed in Section 11 b. above.
I. Different feeling that would exist with the presence of a Marina, including intangible
considerations
At the meeting a concern was raised that "a different feel" will exist with the marina in
place, and whether this has been taken into consideration. The experts noted that the
perceptions and experiences of a place are woven into the expert landscape evidence,
and form part of the consideration of amenity values under s7 of the RMA. The planning
experts note that there are differences between landscape experts on the extent of these
effects.
m. What happens beyond the 35 year resource consent term for the marina
Prior to the end of the 35 year term, the consent holder would be entitled to seek new
consents.
n. The need to view Waiheke In a cultural landscape
At the meeting a view was expressed that Waiheke needs to be considered in a cultural
landscape. The planning experts understand this to mean seeing Matiatia Bay in its
historic context, which is important. However, based on the evidence, they disagree as
to the potential effects of the proposed marina on the cultural landscape.
o. Tourism considerations.
At the meeting, effects on the tourism experience were identified as being of concern.
The planning experts consider this is related to several of the matters addressed above,
and provided these matters are appropriately addressed, do not consider there will be
adverse effects on tourism.
20. Draft conditions
The planning experts note some differences between the Council's set of proposed conditions
and the applicant's set of proposed conditions. This includes the draft amended conditions on
a bond, and public access around the proposed parking deck as outlined in NB's evidence. The
planning experts also note that the joint witness statements on Traffic and Transport, Noise and
Ecology and Anti-fouling are reviewing conditions with a view to submitting a revised set for
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Planning Joint Witness Statement 116
consideration by the Court. The planning experts will endeavour to agree a full set of conditions
for consideration by the Court prior to the hearing.
21. Matters raised in other joint witness statements
The planning experts have read all of the joint witness statements of other experts and have
incorporated their findings where relevant in the statements above.
KEY FACTS AND ASSUMPTIONS
22. There was no disagreement between experts on key facts and assumptions.
IDENTIFICATION OF DIFFERENCES IN METHODOLOGY
23. There was broad agreement between the experts on the methodologies used.
IDENTIFICATION OF PUBLISHED INFORMATION & PRIMARY DATA RELIED ON
24. There was no disagreement between experts on published information and primary data relied
upon.
DATE: 3 SEPTEMBER 2014
N Bremner
M Dunn
D Serjeant
16
Planning Joint Witness Statement 116
consideration by the Court. The planning experts will endeavour to agree a full set of conditions
for consideration by the Court prior to the hearing.
21. Matters raised in other joint witness statements
The planning experts have read all of the joint witness statements of other experts and have
incorporated their findings where relevant in the statements above.
KEY FACTS AND ASSUMPTIONS
22. There was no disagreement between experts on key facts and assumptions.
IDENTIFICATION OF DIFFERENCES IN METHODOLOGY
23. There was broad agreement between the experts on the methodologies used.
IDENTIFICATION OF PUBLISHED INFORMATION & PRIMARY DATA RELIED ON
24. There was no disagreement between experts on published information and primary data relied
upon.
DATE: 3 SEPTEMBER 2014
N Bremner
M Dunn
D Serjeant
16