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Report

Foxton WWTP - Landscape Feasibility Study

Prepared for Horowhenua District Council

Prepared by Beca Ltd (Beca)

19 October 2015

Media-Laptop

Typewritten Text

[Beca 2015:B15]

Foxton WWTP - Landscape Feasibility Study - Beca, 2015:B15

Beca // 19 October 2015

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Revision History

Revision Nº Prepared By Description Date

1 Ben Frost Draft for Internal review 28-07-2015

2 Ben Frost Draft for client review 06-08-2015

3 Ben Frost Final 19 -10-2015

4

5

Document Acceptance

Action Name Signed Date

Prepared by Ben Frost

19-10-2015

Reviewed by Wade Robertson

19-10-2015

Approved by Andrew Watson

19-10-2015

on behalf of Beca Ltd

© Beca 2015 (unless Beca has expressly agreed otherwise with the Client in writing).

This report has been prepared by Beca on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client’s use for the purpose for which it is intended in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by any person contrary to the above, to which Beca has not given its prior written consent, is at that person's own risk.



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Contents

1 Introduction 1

2 Landscape Context 2

2.1 Existing Character, Values and Sensitivities 2

2.2 Determining the Coastal Environment 4

3 The Proposal 6

4 Potential Effects 6

4.1 Visual 7

4.2 Landscape 7

4.3 Natural Character 8

4.4 Permitted Baseline Argument 8

5 Relevant Planning Considerations 9

5.1 NZCPS 9

5.2 Horowhenua District Plan 9

5.3 Policy analysis 12

6 Recommendations 14

Appendices

Appendix 1 – Graphic Annexures



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1 Introduction

Beca Ltd (Beca) has been engaged by Horowhenua District Council (HDC) to provide a ‘high level’ report

which identifies the landscape and natural character consenting implications of the Foxton Wastewater

Treatment Plant (WWTP) irrigation scheme.

While no concept scheme has yet been developed, this report identifies the likely landscape issues and

potential risks associated with any future irrigation and additional pond storage on Matakarapa Island which

is adjacent to the Manawatu Estuary. Therefore this assessment is not intended to replicate or replace a

more thorough consideration of landscape, natural character and visual effects that will be required as part of

a future assessment of environmental effects.

The scope of this assessment includes:

� A description of the site and surrounding landscape including the nature and extent of coastal processes

and landscape and natural character values of Matakarapa Island;

� The extent to which the coastal environment as defined by the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement

(NZCPS) 2010 applies to Matakarapa Island;

� A description of the proposal in terms of its key visual impacts including the likely scale and acceptability

of adverse landscape and natural character effects resulting from several design and location options.

� A high level assessment of these effects against the objectives and policies of the NZCPS, Horowhenua

District Plan (HDP) and the Horizons One Plan; and

� Identification of key landscape-related issues to be addressed in subsequent resource consent

applications.

A site visit to Matakarapa Island and the wider landscape (e.g. Manawatu River and Foxton township) was

undertaken on the 1st of July 2015. The purpose of the site visit was to provide an overview of the project

area and to develop an appreciation of the character and quality of the local landscape, likely extent of

works, resulting extent and influence of the proposal on the coastal environment and the overall effects

‘envelope’ as it relates to landscape, natural character and visual matters (see site photographs and photo

point plan in Appendix 1). In addition, research was undertaken of the Boffa Miskell study titled ‘Outstanding

Natural Landscapes & Features’ Review August 2011’ for Horowhenua District Council.



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2 Landscape Context

2.1 Existing Character, Values and Sensitivities

The site is located on Matakarapa Island which lies immediately south-west of Foxton at the southern edge

of the Manawatu Plains (Figure 1). Matakarapa Island acts as a point of demarcation, between the

Manawatu Estuary and coastal dunefields at the western edge of the Manawatu Plains and the very

extensive alluvial and remnant sand flats of the plains themselves. The Manawatu River, flowing east to west

across the plains, forms the southern edge of Matakarapa Island, while the ‘Foxton Loop’ encapsulates the

rest of the Island to the north.

Remnant dune landforms stretching up to 12km inland from the coast characterise much of the landscape

surrounding Foxton. The remnant dune system remains a prominent feature of the surrounding landscape

due to their elevation above the surrounding pastoral flats. The vast majority of inland dune remnants are

also identified by small clusters of established pine trees for stabilisation purposes. The remaining active

dunes are covered in large scale pine plantations which dominate the coastal edge throughout the district,

including Waitarere Forest south-west of the Matakarapa Island.

The plains are overlain by a geometric matrix of dairy pasture, fences, shelterbelts, water races and road

networks as well as forestry woodlots. Farmhouses, sheds and pivot irrigators are also a feature of this

modified and managed pastoral landscape. North-east of Matakarapa Island is the settlement of Foxton

which is characterised by mainly residential housing and some industrial landuse adjacent to the Foxton

Loop. More remotely, the settlement of Foxton Beach sits on the northern edge of the Manawatu River

mouth approximately 2km from the existing WWTP.

FOXTON WWTP

MATAKARAPA ISLAND

Figure 1: Topographical Context Plan



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The tidal interface of the Manawatu River and the Tasman Sea is characterised by the Manawatu Estuary,

immediately west of Matakarapa Island. The Estuary is characterised by an extensive intertidal saltmarsh

wetland interspersed by sequences of coprosma, mingimingi, and other native coastal scrub. The dynamic

andcyclical nature of the Manawatu Estuary and River environs imparts an overall sense of naturalness

although the combined presence of roading, residential development, pastoral, horticultural and forestry

activities does have a diminishing effect on this naturalness in a cumulative sense.

The landform of Matakarapa Island is quite variable, comprising pastoral flats at its northern end,

transitioning into undulating dune striations that typically run in a west to east direction interspersed by flat

areas of pasture and the existing Foxton WWTP. Immediately south of the WWTP, the land rises

dramatically to form one of the more elevated points in the vicinity of Foxton and comprising a sequence of

deeply incised former dune hollows and ridges that straddle the width of the island. The elevation and

steepness of this section of the island is amplified at the Whirokino Cut which marks a significant area of

downcut where it meets the Manawatu River. The southern extent of the island is again characterised by low

dune striations with flat areas of pasture in between and is notably more modified by farming practice.

As previously mentioned, Matakarapa is surrounded by the Foxton Loop to the north, east and west. This

stretch of still water and swampland forms a significant part of the island’s context when viewed from Foxton

and SH1 though from most low lying vantage points the waterbody of the Loop is completely obscured by a

5m high flood protection bund along its length. The Foxton Loop imparts a sense of tranquillity in contrast to

the more dynamic qualities associated with the Manawatu River at its southern end or the often turbulent

physical conditions and moods of the west coast at Foxton Beach.

The pattern and composition of vegetation on the island reflects its topography – stands of kanuka shelter in

the lee of the larger dunes to the east, native scrub, broom, and gorse cover the more exposed ridges and

slopes, while marram grass and mingimingi cover areas of dune hollow and exposures of sand. A prominent

stand of mature pines cover the western frontage of a large dune. Patches of native and exotic vegetation

are found on the former dune slopes across much of the island, which is otherwise dominated by pastoral

grasses.

Matakarapa Island contains a small number of scattered farm sheds, a single dwelling east of the WWTP, as

well as the existing Foxton Wastewater Treatment plant which comprises rectilinear treatment ponds.

Based on the description above a map of existing landscape sensitivities (see Annexure 13) across

Matakarapa Island has been prepared focusing on areas of ‘high’ and ‘moderate’ sensitivity. The method for

determining these areas is based on:

� Physical Elevation & Prominence: the physical and visual prominence of the Island

relative to other land visible from the surrounding vantage points

� Existing Land Uses: the degree to which existing land uses visible on and around the

subject site would assist with the visual integration of the irrigation proposal with its

surrounds – reflective of the fact that more obvious human activities and the related

feeling of ‘modification’ would assist integration, whereas a more homogeneous ‘natural’

landscape would be less able to accommodate new / different development.

� Topography: the extent to which the visible topography would either aid or hinder

integration of new development on the subject site seen from surrounding vantage points

This assessment also takes into account the influence that topography in the more

immediate foreground and middle distance (where applicable) would exert over the

visibility and prominence of development on the subject site

� Vegetation Cover: the extent to which existing trees, shelterbelts and other vegetation on

and around the subject site, but also in the more immediate foreground and middle

distance, would affect perception of new development on the site – in terms of screening

or visual buffering / filtering.



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2.2 Determining the Coastal Environment

The following features and elements are identified within the NZCPS as characteristic of the Coastal

Environment (although the presence of these features / elements does not actually assist with the

demarcation of the Coastal Environment’s margins):

Coastal features and elements:

(a) the coastal marine area;

(b) islands within the coastal marine area;

(c) areas where coastal processes, influences or qualities are significant, including coastal lakes,

lagoons, tidal estuaries, saltmarshes, coastal wetlands, and the margins of these;

(d) areas at risk from coastal hazards;

(e) coastal vegetation and the habitat of indigenous coastal species including migratory birds;

(f) elements and features that contribute to the natural character, landscape, visual qualities or amenity

values;

(g) items of cultural and historic heritage in the coastal marine area or on the coast;

(h) inter-related coastal marine and terrestrial systems, including the intertidal zone; and

(i) physical resources and built facilities, including infrastructure, that have modified the coastal

environment.

In the context of the list of features and elements above, the following list of more ‘discrete’ key

characteristics / attributes help to define the extent and limits of the Coastal Environment. None of these

characteristics are definitive in their own right i.e. several attributes often have to be considered and weighed

up before the extent of the Coastal Environment can be defined. Moreover, the attributes that finally

determine that ‘boundary’ will vary from location to location and require extensive field work to ground truth

the boundary:

Areas physically linked to the Coastal Marine Area (CMA):

1. Include those that are directly subject to wave action and tidal inundation / movement and which contain / define the inter-tidal margins of the CMA;

2. Coastal drainage systems, including catchments and headwaters that feed directly into the CMA; and

3. Landforms and vegetation cover that are directly affected / modified by exposure and proximity to the CMA – through wind action, wave action and salt exposure.

Areas whose character is substantially defined by their proximity to the CMA:

1. Areas within which the CMA is a dominant to significant visual entity;

2. Locations whose landscape character and amenity is clearly influenced by proximity to, and a sense of connection with, the CMA; and

3. Locations within which items of cultural and historic heritage are found that are linked to, or within the CMA.

As part of its process to review the District Plan, HDC has sought to describe and define the extent of the

coastal environment by way of a Natural Character Assessment1. Though, there is some confusion as to

1 Boffa Miskell Ltd, Outstanding Natural Landscapes & Features Review August 2011 (prepared for Horowhenua District Council)



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whether Matakarapa Island is included within the coastal environment. Planning Map 4 ‘Rural’ (see figure 1)

identifies a ‘Coastal Natural Character Area’ which encompasses the southern half of Matakarapa Island

whereas Planning Map 38 ‘Landscape Domains’ (see Figure 2) show the ‘Coastal Environment Domain’

excluding the Island but still incorporating the Manawatu Estuary and a much wider strip of land adjacent the

coast.

While both sets of maps illustrate a clear discrepancy on where the coastal environment boundary lies, they

both illustrate the landward shift of the coastal environment in and around the Manawatu River mouth. This is

reflective of the fact that river mouths are highly dynamic landscapes which have a much wider reaching

influence on the landscape than other parts of the coastline. In that sense, perhaps one of the more

important considerations in examining whether Matakarapa Island sits within the coastal environment, as

Figure 2: Planning Map 4 'Rural'

Figure 3: Excerpt from Planning Map 38



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defined by the NZCPS, is the extent to which coastal processes are occurring and their influence in a

perceptual sense.

Tested against the six key characteristics / attributes listed above it is clear that Matakarapa Island is

influenced both physically and perceptually by the CMA (see Annexures 3 – 6 & 11), specifically:

� Tidal movement and inundation up the Manawatu River which contain / define the inter-tidal margins of

the CMA and Manawatu Estuary;

� The dune landform drains directly into the tidal margins of the Manawatu Estuary;

� The dune landforms and windswept vegetation cover are directly affected / modified by exposure and

proximity to the CMA – through wind action, deposition and attrition, and salt exposure;

� The CMA comprising the dune landforms and wave action at the river mouth, and the extensive

Manawatu Estuary is a dominant visual entity;

� The landscape character of the southern portion of the Island, including its pronounced and intact dune

landforms, sand exposures interspersed by marram grass , and indigenous windswept coastal vegetation,

is clearly influenced by proximity to, and a sense of connection with, the CMA;

� locations within which items of cultural and historic heritage are found that are linked to, or within the

CMA.

3 The Proposal

HDC operates the Foxton WWTP on Matakarapa Island. The proposal seeks to reduce or eliminate the

discharges to Foxton Loop from this facility to improve its environmental and social acceptability, and to allow

long term management of Foxton’s wastewater. This would include an additional storage pond as well as the

application of treated wastewater to the land (irrigation).

Although not yet defined the storage pond is likely to be of similar size to what exists (ranging from 1 – 2.5 hectares). The location of this facility is yet to be confirmed by LEI, though it is likely to be situated in close proximity to the existing WWTP.

It is understood the application of treated wastewater may comprise a series of three metre high wooden

posts around 150 - 200mm in diameter (similar to a farm fence post) spaced at 30m centres with irrigation

hoses attached. The spray diameter of each will reach between eight and fifteen metres, with a total

coverage of between 50 and 80 hectares across the Island. The locations of these poles are yet to be

determined but will likely traverse the southern extent of the Island which has an Outstanding Natural

Feature and Landscape (ONFL) overlay in the District Plan. The land that is treated will continue to be

utilised for grazing and farming practice.

Consequently, the major implications of the project relate to the modification of dune landforms to construct

the additional storage pond, prominence of irrigation posts, and the potential contrast and patterning of the

dune surface as a result of the irrigation, particularly on the elevated ONFL portion of the Island.

4 Potential Effects

Without a concept design to assess, it is not yet possible to assess the effects of the activity on the

landscape and natural character of Matakarapa Island and the wider environs. However, some broad

assessments can be made as follows.



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4.1 Visual

� Visual effects 2experienced within the surrounding plains landscape would be localised due to the high

number of shelterbelts, 5m high flood protection bund, and intervening vegetation surrounding the site as

well as the low viewing angle toward Matakarapa Island. Partial views of irrigation posts and the

distribution field on the more elevated dunes would be obtained from Stewart Street in close proximity to

the site. Consequently, the greater bulk of effects associated with the irrigation would be experienced

from SH1 and to a lesser degree Foxton Beach Road.

� From nearly all vantage points around the site, the existing WWTP is not visible due to the ponds very low

profile and the Islands terrain being slightly elevated above the surrounding plains. As such it is likely that

an additional storage pond, in a similar location, would be barely visible.

� Given the views from both SH1 and Foxton Beach Road are broad, and encompass an array of

landscape components, and are relatively distant (approximately 1km and 2km respectively) it is unlikely

that the 3m high irrigation posts will be particularly discernible.

� Similarly, when viewed from river level, the steep dune profile adjacent to the river would screen out the

additional storage pond and the bulk of irrigation posts. Given the proximity of such views, any structures

on the edge of the river will be apparent. While relatively benign viewed in isolation, there is a risk of the

structures appearing overly dominant when seen cumulatively in a similar location on the island. In this

instance careful consideration is needed when determining the layout of the posts.

4.2 Landscape

� The degree of landscape effects 3associated with the additional storage pond will be largely influenced by

its final location and positioning. For instance, the mainly flat pastoral land immediately north and east of

the existing WWTP has a low sensitivity to land modification due to its low profile, absence of vegetation,

and mainly pastoral content. In addition, the co-location of WWTP facilitates would limit the spread of

landscape effects across the island as a whole by isolating large scale structures and activities to one

part of the Island.

� Flattening of elevated dunes to the south of the WWTP to accommodate a storage facility would generate

a moderate degree of effect due to the relative intactness of those landforms and on-going natural

processes that are occurring. While relatively low in profile, the dune landforms on the northern part of the

Island create a distinctively variable profile when viewed from SH1 – the prominence of which is

exacerbated by the contrast of its elevated terrain with the flat plains that surround it. However, the

storage facility could be positioned within a sequence of flat elongated dune hollows between the

elevated landforms which would limit the overall land modification and confine any effects to areas

already substantially modified by farming practice.

� Potential effects of the irrigation posts and distribution field would be largely confined to the elevated dune

landforms on the Island. In particular the effect caused by potential contrast in surface patterning/colour of

underlying pastoral grasses on the dunes as a result of the circular distribution of treated waste water

during summer months. As a result, the extent of intrusion and disruption of natural patterns and

characteristics of Matakarapa Island would vary over its length and one’s location on the surrounding

roads, however the effects could be moderate - high along parts of SH1 between Newth Road and

Moutoa Floodway as well as from the Manawatu River itself.

2 The extent to which the development proposal would be visible and visually prominent, or might even dominate views toward the application site.

3 Landscape effects are essentially those effects the project has on the physical characteristics of the landscape (landform, watercourses (ie coastal edge),

natural processes, and vegetation) and visual coherence and integrity of the landscape (perceived balance between natural and man-made elements within

the visible landscape).



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� Conversely, irrigation on the majority of low lying land in between and surrounding the elevated dunes will

not be particularly discernible and will not dominate the local landscape, nor would it be particularly

intrusive – either in relation to views of Matakarapa Island, or the wider coastal environment and

surrounding farmland exposed to this viewpoint – the aesthetic coherence of the view / outlook would be

largely maintained. Furthermore, the irrigation of low lying areas that would remain visible would be

viewed in the context of both existing farmland across the adjoining plains and in the foreground of views

to Matakarapa Island.

4.3 Natural Character

� Potential effects on natural character 4largely mirror those described under landscape effects above.

� The co-location of any additional pond storage near the WWTP will have a very low impact on natural

character values, provided landform modification is kept to a minimum. Most of the area surrounding the

WWTP is substantially more modified by farming practice and the WWTP itself and has a low sensitivity

to further development than other parts of the Island.

� Flattening of dunes to accommodate additional pond storage to the south of the WWTP will have a

moderate impact on those residual natural character values relating to the Island’s pronounced and intact

dune landforms, sand exposures interspersed by patches of indigenous windswept coastal vegetation

exhibiting a sense of connection with the CMA. Limiting the overall modification of the remnant dune

landform by positioning the additional storage pond in low lying pastoral flats near the existing WWTP will

significantly reduce the extent of physical effects;

� The location of irrigation posts within the Island’s more elevated and exposed dune landforms has the

potential to impact on its higher order natural character values. While relatively benign viewed in isolation

or each other, there is a risk of the structures appearing overly dominant when seen cumulatively in a

similar location on the island. The location of the posts needs to primarily focus on low lying areas near

the WWTP and the southern tip of the Island, within stands of kanuka and other established vegetation,

dune hollows dominated by pasture, and co-located along existing fence lines.

4.4 Permitted Baseline Argument

� While not technically an effect, permitted baseline type comparisons will be relevant in the context of

agricultural land use activities. For example, it is understood that irrigation associated with agricultural

effluent could potentially be undertaken as a permitted activity on the Island.

4 The degree to which the development proposals would adversely affect the physical and perceptual attributes (including experiential attributes) of the

following characteristics: landforms (geology / geomorphology), vegetation cover and type, sea / estuarine water bodies, land Uses / activities (buildings &

structures (their presence / absence)), habitat value, and natural processes.



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5 Relevant Planning Considerations

The NZCPS and Horowhenua District Plan contain a number of key provisions related to landscape and

natural character which would need to be taken into account in the assessment of any future resource

consent application. These are identified below:

5.1 NZCPS

Policy 13: preservation of natural character

Policy 13(1) seeks to preserve the natural character of the coastal environment and protect it from inappropriate

use and development. Its seeks to avoid adverse natural character effects in coastal areas with outstanding

natural character and avoid significant effects and avoid, remedy or mitigate other adverse effects of activities

on natural character in all other areas of the coastal environment.

Policy 15: natural features and natural landscapes

Policy 15 seeks to protect the natural features and natural landscapes of the coastal environment from

inappropriate use and development. It seeks to avoid adverse effects of activities on outstanding natural

features and outstanding natural landscapes in the coastal environment; and avoid significant adverse effects

and avoid, remedy, or mitigate other adverse effects of activities on other natural features and natural

landscapes in the coastal environment.

5.2 Horowhenua District Plan

Matakarapa Island is zoned rural (with several overlays, including outstanding natural landscape/feature,

Foxton Duneland Domain, Coastal Environment Domain, and Coastal Natural Character and Hazard Area)

under the Horowhenua District Plan 2013. The following landscape and natural character policies would be

of particular relevance in the assessment of any future application:

Rural Environment Policy 2.1.9

Avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects of subdivision, use and development of land on areas or features of

landscape, biodiversity, historic heritage or cultural value.


Having regard to the Explanation and Principal Reasons in respect of the elements of rural character ensure

that new activities locating in the rural area are of a nature, scale, intensity and location consistent with

maintaining the character of the rural area and to be undertaken in a manner which avoids, remedies or

mitigates adverse effects on rural character, including rural productive values.


Ensure that new activities locating in the rural area are of a nature, scale, intensity and location consistent with

maintaining the character of the rural area and to be undertaken in a manner which avoids, remedies or

mitigates adverse effects on rural character, including rural productive values and potential reverse sensitivity

effects.

Foxton Dunefields Policy FD.1

Manage the scale, intensity, size and design of subdivision and land development to ensure that it reflects and

retains the distinctive dune landform pattern, natural habitats and landscape character and qualities of the

Foxton Dunefields Domain.


Minimise obtrusive built elements in the dune country landscape by integrating building location and design

with the surrounding landform and landscape qualities, including by avoiding buildings on dune ridgelines and

elevated sites.


Protect identified historic heritage and cultural values of the Foxton Dunefields Domain by avoiding the

adverse effects of inappropriate subdivision and land development.



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Natural Features and Values Policy 3.1.2

Protect the character and values of Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes from inappropriate

subdivision, use and development by controlling the level and extent of activities including earthworks and the

scale of buildings and network utilities.


Avoid the development of buildings where they will adversely affect the values of Outstanding Natural

Features and Landscapes.


Have regard to the ability of existing landscapes to absorb appropriate subdivision, use and development,

which includes existing land uses, and also topography and vegetation.

5.2.1 District Plan Assessment Matters

The following assessment criteria are considered relevant to landscape character and visual effects matters:

25.2.1 Landuse Consents in the Rural Zone - General

(b) The physical features of the site and surrounds and any unique characteristics that makes compliance with

permitted activity standards unachievable.

(c) The location, bulk and dominance of the building or structure and the actual and potential adverse affects

on the character and amenity of the surrounding area.

(e) The extent to which the design of the building and activity is compatible with the activities, character and

amenity of the area.

(j) The proposed methods for avoiding, remedying or mitigating adverse effects including the design of the

building or structure, the use of materials, design, screening, landscaping.

(k) The extent to which alternative sites, designs and layout have been considered.

25.2.6 Landuse Consents in the Rural Zone – Non-Primary Production Activities

(b) Whether alternative locations (including possible locations in urban areas) have been considered.

(d) Whether the scale of the development is in keeping with the rural character of the area.

(e) Whether the proposal will adversely affect the open space and rural character of the surrounding area.

25.2.8 Landuse Consents in the Rural Zone – Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes and

Domains with High Landscape Amenity

(a) The extent to which the proposal adversely affects the landscape values of the landscape in which it is

located.

(b) The extent to which there are cumulative effects on landscape values.

(c) The extent to which landscape effects are able to be effectively avoided, remedied or mitigated.

(d) The extent to which the proposal provides for rehabilitation and restoration of landscape and associated

values or the offsetting of those values by another form of environmental compensation using a 'no net

loss' approach.

(e) The extent to which the proposal leads to buildings, structures and earthworks being highly visible.

(f) The extent to which the proposal is in accordance with the Rural Subdivision Design Guide.

(g) The extent to which a proposal on an Outstanding Natural Feature or Landscape, or domain with High

Landscape Amenity, affects the backdrop of the Tararua Ranges.

(h) The extent to which the proposal is visible from the coast.

(i) The extent to which the proposal is consistent with any relevant provisions in National Policy Statements,

Regional Policy Statements and objectives and policies of the District Plan.



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5.2.2 Outstanding Natural Landscape

Planning Map 40 ‘Outstanding Natural Features and Landscape’ (see figure 4) identifies the southern half of

Matakarapa Island as an ONFL. The northern edge of the boundary follows a cadastral boundary which

traverses the lower northern slopes of the highest dune on the Island. The ONFL covers the same portion of

Matakarapa Island as the ‘Coastal Natural Character & Hazard Area overlay.

The following definition refers to the Manawatu River Estuary which has been taken from the 2011, Boffa

Miskell, Outstanding Natural Features and Landscape Review prepared for HDC:

The estuary of the Manawatu River is the largest in the lower North Island, covering approximately 250ha and

comprising tidal mudflats, saltmarsh, a sand spit and part of the Manawatu River. The area is bounded on the

south by the exotic production forest (Waitarere Forest), Foxton Beach settlement on the north, with grazed

farmland enclosing the estuary to the east.

Horizons One Plan includes the Manawatu River estuary in its ‘Coastline ONFL’, identifying its ecological values

as being important habitat for indigenous fauna. RAP # 22 lies within the ONL.

Natural Science Values

Approximately 200 ha of the river and adjoining wetlands comprise the Ramsar convention site, and

therefore the estuary is a wetland of international importance, as well as being nationally, regionally

and locally recognised for its bird habitat. In all, 93 bird species have been recorded on the estuary,

including year-round species as well as migratory birds, some of which are threatened species or

critically endangered.

While the water quality of the Manawatu River is generally low, the environmental qualities and

biodiversity of the estuary remain high, assisted by on-going natural processes such as tidal flushing,

and wind and water action. Physically, there is little modification of the estuary or its margins with the

bird observation platform and boat ramp facilities being the only structures of note.

Sensory Values

The daily movements of tides concealing and exposing the tidal mud flats contribute to the transient

values of the area, as does the ephemeral nature of seasonal arrival and departure of migratory birds.

The form of the estuary is very expressive of the natural processes that have formed it; the effect of

erosion and sand deposition, and the forces of the wind and sea alter the course of the river,

constantly changing the mud flats, salt marshes and vegetation patterns.

Figure 4: Excerpt from Planning Map 40 'Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes'



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Key sensory qualities of the estuary derive from its expansive openness, and the experience of the

changing coastal environment; wind, salt, sand, sun and light. Overall, the estuary has a very natural

appearance and feel.

Shared and Recognised Values

The Manawatu Estuary is widely known and highly valued by the community for its natural, historical

and recreational values. It contributes significantly to local and wider community’s identity, and has

been a popular holiday spot since the early days. Recreationally, the estuary is used for boating,

fishing, bird watching and walking. In particular, the bird life attracts people from beyond the

Horowhenua. Every year, an official welcome and farewell is held for the migratory birds, including

godwits and knots which come from Alaska and Siberia.

Historically, the Manawatu estuary and river served as an important transport and trading node

providing water access inland as far as Palmerston North and to Foxton where export of flax was once

a major industry. Prior to road and rail travel, the beach provided the main land route between

Wellington and Whanganui. A ferry house near the mouth of the Manawatu River provided an

overnight stopover point.

For Maori, the estuary is a highly significant cultural and spiritual landscape with rich ancestral

associations, including many generations of occupation, as an important source for food and natural

resources, for transportation inland, as the location of battles and conquest, and sites of waahi tapu

and urupa.

Notes defining the revised ONFL boundary

The revised boundary is primarily based on the proposed PC 22 ONL with;

• The addition of an inland area, that was proposed to be included in the proposed Foxton Dunefield

ONL. An area of sand dunes in the north side of the river mouth.

• Exclusion of the Foxton Beach Motor Camp

Landscape Values

• Large estuary system with diverse range of biodiversity and habitat

• Internationally important site for some migratory bird species

• Open expansive landscape allowing views inland from the coast

• Rich sensory experience due to ever changing coastal environment - tides, salt, and wind

• Highly significant cultural and spiritual landscape for tangata whenua

• Well recognised and valued historical associations as an early trading and transport node.

5.2.3 Manawatu Estuary – Ramsar Site

The Manawatu River Mouth was listed as a Ramsar5 site in 2005 for its high degree of naturalness and

diversity of flora. While not a statutory document, the fact that the estuary has been listed as a Ramsar site

reinforces the outstanding biophysical values of the landscape surrounding the site. While Ramsar status

has not statutory weight in its own right, overlays and provisions in the Horowhenua District Plan provide

statutory weight to some of these values (e.g. the Manawatu Estuary ONFL).

5.3 Policy analysis

In relation to the matters addressed by these provisions:

� It is considered that a form of irrigation located over the southern portion of the Island would not

significantly affect the ONL characteristics of the Manawatu Estuary including that part of the overlay

on Matakarapa Island. This determination is based on the irrigation posts and associated waste

water distribution fields being strategically located within discreet low lying areas, established

vegetation, and modified dune hollows contained within the ONL.

5 The Ramsar convention is the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance and “recognises an intergovernmental treaty that

provides the framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands”.



4262328 // NZ1-11049519-46 0.46 // page 13

� The co-location of any additional storage pond in the vicinity of the WWTP would generate a very

low impact. Any significant modification of the remnant dune landform to position the storage pond

could potentially generate a moderate impact on landscape and natural character values

experienced in the vicinity of SH1 and on the Manawatu River.

� The proposal would have a generally low to moderate impact on the natural character and values of

the Matakarapa Island. However, any irrigation structures and effluent distribution fields located on

elevated dune landforms and which sit in close proximity to the Manawatu River have the potential to

be more conspicuous and affect such values more appreciably if not designed to integrate with the

existing landform and vegetation patterns of the Island. However it is acknowledged that structures

up to 3m high are a permitted activity in the rural zone and that there is no provision to manage the

effects of irrigation patterning on more prominent landscapes. Even so, the cumulative effect of such

structures, the prominence of which is potentially amplified by the visible contrast of green pastoral

circles amid a typically dry brown landscape, has the potential to disrupt the natural patterns and

characteristics of Matakarapa Island.

� The proposal would likely have a low impact on the landscape character and values of Manawatu

Estuary;



4262328 // NZ1-11049519-46 0.46 // page 14

6 Recommendations

At present, there are no ‘fatal flaws’ associated with some form of irrigation on Matakarapa Island in terms of

its landscape and natural character effects. This fact is confirmed by the operative District Plan enabling a

range of network utilities as permitted activities with ONLs, albeit limited in scale and size. The District Plan

provisions (i.e. rules in this case) give effect to the NZCPS and its protective coastal provisions.

However, the operative Horowhenua District Plan gives rise to a number of issues that need to be

addressed. The most significant of these is the location of part of the irrigation proposal on the Manawatu

Estuary ONL which includes the southern portion of Matakarapa Island. It has also been determined that the

southern half of the Island and ONL sit within the coastal environment. The NZCPS states a proposal must

not have any adverse effects on the values associated with the ONL in the coastal environment. While it is

possible that some form of irrigation could be situated with the ONL, it would need to be carefully located and

be of a scale and intensity so as not to disrupt the landscape values sought to be protected.

In this context, district plan policies that address the ‘avoidance’ and ‘mitigation’ of the effects of structures

and earthworks on ONL values coincide with concerns about effects on local amenity and landscape values,

and more specific potential impacts on the natural character of Matakarapa Island and Manawatu Estuary.

These issues suggest that every effort should be made to ensure the proposal is more than just a grid of

irrigation posts laid out across the island, rather one that integrates with its surrounds to the maximum extent

practicable. In order to address the various matters raised above, a number of possible approaches could be

considered:

Location / positioning:

Given the level of potential visual effects associated with locating the irrigation within the ONL it is

recommended to minimise coverage over elevated and exposed landforms unless substantially

screened and contained with areas of established vegetation. It is recommended that the irrigation

posts be concentrated in low lying areas, pastoral dune hollows, within stands of kanuka and co-

located (if possible) along existing fence lines. The strategic location of irrigation posts as described

will limit the extent of intrusion and disruption of natural patterns and characteristics of Matakarapa

Island.

On other parts of the Island it is also recommended that the location of irrigation posts primarily focus

on low lying areas near the WWTP and the southern tip of the Island. It is recommended that any

effluent distribution over elevated areas be designed so as to create contiguous overlapping areas to

avoid any potential geometric patterning between green and brown areas of grass.

The storage facility, by being co-located near the WWTP within existing areas of flat pasture has a low

sensitivity to further development than other parts of the Island.

Rehabilitation planting:

Rehabilitation planting could be offered to help integrate any new storage pond focusing on the

coastal fore dune to the north-west. Such planting, while not strictly required for mitigation purposes,

would help to break up the pond’s linear profile and scale, in relation to views from its immediate

setting. This approach would also have a positive effect on the dune landscape that is potentially more

manageable in terms of fencing off for stock.

While it is acknowledged that 3m high structures are a permitted activity with the ONFL, from a

landscape best practice perspective it is recommended that strategic planting of kanuka is undertaken

around more visual exposed areas of irrigation areas to soften and integrate the structures within the

landscape. This also assists in reducing cumulative effects by limiting visibility of particular irrigation

areas that might otherwise be seen in combination and sequentially.



4262328 // NZ1-11049519-46 0.46 // page 15

Further Information Required for AEE Application

In order to provide a more detailed assessment of the effects on landscape, visual and natural

character of the Matakarapa irrigation proposal the following key tasks will need to be undertaken:

� Correspondence with LEI to develop designs for the layout of the irrigation scheme - reflecting

engineering requirements, on-going operational regime, site constraints and integration with key

landscape areas to the extent that this is feasible.

� Preparation of a mitigation / rehabilitation concept which includes areas of planting.

F O X T O N W W T P : L A N D S C A P E F E A S I B I L I T Y S T U D Y

Prepared for Horowhenua District CouncilOCTOBER 2015

Appendix 1 - Graphic Annexures

Action Name Signed DatePrepared by Anne Lassé

Ben Frost19-10-2015

Reviewed by Wade Robertson 19-10-2015

Approved by Andrew Watson

on behalf of Beca Ltd.

Revision No. Prepared By Description Date

A Ben Frost & Anne Lassé Draft for internal review 28-07-2015

B Ben Frost & Anne Lassé Draft for client review 06-08-2015

C Ben Frost Final 19-10-2015

Revision History

Document Acceptance

This document should be printed at A3.

Images in this document: Unless otherwise noted, drawings, illustrations, photos and other images have been provided directly by Beca. In all other instances, best efforts have been made to reference the image to its original source.

© Beca 2014 (unless Beca has expressly agreed otherwise with the Client in writing). This report has been prepared by Beca on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client’s use for the purpose for which it is intended in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by any person contrary to the above, to which Beca has not given its prior written consent, is at that person's own risk.

REVISION: CFOR: F INAL FOR LODGEMENTOCTOBER 2015

F O X T O N W W T P | L A N D S C A P E F E A S I B I L I T Y S T U D YANNEXURE 1 | VIEWPOINT MAP

APPROXIMATE BOUNDARY OF THE MANAWATU ESTUARY ONFL

PHOTO POINTS ON MATAKARAPA ISLAND

VIEW POINTS FROM SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE

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F O X T O N W W T P | L A N D S C A P E F E A S I B I L I T Y S T U D YANNEXURE 2

FILEPATH: P:\426\4262433\Landscape Assessment\Graphics\INDD| SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

PHOTO 1 - View over existing treatment ponds to elevated dunes beyond.

PHOTO 2 - View looking south-west from the WWTP showing areas modified by farming practice - and proposed location for additional storage PHOTO 3 - View looking east from the WWTP.




PHOTO 5 - View withinn the northern portion of the ONFL (marked by the mature pines left of photo) showing undulating dunes covered in gorse, boxthorn, and lupin.

PHOTO 4 - View looking south showing a sequence of low undulating dunes in the foreground and the northern slopes of the highest dune (the ONFL boundary runs along the base of the highest dune)

PHOTO 3 - View looking east from the WWTP.




PHOTO 7 - View showing the confluence of Foxton Loop and the Manuwatu River.

PHOTO 6 - View from the north-eastern corner of the ONFL looking south-west across a broad flat area of pasture that is flanked by sharply rising dunes.




PHOTO 8 - View east over the Whirokino Cut and the eroded dune escarpments.

PHOTO 9 - View showing vegetation sequences one of the dune hollows within the ONFL.




PHOTO 10 - View south from elevated dunes to the Manawatu River and Waitarere Forest beyond. Stands of kanuka in the foreground shelter in the lee of the large dunes.

PHOTO 11 - Stands of kanuka traverse the rear dune slopes within the ONFL.




PHOTO 12 - View from the edge of SH1 looking west. Intervening vegetation filters views to the elevated dunes of Matakarapa Island. Flood control stopbanks also screen views of the lower-lying parts of Matakarapa Island.

PHOTO 13 - View from SH1 looking west towards Matakarapa Island. Flood control stopbanks screen views of the lower-lying parts of Matakarapa Island.

Viewing sector - SH1




PHOTO 14 - View from SH1 looking west towards Matakarapa Island. The northern dune formations are partially obscured by intervening vegetation

Viewing sector - SH1




Viewing sector - Foxton Township

PHOTO 15 - View from Stewart Street looking east towards Matakarapa Island. Whilst the island is in close proximity the views of dunes are filtered by intervening vegetation.

PHOTO 16 – View from Harbour Street over Foxton Loop to the pastoral flats of the northern end of Matakarapa Island.




PHOTO 17 - View from Foxton Beach Road looking southeast over farmland to the elevated dunes of Matakarapa Island.

PHOTO 18 - View from Holben Parade looking southeast over the Manawatu Estuary towards Matakarapa Island in the distance.

Viewing sector - Foxton Beach




PHOTO 19 - View looking east from the confluence of the Manawatu River and Foxton Loop

PHOTO 20 - View looking south-west up the Manawatu River and Whirokino Cut to the left, toward the southern extent of Matakarapa Island.

Viewing sector - Manawatu River




PHOTO 21 - View looking north east along Manawatu River. The extensive Waitarere Forest forms a backdrop to views from the River.

Viewing sector - Manawatu River




Oblique aerial photographsNote: Images taken while floodwaters were still receding on 24 June 2015 following a major storm event.

PHOTO 22 - Oblique aerial showing the relationship between the elevat-ed dunes on Matakarapa Island and Manawatu Estuary and the contrast between the pastoral flats in the foreground and homogenous production forestry in the background.

PHOTO 23 - Oblique aerial showing the contrast in landform of the dune striations and flat pasture in between.

PHOTO 24 - Oblique aerial of the Manawatu River Mouth

PHOTO 25 - Oblique aerial showing the contrast in landform between the dune striations and flat pasture in-between with the Manawatu River and Estuary beyond.

PHOTO 26 - Oblique aerial showing the area of modification at the southern tip of Matakarapa Island.

PHOTO 27 - Oblique aerial showing the prominence of the elevated dunes on Matakarapa Island in contrast to the surrounding low lying landscape




PHOTO 28 - Oblique aerial showing the northern portion of the ONFL including all of the flats at the bottom left of the image.

PHOTO 29 - Oblique aerial showing the elevated dunes within the ONFL and the distinct vegetation patterns that extend along them.

PHOTO 30 - Oblique aerial looking east showing areas of undulating dunes seperated by flattened dune hollows. The northern edge of the ONFL is the narrow strip of pasture to the left of the tree-covered dunes on the left edge of this photo. All of the pasture flats and dunes across the middle of this view are within the ONFL.

Oblique aerial photographs Note: Images taken while floodwaters were still receding on 24 June 2015 following a major storm event.



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EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY ARISING FROM SUPPLY OF INFORMATIONHorizons Regional Council endeavours to provide useful and accurate information. Horizons Regional Council shall not, however be liable whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise, for any loss or damage of any type including consequential losses arising directly or indirectly from the inadequacy, inaccuracy or any other deficiency in information supplied irrespective of the cause. Use of information supplied is entirely at the risk of the recipient and shall be deemed to be acceptance of this liability exclusion. Prepared for Operations by Catchment Information, Horizons Regional Council. Drawn in 25 March 2014. Imagery Copyright 2012 MW LASS Ltd NZ Aerial Mapping Ltd. Contains Crown Copyright Data

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