Proposed Tahimana 141 dwelling subdivision Ref Number RM240192 - Rural zone 3 minimum 50 hectares
Henry Wendelborn made this Official Information request to Tasman District Council
Response to this request is long overdue. By law Tasman District Council should have responded by now (details and exceptions). The requester can complain to the Ombudsman.
      From: Henry Wendelborn
      
    
    Dear Tasman District Council,
The proposed Tahimana Subdivision Ref Number RM240192 is set in rural zone 3 which is a minimum 50 hectares. The proposed medium density, 141 dwelling subdivision has a range of section sizes, some as small as 550sqm.
What is the documented policy for deviation to give approval for this?
What role within the TDC organisation has the final say to if this application is approved or rejected?
Yours faithfully,
Henry Wendelborn
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [1][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail message and any attached files may contain confidential
 information, and may be subject to legal professional privilege. If you
 are not the intended recipient, please delete
 
References
Visible links
 1. mailto:[email address]
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [1][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail message and any attached files may contain confidential
 information, and may be subject to legal professional privilege. If you
 are not the intended recipient, please delete
 
References
Visible links
 1. mailto:[email address]
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [1][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail message and any attached files may contain confidential
 information, and may be subject to legal professional privilege. If you
 are not the intended recipient, please delete
 
References
Visible links
 1. mailto:[email address]
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [1][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail message and any attached files may contain confidential
 information, and may be subject to legal professional privilege. If you
 are not the intended recipient, please delete
 
References
Visible links
 1. mailto:[email address]
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [1][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail message and any attached files may contain confidential
 information, and may be subject to legal professional privilege. If you
 are not the intended recipient, please delete
 
References
Visible links
 1. mailto:[email address]
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [1][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail message and any attached files may contain confidential
 information, and may be subject to legal professional privilege. If you
 are not the intended recipient, please delete
 
References
Visible links
 1. mailto:[email address]
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry, 
  
We refer to your official information requests received on the 5 and 6 of
 August 2024. As noted in our acknowledgement email we had combined the
 requests together for the purpose of efficiency. The information you have
 requested with regards to your various requests is noted below: 
Requests received on 5 August 2024: 
1.       The “NELSON TASMAN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY” 2022 – 2052
 published 19 SEPTEMBER 2022, documents that there was a proposed
 consideration to develop at the end of Stagecoach Road, as per page 79 but
 after consultation this has been removed T-167 from the final strategy as
 documented on page 85 & 102. 
a.       Please provide documented evidence as to why this was removed
 from the final FDS. 
The site assessed for the 2022 Future Development Strategy (FDS) is below
 (T-167, Tāhimana, Stagecoach Road): 
 
The area assessed for site T-167 was 68 hectares for an urban density
 development of around 600 houses. This is obviously different to the
 resource consent application recently submitted.  
Site T-167 together with nearby draft sites T-136 Tasman View Road and
 Braeburn Road block, T-166 Tasman Bay village and T-168 303 Aporo Road,
 Tasman were referred to as “a new community” near Tasman village in FDS
 statement of proposal for consultation (March 2022).  The statement of
 proposal made clear that there were two parts being consulted on – the
 main part of the proposal was consolidated growth focused largely along
 State highway 6 and the secondary part of the proposal  - the potential
 for a new community near Tasman village, comprising the sites above and
 totalling approximately 3,200 homes. 
  
 A copy of the  Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14 is
 attached. 
 - “Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14.pdf”
As stated in the consultation document, Te Ātiawa raised significant
 concerns over three Tasman sites which would comprise the majority of any
 new development there. The nature of the concerns is a long history of
 spiritual/cultural issues associated with an area of battle and it being a
 very sensitive area. The Councils have obligations to iwi to take into
 account their cultural and spiritual views. Careful consideration was
 given to the concerns raised. While the four sites above did not form part
 of the core FDS proposal, the decision was made to include the sites in
 the proposal during the consultation process to obtain views of the wider
 community. This was while good faith dialogue continued with Te Ātiawa to
 see if a solution could be found that benefitted all parties and took into
 consideration the cultural sensitivities raised. 
Following a submission period of a month and a hearing that stretched over
 several days, deliberations took place on the FDS. This resulted in the
 secondary part of the proposal being dropped from the FDS, instead
 focussing on the core part of the strategy - consolidated growth focused
 largely along State highway 6. As for site T-167, the FDS technical report
 notes that “some low density development is already enabled through
 existing Rural 3 zone provisions.” The proposal assessed was not “aligned
 with the preferred strategy and performed very poorly under MCA” (multi
 criteria assessment). “Significant cultural impacts raised by Te Ātiawa”. 
b.       What are the significant cultural impacts raised by Te Atiawa? 
 See response above under (a) 
2.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 enabling the local Stagecoach Road/ Awa Awa subdivision community and
 local affected and interested persons to identify the degree of
 significance of the proposed Tahimana Subdivision. 
  
 As previously advised, the local community can self-identify as interested
 persons, but it is only the Council who decides who is an affected person
 in relation to a Resource Consent application under the RMA. Please refer
 to our previous response dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024 for
 further explanation. (Reference: 2216) 
3.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 promoting and enabling local democratic decision-making regarding the
 proposed Tahimana Subdivision 
 Again, the local community does not get to make decisions on Resource
 Consent applications under the RMA. If the adverse effects on the
 environment are found to be more than minor, and/or affected persons are
 identified, then the public or those specific persons will get an
 opportunity to make a submission. Please refer to our previous response
 dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024, (Reference: 2216) which sets
 out the decision-making process for resource consent applications.  
  
 The Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) sets the overall strategic
 direction for the sustainable management of natural and physical resources
 in our region – including the control of subdivision, use, and development
 of land. 
 Under the TRMP the land is Rural 3 Zone.  This zone was developed and
 implemented through a rigorous plan-making process under Schedule 1 of the
 RMA. This process involves comprehensive community consultation. The
 Council administers the outcomes sought by that plan through the resource
 consent process.   
The local decision-making was undertaken in the early 2000’s with the
 promulgation and adoption of the Rural 3 Zone.  The planning system
 promote or require the relitigation of those planning decisions for each
 individual resource application, unless that application is outside the
 boundaries of what is anticipated by that zone. 
Between about 2000 and 2003 the Council investigated a range of options to
 address the demand for rural lifestyle living. Ultimately, Variation 32
 was notified. Two years of work followed working through the submissions
 and the decision-making process.  Decisions on the variation were made in
 2005. 
The Rural 3 concept has three key objectives: 
 1. The provision of more rural living opportunities; 
  2. The retention of the best land of high productive value, and
 opportunities for its use; and 
  3. The retention of rural character, rural amenities, and rural
 landscapes, as well as the progressive development of natural
 character and ecological outcomes to balance the rural values. 
4.       How have the local residents within the wider Tasman community
 been made aware of this proposed subdivision? The proposal includes the
 use of the Mapua/ Ruby bay water scheme which does already observe an
 increase in water restrictions due to the demand. Local residents are not
 aware of this application 
 There is no requirement to make local residents aware of a resource
 consent application for a proposed subdivision until the notification
 decision has been made, and it has been determined that some form of
 notification is necessary. Further, there is no express requirement for an
 applicant to consult with the community in relation to their resource
 consent application either. However, matters such as water supply
 servicing are given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision.   
  
5.       Please provide the TDC communications between those who have
 contacted you regarding this proposed subdivision stating if they are for,
 against and neutral and whether local community or not. Please define
 whether these communications are from the subdivider or their
 sub-contractors: 
a.       email communications 
b.       document communications 
c.       meeting notes 
  
 We have located a number of requests handled under the Local Government
 Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) received by yourself, or
 where you have been copied into correspondence regarding the above noted
 proposed subdivision. 
  RE_ LGOMA - 208 Stagecoach Rd Affected person by proposed Stagecoach Rd
 Development - REDACTED - reference_ 2216_Redacted.pdf
  RE_ LGOIMA Request - Affected person feedback for proposed Tahimana
 Stagecoach Road Subdivision - REDACTED - Reference 2210_Redacted.pdf 
  
 Please note, redactions have been applied under 7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA for
 the protection of privacy. 
Requests received on 6 August 2024: 
 1. As part of the proposed Tahimana 141 dwelling subdivision Ref Number
 RM240192 there are a number of factors to be considered with upgrading
 the long no exit Stagecoach road. 
a.       Please show how the TDC is assessing the Stagecoach Road (no-exit
 road) cost of up-grade. 
 
b.       What identity will be funding this upgrade? Public or private
 (developer) etc 
  
c.       What considerations are being given to the negative environmental
 impact of boundary/ fencing alterations, cost, proximity, when considering
 health, safety and wellbeing of local residents 
  
d.       What is the minimum linear distance road upgrade boundaries can
 be away from existing dwellings/ houses? Please provide the approved
 documented policy that has undertaken various stakeholder consultation 
  
e.       What documented policy is used to ascertain the safest, most
 practical and has the least impact on local residents with regards to
 entry/ exits roads to proposed developments? 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. However, matters such as transport, roads, and
 access given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision. 
  
7.       The proposed Tahimana Subdivision Ref Number RM240192 is set in
 rural zone 3 which is a minimum 50 hectares. The proposed medium density,
 141 dwelling subdivision has a range of section sizes, some as small as
 550sqm. 
  
a.       What is the documented policy for deviation to give approval for
 this?  
  
b.       What role within the TDC organisation has the final say to if
 this application is approved or rejected? 
The resource consent process is used when a proposal to subdivide, use
 and/or develop land in a manner that does not comply with the rules of the
 applicable planning instrument (in this case the Tasman Resource
 Management Plan).  
The Rural 3 Zone sets a baseline subdivision size of 50 hectares for when
 land is being retained for rural use.  However, the Rural 3 Zone clearly
 and overtly sets a structure for positive consideration of rural living
 opportunities.  Subdivision and development into potentially
 residential-scale lots is anticipated and provided for in the Rural 3
 framework. 
Please note there are two key decisions to make for the resource consent
 process. The first is the s95 notification decision, which has been set
 out for you in previous responses. The second is the s104 substantive
 decision (i.e. grant or refuse).  
As previously communicated, the consent authority is responsible for
 making the notification decision for this application.  These decisions
 are delegated to the Principal Planner – Resource Consents, or the
 Resource Consents Manager.  The responsibility for the substantive
 decision could depend on the notification decision.    
 
8.       A large percentage of Stagecoach road and surrounding residents
 opposing this 141 dwelling medium density development down the no exit
 Stagecoach Road in rural zone 3. 
 
a.       How are these residents health and wellbeing considered as it is
 proposed that the the construction could last 10+ years? Please note that
 a lot of these residents have retired and have settled in this quiet rural
 setting, any substantial change to their environment will contribute
 negatively. Items of concern are listed but not limited to the following: 
                                                                                      
 i.10+ years construction 
                                                                                    
 ii.Agricultural/ horticultural land composition and topography  
                                                                                  
 iii.Development location on Stagecoach Road wit h no exit 
                                                                                  
 iv.Area Classification Rural zone 3 (minimum 5 0 hectares)  
                                                                                    
 v.Water supply and wastewater  
                                                                                  
 vi.Fire Fighting and Emergency services impact 
                                                                                 
 vii.Native birds population reduction 
                                                                               
 viii.Roading upgrade, increase traffic flow, noise and emission pollution 
                                                                                   
 ix.Community Infrastructure  
                                                                                    
 x.Legislative Considerations 
 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. Any relevant matters will be given due
 consideration by Council’s technical specialists, planners, and
 decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource consent
 application for subdivision. 
 
 You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
 this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
 [1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.  
 
 Yours sincerely  
Legal Services Officer 
 
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail is confidential and may be subject to legal professional
 privilege. If you are not the named addressee, please delete the message
 and notify us of the error. You must not copy, use, or disclose this
 communication, or any attachments or information in it.
 
From: LGOIMA
 Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 11:20 AM
 To: Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>;
 Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[FOI #27926 email]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>
 Subject: LGOIMA request - Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192 -
 Henry Wendelborn - Reference: 2265
 
Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [6][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
References
Visible links
 1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
 6. mailto:[email address]
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry, 
  
We refer to your official information requests received on the 5 and 6 of
 August 2024. As noted in our acknowledgement email we had combined the
 requests together for the purpose of efficiency. The information you have
 requested with regards to your various requests is noted below: 
Requests received on 5 August 2024: 
1.       The “NELSON TASMAN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY” 2022 – 2052
 published 19 SEPTEMBER 2022, documents that there was a proposed
 consideration to develop at the end of Stagecoach Road, as per page 79 but
 after consultation this has been removed T-167 from the final strategy as
 documented on page 85 & 102. 
a.       Please provide documented evidence as to why this was removed
 from the final FDS. 
The site assessed for the 2022 Future Development Strategy (FDS) is below
 (T-167, Tāhimana, Stagecoach Road): 
 
The area assessed for site T-167 was 68 hectares for an urban density
 development of around 600 houses. This is obviously different to the
 resource consent application recently submitted.  
Site T-167 together with nearby draft sites T-136 Tasman View Road and
 Braeburn Road block, T-166 Tasman Bay village and T-168 303 Aporo Road,
 Tasman were referred to as “a new community” near Tasman village in FDS
 statement of proposal for consultation (March 2022).  The statement of
 proposal made clear that there were two parts being consulted on – the
 main part of the proposal was consolidated growth focused largely along
 State highway 6 and the secondary part of the proposal  - the potential
 for a new community near Tasman village, comprising the sites above and
 totalling approximately 3,200 homes. 
  
 A copy of the  Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14 is
 attached. 
 - “Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14.pdf”
As stated in the consultation document, Te Ātiawa raised significant
 concerns over three Tasman sites which would comprise the majority of any
 new development there. The nature of the concerns is a long history of
 spiritual/cultural issues associated with an area of battle and it being a
 very sensitive area. The Councils have obligations to iwi to take into
 account their cultural and spiritual views. Careful consideration was
 given to the concerns raised. While the four sites above did not form part
 of the core FDS proposal, the decision was made to include the sites in
 the proposal during the consultation process to obtain views of the wider
 community. This was while good faith dialogue continued with Te Ātiawa to
 see if a solution could be found that benefitted all parties and took into
 consideration the cultural sensitivities raised. 
Following a submission period of a month and a hearing that stretched over
 several days, deliberations took place on the FDS. This resulted in the
 secondary part of the proposal being dropped from the FDS, instead
 focussing on the core part of the strategy - consolidated growth focused
 largely along State highway 6. As for site T-167, the FDS technical report
 notes that “some low density development is already enabled through
 existing Rural 3 zone provisions.” The proposal assessed was not “aligned
 with the preferred strategy and performed very poorly under MCA” (multi
 criteria assessment). “Significant cultural impacts raised by Te Ātiawa”. 
b.       What are the significant cultural impacts raised by Te Atiawa? 
 See response above under (a) 
2.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 enabling the local Stagecoach Road/ Awa Awa subdivision community and
 local affected and interested persons to identify the degree of
 significance of the proposed Tahimana Subdivision. 
  
 As previously advised, the local community can self-identify as interested
 persons, but it is only the Council who decides who is an affected person
 in relation to a Resource Consent application under the RMA. Please refer
 to our previous response dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024 for
 further explanation. (Reference: 2216) 
3.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 promoting and enabling local democratic decision-making regarding the
 proposed Tahimana Subdivision 
 Again, the local community does not get to make decisions on Resource
 Consent applications under the RMA. If the adverse effects on the
 environment are found to be more than minor, and/or affected persons are
 identified, then the public or those specific persons will get an
 opportunity to make a submission. Please refer to our previous response
 dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024, (Reference: 2216) which sets
 out the decision-making process for resource consent applications.  
  
 The Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) sets the overall strategic
 direction for the sustainable management of natural and physical resources
 in our region – including the control of subdivision, use, and development
 of land. 
 Under the TRMP the land is Rural 3 Zone.  This zone was developed and
 implemented through a rigorous plan-making process under Schedule 1 of the
 RMA. This process involves comprehensive community consultation. The
 Council administers the outcomes sought by that plan through the resource
 consent process.   
The local decision-making was undertaken in the early 2000’s with the
 promulgation and adoption of the Rural 3 Zone.  The planning system
 promote or require the relitigation of those planning decisions for each
 individual resource application, unless that application is outside the
 boundaries of what is anticipated by that zone. 
Between about 2000 and 2003 the Council investigated a range of options to
 address the demand for rural lifestyle living. Ultimately, Variation 32
 was notified. Two years of work followed working through the submissions
 and the decision-making process.  Decisions on the variation were made in
 2005. 
The Rural 3 concept has three key objectives: 
 1. The provision of more rural living opportunities; 
  2. The retention of the best land of high productive value, and
 opportunities for its use; and 
  3. The retention of rural character, rural amenities, and rural
 landscapes, as well as the progressive development of natural
 character and ecological outcomes to balance the rural values. 
4.       How have the local residents within the wider Tasman community
 been made aware of this proposed subdivision? The proposal includes the
 use of the Mapua/ Ruby bay water scheme which does already observe an
 increase in water restrictions due to the demand. Local residents are not
 aware of this application 
 There is no requirement to make local residents aware of a resource
 consent application for a proposed subdivision until the notification
 decision has been made, and it has been determined that some form of
 notification is necessary. Further, there is no express requirement for an
 applicant to consult with the community in relation to their resource
 consent application either. However, matters such as water supply
 servicing are given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision.   
  
5.       Please provide the TDC communications between those who have
 contacted you regarding this proposed subdivision stating if they are for,
 against and neutral and whether local community or not. Please define
 whether these communications are from the subdivider or their
 sub-contractors: 
a.       email communications 
b.       document communications 
c.       meeting notes 
  
 We have located a number of requests handled under the Local Government
 Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) received by yourself, or
 where you have been copied into correspondence regarding the above noted
 proposed subdivision. 
  RE_ LGOMA - 208 Stagecoach Rd Affected person by proposed Stagecoach Rd
 Development - REDACTED - reference_ 2216_Redacted.pdf
  RE_ LGOIMA Request - Affected person feedback for proposed Tahimana
 Stagecoach Road Subdivision - REDACTED - Reference 2210_Redacted.pdf 
  
 Please note, redactions have been applied under 7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA for
 the protection of privacy. 
Requests received on 6 August 2024: 
 1. As part of the proposed Tahimana 141 dwelling subdivision Ref Number
 RM240192 there are a number of factors to be considered with upgrading
 the long no exit Stagecoach road. 
a.       Please show how the TDC is assessing the Stagecoach Road (no-exit
 road) cost of up-grade. 
 
b.       What identity will be funding this upgrade? Public or private
 (developer) etc 
  
c.       What considerations are being given to the negative environmental
 impact of boundary/ fencing alterations, cost, proximity, when considering
 health, safety and wellbeing of local residents 
  
d.       What is the minimum linear distance road upgrade boundaries can
 be away from existing dwellings/ houses? Please provide the approved
 documented policy that has undertaken various stakeholder consultation 
  
e.       What documented policy is used to ascertain the safest, most
 practical and has the least impact on local residents with regards to
 entry/ exits roads to proposed developments? 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. However, matters such as transport, roads, and
 access given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision. 
  
7.       The proposed Tahimana Subdivision Ref Number RM240192 is set in
 rural zone 3 which is a minimum 50 hectares. The proposed medium density,
 141 dwelling subdivision has a range of section sizes, some as small as
 550sqm. 
  
a.       What is the documented policy for deviation to give approval for
 this?  
  
b.       What role within the TDC organisation has the final say to if
 this application is approved or rejected? 
The resource consent process is used when a proposal to subdivide, use
 and/or develop land in a manner that does not comply with the rules of the
 applicable planning instrument (in this case the Tasman Resource
 Management Plan).  
The Rural 3 Zone sets a baseline subdivision size of 50 hectares for when
 land is being retained for rural use.  However, the Rural 3 Zone clearly
 and overtly sets a structure for positive consideration of rural living
 opportunities.  Subdivision and development into potentially
 residential-scale lots is anticipated and provided for in the Rural 3
 framework. 
Please note there are two key decisions to make for the resource consent
 process. The first is the s95 notification decision, which has been set
 out for you in previous responses. The second is the s104 substantive
 decision (i.e. grant or refuse).  
As previously communicated, the consent authority is responsible for
 making the notification decision for this application.  These decisions
 are delegated to the Principal Planner – Resource Consents, or the
 Resource Consents Manager.  The responsibility for the substantive
 decision could depend on the notification decision.    
 
8.       A large percentage of Stagecoach road and surrounding residents
 opposing this 141 dwelling medium density development down the no exit
 Stagecoach Road in rural zone 3. 
 
a.       How are these residents health and wellbeing considered as it is
 proposed that the the construction could last 10+ years? Please note that
 a lot of these residents have retired and have settled in this quiet rural
 setting, any substantial change to their environment will contribute
 negatively. Items of concern are listed but not limited to the following: 
                                                                                      
 i.10+ years construction 
                                                                                    
 ii.Agricultural/ horticultural land composition and topography  
                                                                                  
 iii.Development location on Stagecoach Road wit h no exit 
                                                                                  
 iv.Area Classification Rural zone 3 (minimum 5 0 hectares)  
                                                                                    
 v.Water supply and wastewater  
                                                                                  
 vi.Fire Fighting and Emergency services impact 
                                                                                 
 vii.Native birds population reduction 
                                                                               
 viii.Roading upgrade, increase traffic flow, noise and emission pollution 
                                                                                   
 ix.Community Infrastructure  
                                                                                    
 x.Legislative Considerations 
 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. Any relevant matters will be given due
 consideration by Council’s technical specialists, planners, and
 decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource consent
 application for subdivision. 
 
 You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
 this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
 [1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.  
 
 Yours sincerely  
Legal Services Officer 
 
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail is confidential and may be subject to legal professional
 privilege. If you are not the named addressee, please delete the message
 and notify us of the error. You must not copy, use, or disclose this
 communication, or any attachments or information in it.
 
From: LGOIMA
 Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 11:20 AM
 To: Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>;
 Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[FOI #27926 email]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>
 Subject: LGOIMA request - Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192 -
 Henry Wendelborn - Reference: 2265
 
Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [6][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
References
Visible links
 1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
 6. mailto:[email address]
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry, 
  
We refer to your official information requests received on the 5 and 6 of
 August 2024. As noted in our acknowledgement email we had combined the
 requests together for the purpose of efficiency. The information you have
 requested with regards to your various requests is noted below: 
Requests received on 5 August 2024: 
1.       The “NELSON TASMAN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY” 2022 – 2052
 published 19 SEPTEMBER 2022, documents that there was a proposed
 consideration to develop at the end of Stagecoach Road, as per page 79 but
 after consultation this has been removed T-167 from the final strategy as
 documented on page 85 & 102. 
a.       Please provide documented evidence as to why this was removed
 from the final FDS. 
The site assessed for the 2022 Future Development Strategy (FDS) is below
 (T-167, Tāhimana, Stagecoach Road): 
 
The area assessed for site T-167 was 68 hectares for an urban density
 development of around 600 houses. This is obviously different to the
 resource consent application recently submitted.  
Site T-167 together with nearby draft sites T-136 Tasman View Road and
 Braeburn Road block, T-166 Tasman Bay village and T-168 303 Aporo Road,
 Tasman were referred to as “a new community” near Tasman village in FDS
 statement of proposal for consultation (March 2022).  The statement of
 proposal made clear that there were two parts being consulted on – the
 main part of the proposal was consolidated growth focused largely along
 State highway 6 and the secondary part of the proposal  - the potential
 for a new community near Tasman village, comprising the sites above and
 totalling approximately 3,200 homes. 
  
 A copy of the  Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14 is
 attached. 
 - “Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14.pdf”
As stated in the consultation document, Te Ātiawa raised significant
 concerns over three Tasman sites which would comprise the majority of any
 new development there. The nature of the concerns is a long history of
 spiritual/cultural issues associated with an area of battle and it being a
 very sensitive area. The Councils have obligations to iwi to take into
 account their cultural and spiritual views. Careful consideration was
 given to the concerns raised. While the four sites above did not form part
 of the core FDS proposal, the decision was made to include the sites in
 the proposal during the consultation process to obtain views of the wider
 community. This was while good faith dialogue continued with Te Ātiawa to
 see if a solution could be found that benefitted all parties and took into
 consideration the cultural sensitivities raised. 
Following a submission period of a month and a hearing that stretched over
 several days, deliberations took place on the FDS. This resulted in the
 secondary part of the proposal being dropped from the FDS, instead
 focussing on the core part of the strategy - consolidated growth focused
 largely along State highway 6. As for site T-167, the FDS technical report
 notes that “some low density development is already enabled through
 existing Rural 3 zone provisions.” The proposal assessed was not “aligned
 with the preferred strategy and performed very poorly under MCA” (multi
 criteria assessment). “Significant cultural impacts raised by Te Ātiawa”. 
b.       What are the significant cultural impacts raised by Te Atiawa? 
 See response above under (a) 
2.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 enabling the local Stagecoach Road/ Awa Awa subdivision community and
 local affected and interested persons to identify the degree of
 significance of the proposed Tahimana Subdivision. 
  
 As previously advised, the local community can self-identify as interested
 persons, but it is only the Council who decides who is an affected person
 in relation to a Resource Consent application under the RMA. Please refer
 to our previous response dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024 for
 further explanation. (Reference: 2216) 
3.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 promoting and enabling local democratic decision-making regarding the
 proposed Tahimana Subdivision 
 Again, the local community does not get to make decisions on Resource
 Consent applications under the RMA. If the adverse effects on the
 environment are found to be more than minor, and/or affected persons are
 identified, then the public or those specific persons will get an
 opportunity to make a submission. Please refer to our previous response
 dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024, (Reference: 2216) which sets
 out the decision-making process for resource consent applications.  
  
 The Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) sets the overall strategic
 direction for the sustainable management of natural and physical resources
 in our region – including the control of subdivision, use, and development
 of land. 
 Under the TRMP the land is Rural 3 Zone.  This zone was developed and
 implemented through a rigorous plan-making process under Schedule 1 of the
 RMA. This process involves comprehensive community consultation. The
 Council administers the outcomes sought by that plan through the resource
 consent process.   
The local decision-making was undertaken in the early 2000’s with the
 promulgation and adoption of the Rural 3 Zone.  The planning system
 promote or require the relitigation of those planning decisions for each
 individual resource application, unless that application is outside the
 boundaries of what is anticipated by that zone. 
Between about 2000 and 2003 the Council investigated a range of options to
 address the demand for rural lifestyle living. Ultimately, Variation 32
 was notified. Two years of work followed working through the submissions
 and the decision-making process.  Decisions on the variation were made in
 2005. 
The Rural 3 concept has three key objectives: 
 1. The provision of more rural living opportunities; 
  2. The retention of the best land of high productive value, and
 opportunities for its use; and 
  3. The retention of rural character, rural amenities, and rural
 landscapes, as well as the progressive development of natural
 character and ecological outcomes to balance the rural values. 
4.       How have the local residents within the wider Tasman community
 been made aware of this proposed subdivision? The proposal includes the
 use of the Mapua/ Ruby bay water scheme which does already observe an
 increase in water restrictions due to the demand. Local residents are not
 aware of this application 
 There is no requirement to make local residents aware of a resource
 consent application for a proposed subdivision until the notification
 decision has been made, and it has been determined that some form of
 notification is necessary. Further, there is no express requirement for an
 applicant to consult with the community in relation to their resource
 consent application either. However, matters such as water supply
 servicing are given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision.   
  
5.       Please provide the TDC communications between those who have
 contacted you regarding this proposed subdivision stating if they are for,
 against and neutral and whether local community or not. Please define
 whether these communications are from the subdivider or their
 sub-contractors: 
a.       email communications 
b.       document communications 
c.       meeting notes 
  
 We have located a number of requests handled under the Local Government
 Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) received by yourself, or
 where you have been copied into correspondence regarding the above noted
 proposed subdivision. 
  RE_ LGOMA - 208 Stagecoach Rd Affected person by proposed Stagecoach Rd
 Development - REDACTED - reference_ 2216_Redacted.pdf
  RE_ LGOIMA Request - Affected person feedback for proposed Tahimana
 Stagecoach Road Subdivision - REDACTED - Reference 2210_Redacted.pdf 
  
 Please note, redactions have been applied under 7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA for
 the protection of privacy. 
Requests received on 6 August 2024: 
 1. As part of the proposed Tahimana 141 dwelling subdivision Ref Number
 RM240192 there are a number of factors to be considered with upgrading
 the long no exit Stagecoach road. 
a.       Please show how the TDC is assessing the Stagecoach Road (no-exit
 road) cost of up-grade. 
 
b.       What identity will be funding this upgrade? Public or private
 (developer) etc 
  
c.       What considerations are being given to the negative environmental
 impact of boundary/ fencing alterations, cost, proximity, when considering
 health, safety and wellbeing of local residents 
  
d.       What is the minimum linear distance road upgrade boundaries can
 be away from existing dwellings/ houses? Please provide the approved
 documented policy that has undertaken various stakeholder consultation 
  
e.       What documented policy is used to ascertain the safest, most
 practical and has the least impact on local residents with regards to
 entry/ exits roads to proposed developments? 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. However, matters such as transport, roads, and
 access given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision. 
  
7.       The proposed Tahimana Subdivision Ref Number RM240192 is set in
 rural zone 3 which is a minimum 50 hectares. The proposed medium density,
 141 dwelling subdivision has a range of section sizes, some as small as
 550sqm. 
  
a.       What is the documented policy for deviation to give approval for
 this?  
  
b.       What role within the TDC organisation has the final say to if
 this application is approved or rejected? 
The resource consent process is used when a proposal to subdivide, use
 and/or develop land in a manner that does not comply with the rules of the
 applicable planning instrument (in this case the Tasman Resource
 Management Plan).  
The Rural 3 Zone sets a baseline subdivision size of 50 hectares for when
 land is being retained for rural use.  However, the Rural 3 Zone clearly
 and overtly sets a structure for positive consideration of rural living
 opportunities.  Subdivision and development into potentially
 residential-scale lots is anticipated and provided for in the Rural 3
 framework. 
Please note there are two key decisions to make for the resource consent
 process. The first is the s95 notification decision, which has been set
 out for you in previous responses. The second is the s104 substantive
 decision (i.e. grant or refuse).  
As previously communicated, the consent authority is responsible for
 making the notification decision for this application.  These decisions
 are delegated to the Principal Planner – Resource Consents, or the
 Resource Consents Manager.  The responsibility for the substantive
 decision could depend on the notification decision.    
 
8.       A large percentage of Stagecoach road and surrounding residents
 opposing this 141 dwelling medium density development down the no exit
 Stagecoach Road in rural zone 3. 
 
a.       How are these residents health and wellbeing considered as it is
 proposed that the the construction could last 10+ years? Please note that
 a lot of these residents have retired and have settled in this quiet rural
 setting, any substantial change to their environment will contribute
 negatively. Items of concern are listed but not limited to the following: 
                                                                                      
 i.10+ years construction 
                                                                                    
 ii.Agricultural/ horticultural land composition and topography  
                                                                                  
 iii.Development location on Stagecoach Road wit h no exit 
                                                                                  
 iv.Area Classification Rural zone 3 (minimum 5 0 hectares)  
                                                                                    
 v.Water supply and wastewater  
                                                                                  
 vi.Fire Fighting and Emergency services impact 
                                                                                 
 vii.Native birds population reduction 
                                                                               
 viii.Roading upgrade, increase traffic flow, noise and emission pollution 
                                                                                   
 ix.Community Infrastructure  
                                                                                    
 x.Legislative Considerations 
 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. Any relevant matters will be given due
 consideration by Council’s technical specialists, planners, and
 decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource consent
 application for subdivision. 
 
 You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
 this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
 [1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.  
 
 Yours sincerely  
Legal Services Officer 
 
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail is confidential and may be subject to legal professional
 privilege. If you are not the named addressee, please delete the message
 and notify us of the error. You must not copy, use, or disclose this
 communication, or any attachments or information in it.
 
From: LGOIMA
 Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 11:20 AM
 To: Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>;
 Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[FOI #27926 email]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>
 Subject: LGOIMA request - Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192 -
 Henry Wendelborn - Reference: 2265
 
Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [6][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
References
Visible links
 1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
 6. mailto:[email address]
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry, 
  
We refer to your official information requests received on the 5 and 6 of
 August 2024. As noted in our acknowledgement email we had combined the
 requests together for the purpose of efficiency. The information you have
 requested with regards to your various requests is noted below: 
Requests received on 5 August 2024: 
1.       The “NELSON TASMAN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY” 2022 – 2052
 published 19 SEPTEMBER 2022, documents that there was a proposed
 consideration to develop at the end of Stagecoach Road, as per page 79 but
 after consultation this has been removed T-167 from the final strategy as
 documented on page 85 & 102. 
a.       Please provide documented evidence as to why this was removed
 from the final FDS. 
The site assessed for the 2022 Future Development Strategy (FDS) is below
 (T-167, Tāhimana, Stagecoach Road): 
 
The area assessed for site T-167 was 68 hectares for an urban density
 development of around 600 houses. This is obviously different to the
 resource consent application recently submitted.  
Site T-167 together with nearby draft sites T-136 Tasman View Road and
 Braeburn Road block, T-166 Tasman Bay village and T-168 303 Aporo Road,
 Tasman were referred to as “a new community” near Tasman village in FDS
 statement of proposal for consultation (March 2022).  The statement of
 proposal made clear that there were two parts being consulted on – the
 main part of the proposal was consolidated growth focused largely along
 State highway 6 and the secondary part of the proposal  - the potential
 for a new community near Tasman village, comprising the sites above and
 totalling approximately 3,200 homes. 
  
 A copy of the  Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14 is
 attached. 
 - “Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14.pdf”
As stated in the consultation document, Te Ātiawa raised significant
 concerns over three Tasman sites which would comprise the majority of any
 new development there. The nature of the concerns is a long history of
 spiritual/cultural issues associated with an area of battle and it being a
 very sensitive area. The Councils have obligations to iwi to take into
 account their cultural and spiritual views. Careful consideration was
 given to the concerns raised. While the four sites above did not form part
 of the core FDS proposal, the decision was made to include the sites in
 the proposal during the consultation process to obtain views of the wider
 community. This was while good faith dialogue continued with Te Ātiawa to
 see if a solution could be found that benefitted all parties and took into
 consideration the cultural sensitivities raised. 
Following a submission period of a month and a hearing that stretched over
 several days, deliberations took place on the FDS. This resulted in the
 secondary part of the proposal being dropped from the FDS, instead
 focussing on the core part of the strategy - consolidated growth focused
 largely along State highway 6. As for site T-167, the FDS technical report
 notes that “some low density development is already enabled through
 existing Rural 3 zone provisions.” The proposal assessed was not “aligned
 with the preferred strategy and performed very poorly under MCA” (multi
 criteria assessment). “Significant cultural impacts raised by Te Ātiawa”. 
b.       What are the significant cultural impacts raised by Te Atiawa? 
 See response above under (a) 
2.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 enabling the local Stagecoach Road/ Awa Awa subdivision community and
 local affected and interested persons to identify the degree of
 significance of the proposed Tahimana Subdivision. 
  
 As previously advised, the local community can self-identify as interested
 persons, but it is only the Council who decides who is an affected person
 in relation to a Resource Consent application under the RMA. Please refer
 to our previous response dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024 for
 further explanation. (Reference: 2216) 
3.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 promoting and enabling local democratic decision-making regarding the
 proposed Tahimana Subdivision 
 Again, the local community does not get to make decisions on Resource
 Consent applications under the RMA. If the adverse effects on the
 environment are found to be more than minor, and/or affected persons are
 identified, then the public or those specific persons will get an
 opportunity to make a submission. Please refer to our previous response
 dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024, (Reference: 2216) which sets
 out the decision-making process for resource consent applications.  
  
 The Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) sets the overall strategic
 direction for the sustainable management of natural and physical resources
 in our region – including the control of subdivision, use, and development
 of land. 
 Under the TRMP the land is Rural 3 Zone.  This zone was developed and
 implemented through a rigorous plan-making process under Schedule 1 of the
 RMA. This process involves comprehensive community consultation. The
 Council administers the outcomes sought by that plan through the resource
 consent process.   
The local decision-making was undertaken in the early 2000’s with the
 promulgation and adoption of the Rural 3 Zone.  The planning system
 promote or require the relitigation of those planning decisions for each
 individual resource application, unless that application is outside the
 boundaries of what is anticipated by that zone. 
Between about 2000 and 2003 the Council investigated a range of options to
 address the demand for rural lifestyle living. Ultimately, Variation 32
 was notified. Two years of work followed working through the submissions
 and the decision-making process.  Decisions on the variation were made in
 2005. 
The Rural 3 concept has three key objectives: 
 1. The provision of more rural living opportunities; 
  2. The retention of the best land of high productive value, and
 opportunities for its use; and 
  3. The retention of rural character, rural amenities, and rural
 landscapes, as well as the progressive development of natural
 character and ecological outcomes to balance the rural values. 
4.       How have the local residents within the wider Tasman community
 been made aware of this proposed subdivision? The proposal includes the
 use of the Mapua/ Ruby bay water scheme which does already observe an
 increase in water restrictions due to the demand. Local residents are not
 aware of this application 
 There is no requirement to make local residents aware of a resource
 consent application for a proposed subdivision until the notification
 decision has been made, and it has been determined that some form of
 notification is necessary. Further, there is no express requirement for an
 applicant to consult with the community in relation to their resource
 consent application either. However, matters such as water supply
 servicing are given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision.   
  
5.       Please provide the TDC communications between those who have
 contacted you regarding this proposed subdivision stating if they are for,
 against and neutral and whether local community or not. Please define
 whether these communications are from the subdivider or their
 sub-contractors: 
a.       email communications 
b.       document communications 
c.       meeting notes 
  
 We have located a number of requests handled under the Local Government
 Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) received by yourself, or
 where you have been copied into correspondence regarding the above noted
 proposed subdivision. 
  RE_ LGOMA - 208 Stagecoach Rd Affected person by proposed Stagecoach Rd
 Development - REDACTED - reference_ 2216_Redacted.pdf
  RE_ LGOIMA Request - Affected person feedback for proposed Tahimana
 Stagecoach Road Subdivision - REDACTED - Reference 2210_Redacted.pdf 
  
 Please note, redactions have been applied under 7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA for
 the protection of privacy. 
Requests received on 6 August 2024: 
 1. As part of the proposed Tahimana 141 dwelling subdivision Ref Number
 RM240192 there are a number of factors to be considered with upgrading
 the long no exit Stagecoach road. 
a.       Please show how the TDC is assessing the Stagecoach Road (no-exit
 road) cost of up-grade. 
 
b.       What identity will be funding this upgrade? Public or private
 (developer) etc 
  
c.       What considerations are being given to the negative environmental
 impact of boundary/ fencing alterations, cost, proximity, when considering
 health, safety and wellbeing of local residents 
  
d.       What is the minimum linear distance road upgrade boundaries can
 be away from existing dwellings/ houses? Please provide the approved
 documented policy that has undertaken various stakeholder consultation 
  
e.       What documented policy is used to ascertain the safest, most
 practical and has the least impact on local residents with regards to
 entry/ exits roads to proposed developments? 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. However, matters such as transport, roads, and
 access given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision. 
  
7.       The proposed Tahimana Subdivision Ref Number RM240192 is set in
 rural zone 3 which is a minimum 50 hectares. The proposed medium density,
 141 dwelling subdivision has a range of section sizes, some as small as
 550sqm. 
  
a.       What is the documented policy for deviation to give approval for
 this?  
  
b.       What role within the TDC organisation has the final say to if
 this application is approved or rejected? 
The resource consent process is used when a proposal to subdivide, use
 and/or develop land in a manner that does not comply with the rules of the
 applicable planning instrument (in this case the Tasman Resource
 Management Plan).  
The Rural 3 Zone sets a baseline subdivision size of 50 hectares for when
 land is being retained for rural use.  However, the Rural 3 Zone clearly
 and overtly sets a structure for positive consideration of rural living
 opportunities.  Subdivision and development into potentially
 residential-scale lots is anticipated and provided for in the Rural 3
 framework. 
Please note there are two key decisions to make for the resource consent
 process. The first is the s95 notification decision, which has been set
 out for you in previous responses. The second is the s104 substantive
 decision (i.e. grant or refuse).  
As previously communicated, the consent authority is responsible for
 making the notification decision for this application.  These decisions
 are delegated to the Principal Planner – Resource Consents, or the
 Resource Consents Manager.  The responsibility for the substantive
 decision could depend on the notification decision.    
 
8.       A large percentage of Stagecoach road and surrounding residents
 opposing this 141 dwelling medium density development down the no exit
 Stagecoach Road in rural zone 3. 
 
a.       How are these residents health and wellbeing considered as it is
 proposed that the the construction could last 10+ years? Please note that
 a lot of these residents have retired and have settled in this quiet rural
 setting, any substantial change to their environment will contribute
 negatively. Items of concern are listed but not limited to the following: 
                                                                                      
 i.10+ years construction 
                                                                                    
 ii.Agricultural/ horticultural land composition and topography  
                                                                                  
 iii.Development location on Stagecoach Road wit h no exit 
                                                                                  
 iv.Area Classification Rural zone 3 (minimum 5 0 hectares)  
                                                                                    
 v.Water supply and wastewater  
                                                                                  
 vi.Fire Fighting and Emergency services impact 
                                                                                 
 vii.Native birds population reduction 
                                                                               
 viii.Roading upgrade, increase traffic flow, noise and emission pollution 
                                                                                   
 ix.Community Infrastructure  
                                                                                    
 x.Legislative Considerations 
 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. Any relevant matters will be given due
 consideration by Council’s technical specialists, planners, and
 decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource consent
 application for subdivision. 
 
 You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
 this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
 [1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.  
 
 Yours sincerely  
Legal Services Officer 
 
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail is confidential and may be subject to legal professional
 privilege. If you are not the named addressee, please delete the message
 and notify us of the error. You must not copy, use, or disclose this
 communication, or any attachments or information in it.
 
From: LGOIMA
 Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 11:20 AM
 To: Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>;
 Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[FOI #27926 email]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>
 Subject: LGOIMA request - Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192 -
 Henry Wendelborn - Reference: 2265
 
Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [6][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
References
Visible links
 1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
 6. mailto:[email address]
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry, 
  
We refer to your official information requests received on the 5 and 6 of
 August 2024. As noted in our acknowledgement email we had combined the
 requests together for the purpose of efficiency. The information you have
 requested with regards to your various requests is noted below: 
Requests received on 5 August 2024: 
1.       The “NELSON TASMAN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY” 2022 – 2052
 published 19 SEPTEMBER 2022, documents that there was a proposed
 consideration to develop at the end of Stagecoach Road, as per page 79 but
 after consultation this has been removed T-167 from the final strategy as
 documented on page 85 & 102. 
a.       Please provide documented evidence as to why this was removed
 from the final FDS. 
The site assessed for the 2022 Future Development Strategy (FDS) is below
 (T-167, Tāhimana, Stagecoach Road): 
 
The area assessed for site T-167 was 68 hectares for an urban density
 development of around 600 houses. This is obviously different to the
 resource consent application recently submitted.  
Site T-167 together with nearby draft sites T-136 Tasman View Road and
 Braeburn Road block, T-166 Tasman Bay village and T-168 303 Aporo Road,
 Tasman were referred to as “a new community” near Tasman village in FDS
 statement of proposal for consultation (March 2022).  The statement of
 proposal made clear that there were two parts being consulted on – the
 main part of the proposal was consolidated growth focused largely along
 State highway 6 and the secondary part of the proposal  - the potential
 for a new community near Tasman village, comprising the sites above and
 totalling approximately 3,200 homes. 
  
 A copy of the  Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14 is
 attached. 
 - “Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14.pdf”
As stated in the consultation document, Te Ātiawa raised significant
 concerns over three Tasman sites which would comprise the majority of any
 new development there. The nature of the concerns is a long history of
 spiritual/cultural issues associated with an area of battle and it being a
 very sensitive area. The Councils have obligations to iwi to take into
 account their cultural and spiritual views. Careful consideration was
 given to the concerns raised. While the four sites above did not form part
 of the core FDS proposal, the decision was made to include the sites in
 the proposal during the consultation process to obtain views of the wider
 community. This was while good faith dialogue continued with Te Ātiawa to
 see if a solution could be found that benefitted all parties and took into
 consideration the cultural sensitivities raised. 
Following a submission period of a month and a hearing that stretched over
 several days, deliberations took place on the FDS. This resulted in the
 secondary part of the proposal being dropped from the FDS, instead
 focussing on the core part of the strategy - consolidated growth focused
 largely along State highway 6. As for site T-167, the FDS technical report
 notes that “some low density development is already enabled through
 existing Rural 3 zone provisions.” The proposal assessed was not “aligned
 with the preferred strategy and performed very poorly under MCA” (multi
 criteria assessment). “Significant cultural impacts raised by Te Ātiawa”. 
b.       What are the significant cultural impacts raised by Te Atiawa? 
 See response above under (a) 
2.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 enabling the local Stagecoach Road/ Awa Awa subdivision community and
 local affected and interested persons to identify the degree of
 significance of the proposed Tahimana Subdivision. 
  
 As previously advised, the local community can self-identify as interested
 persons, but it is only the Council who decides who is an affected person
 in relation to a Resource Consent application under the RMA. Please refer
 to our previous response dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024 for
 further explanation. (Reference: 2216) 
3.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 promoting and enabling local democratic decision-making regarding the
 proposed Tahimana Subdivision 
 Again, the local community does not get to make decisions on Resource
 Consent applications under the RMA. If the adverse effects on the
 environment are found to be more than minor, and/or affected persons are
 identified, then the public or those specific persons will get an
 opportunity to make a submission. Please refer to our previous response
 dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024, (Reference: 2216) which sets
 out the decision-making process for resource consent applications.  
  
 The Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) sets the overall strategic
 direction for the sustainable management of natural and physical resources
 in our region – including the control of subdivision, use, and development
 of land. 
 Under the TRMP the land is Rural 3 Zone.  This zone was developed and
 implemented through a rigorous plan-making process under Schedule 1 of the
 RMA. This process involves comprehensive community consultation. The
 Council administers the outcomes sought by that plan through the resource
 consent process.   
The local decision-making was undertaken in the early 2000’s with the
 promulgation and adoption of the Rural 3 Zone.  The planning system
 promote or require the relitigation of those planning decisions for each
 individual resource application, unless that application is outside the
 boundaries of what is anticipated by that zone. 
Between about 2000 and 2003 the Council investigated a range of options to
 address the demand for rural lifestyle living. Ultimately, Variation 32
 was notified. Two years of work followed working through the submissions
 and the decision-making process.  Decisions on the variation were made in
 2005. 
The Rural 3 concept has three key objectives: 
 1. The provision of more rural living opportunities; 
  2. The retention of the best land of high productive value, and
 opportunities for its use; and 
  3. The retention of rural character, rural amenities, and rural
 landscapes, as well as the progressive development of natural
 character and ecological outcomes to balance the rural values. 
4.       How have the local residents within the wider Tasman community
 been made aware of this proposed subdivision? The proposal includes the
 use of the Mapua/ Ruby bay water scheme which does already observe an
 increase in water restrictions due to the demand. Local residents are not
 aware of this application 
 There is no requirement to make local residents aware of a resource
 consent application for a proposed subdivision until the notification
 decision has been made, and it has been determined that some form of
 notification is necessary. Further, there is no express requirement for an
 applicant to consult with the community in relation to their resource
 consent application either. However, matters such as water supply
 servicing are given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision.   
  
5.       Please provide the TDC communications between those who have
 contacted you regarding this proposed subdivision stating if they are for,
 against and neutral and whether local community or not. Please define
 whether these communications are from the subdivider or their
 sub-contractors: 
a.       email communications 
b.       document communications 
c.       meeting notes 
  
 We have located a number of requests handled under the Local Government
 Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) received by yourself, or
 where you have been copied into correspondence regarding the above noted
 proposed subdivision. 
  RE_ LGOMA - 208 Stagecoach Rd Affected person by proposed Stagecoach Rd
 Development - REDACTED - reference_ 2216_Redacted.pdf
  RE_ LGOIMA Request - Affected person feedback for proposed Tahimana
 Stagecoach Road Subdivision - REDACTED - Reference 2210_Redacted.pdf 
  
 Please note, redactions have been applied under 7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA for
 the protection of privacy. 
Requests received on 6 August 2024: 
 1. As part of the proposed Tahimana 141 dwelling subdivision Ref Number
 RM240192 there are a number of factors to be considered with upgrading
 the long no exit Stagecoach road. 
a.       Please show how the TDC is assessing the Stagecoach Road (no-exit
 road) cost of up-grade. 
 
b.       What identity will be funding this upgrade? Public or private
 (developer) etc 
  
c.       What considerations are being given to the negative environmental
 impact of boundary/ fencing alterations, cost, proximity, when considering
 health, safety and wellbeing of local residents 
  
d.       What is the minimum linear distance road upgrade boundaries can
 be away from existing dwellings/ houses? Please provide the approved
 documented policy that has undertaken various stakeholder consultation 
  
e.       What documented policy is used to ascertain the safest, most
 practical and has the least impact on local residents with regards to
 entry/ exits roads to proposed developments? 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. However, matters such as transport, roads, and
 access given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision. 
  
7.       The proposed Tahimana Subdivision Ref Number RM240192 is set in
 rural zone 3 which is a minimum 50 hectares. The proposed medium density,
 141 dwelling subdivision has a range of section sizes, some as small as
 550sqm. 
  
a.       What is the documented policy for deviation to give approval for
 this?  
  
b.       What role within the TDC organisation has the final say to if
 this application is approved or rejected? 
The resource consent process is used when a proposal to subdivide, use
 and/or develop land in a manner that does not comply with the rules of the
 applicable planning instrument (in this case the Tasman Resource
 Management Plan).  
The Rural 3 Zone sets a baseline subdivision size of 50 hectares for when
 land is being retained for rural use.  However, the Rural 3 Zone clearly
 and overtly sets a structure for positive consideration of rural living
 opportunities.  Subdivision and development into potentially
 residential-scale lots is anticipated and provided for in the Rural 3
 framework. 
Please note there are two key decisions to make for the resource consent
 process. The first is the s95 notification decision, which has been set
 out for you in previous responses. The second is the s104 substantive
 decision (i.e. grant or refuse).  
As previously communicated, the consent authority is responsible for
 making the notification decision for this application.  These decisions
 are delegated to the Principal Planner – Resource Consents, or the
 Resource Consents Manager.  The responsibility for the substantive
 decision could depend on the notification decision.    
 
8.       A large percentage of Stagecoach road and surrounding residents
 opposing this 141 dwelling medium density development down the no exit
 Stagecoach Road in rural zone 3. 
 
a.       How are these residents health and wellbeing considered as it is
 proposed that the the construction could last 10+ years? Please note that
 a lot of these residents have retired and have settled in this quiet rural
 setting, any substantial change to their environment will contribute
 negatively. Items of concern are listed but not limited to the following: 
                                                                                      
 i.10+ years construction 
                                                                                    
 ii.Agricultural/ horticultural land composition and topography  
                                                                                  
 iii.Development location on Stagecoach Road wit h no exit 
                                                                                  
 iv.Area Classification Rural zone 3 (minimum 5 0 hectares)  
                                                                                    
 v.Water supply and wastewater  
                                                                                  
 vi.Fire Fighting and Emergency services impact 
                                                                                 
 vii.Native birds population reduction 
                                                                               
 viii.Roading upgrade, increase traffic flow, noise and emission pollution 
                                                                                   
 ix.Community Infrastructure  
                                                                                    
 x.Legislative Considerations 
 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. Any relevant matters will be given due
 consideration by Council’s technical specialists, planners, and
 decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource consent
 application for subdivision. 
 
 You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
 this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
 [1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.  
 
 Yours sincerely  
Legal Services Officer 
 
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail is confidential and may be subject to legal professional
 privilege. If you are not the named addressee, please delete the message
 and notify us of the error. You must not copy, use, or disclose this
 communication, or any attachments or information in it.
 
From: LGOIMA
 Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 11:20 AM
 To: Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>;
 Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[FOI #27926 email]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>
 Subject: LGOIMA request - Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192 -
 Henry Wendelborn - Reference: 2265
 
Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [6][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
References
Visible links
 1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
 6. mailto:[email address]
        From: LGOIMA
        Tasman District Council
      
    
    Kia ora Henry, 
  
We refer to your official information requests received on the 5 and 6 of
 August 2024. As noted in our acknowledgement email we had combined the
 requests together for the purpose of efficiency. The information you have
 requested with regards to your various requests is noted below: 
Requests received on 5 August 2024: 
1.       The “NELSON TASMAN FUTURE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY” 2022 – 2052
 published 19 SEPTEMBER 2022, documents that there was a proposed
 consideration to develop at the end of Stagecoach Road, as per page 79 but
 after consultation this has been removed T-167 from the final strategy as
 documented on page 85 & 102. 
a.       Please provide documented evidence as to why this was removed
 from the final FDS. 
The site assessed for the 2022 Future Development Strategy (FDS) is below
 (T-167, Tāhimana, Stagecoach Road): 
 
The area assessed for site T-167 was 68 hectares for an urban density
 development of around 600 houses. This is obviously different to the
 resource consent application recently submitted.  
Site T-167 together with nearby draft sites T-136 Tasman View Road and
 Braeburn Road block, T-166 Tasman Bay village and T-168 303 Aporo Road,
 Tasman were referred to as “a new community” near Tasman village in FDS
 statement of proposal for consultation (March 2022).  The statement of
 proposal made clear that there were two parts being consulted on – the
 main part of the proposal was consolidated growth focused largely along
 State highway 6 and the secondary part of the proposal  - the potential
 for a new community near Tasman village, comprising the sites above and
 totalling approximately 3,200 homes. 
  
 A copy of the  Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14 is
 attached. 
 - “Draft summary doc and FDS for consultation 2022-03-14.pdf”
As stated in the consultation document, Te Ātiawa raised significant
 concerns over three Tasman sites which would comprise the majority of any
 new development there. The nature of the concerns is a long history of
 spiritual/cultural issues associated with an area of battle and it being a
 very sensitive area. The Councils have obligations to iwi to take into
 account their cultural and spiritual views. Careful consideration was
 given to the concerns raised. While the four sites above did not form part
 of the core FDS proposal, the decision was made to include the sites in
 the proposal during the consultation process to obtain views of the wider
 community. This was while good faith dialogue continued with Te Ātiawa to
 see if a solution could be found that benefitted all parties and took into
 consideration the cultural sensitivities raised. 
Following a submission period of a month and a hearing that stretched over
 several days, deliberations took place on the FDS. This resulted in the
 secondary part of the proposal being dropped from the FDS, instead
 focussing on the core part of the strategy - consolidated growth focused
 largely along State highway 6. As for site T-167, the FDS technical report
 notes that “some low density development is already enabled through
 existing Rural 3 zone provisions.” The proposal assessed was not “aligned
 with the preferred strategy and performed very poorly under MCA” (multi
 criteria assessment). “Significant cultural impacts raised by Te Ātiawa”. 
b.       What are the significant cultural impacts raised by Te Atiawa? 
 See response above under (a) 
2.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 enabling the local Stagecoach Road/ Awa Awa subdivision community and
 local affected and interested persons to identify the degree of
 significance of the proposed Tahimana Subdivision. 
  
 As previously advised, the local community can self-identify as interested
 persons, but it is only the Council who decides who is an affected person
 in relation to a Resource Consent application under the RMA. Please refer
 to our previous response dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024 for
 further explanation. (Reference: 2216) 
3.       Please show and provide documented evidence of how the TDC is
 promoting and enabling local democratic decision-making regarding the
 proposed Tahimana Subdivision 
 Again, the local community does not get to make decisions on Resource
 Consent applications under the RMA. If the adverse effects on the
 environment are found to be more than minor, and/or affected persons are
 identified, then the public or those specific persons will get an
 opportunity to make a submission. Please refer to our previous response
 dated 10 July and resent on 15 August 2024, (Reference: 2216) which sets
 out the decision-making process for resource consent applications.  
  
 The Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) sets the overall strategic
 direction for the sustainable management of natural and physical resources
 in our region – including the control of subdivision, use, and development
 of land. 
 Under the TRMP the land is Rural 3 Zone.  This zone was developed and
 implemented through a rigorous plan-making process under Schedule 1 of the
 RMA. This process involves comprehensive community consultation. The
 Council administers the outcomes sought by that plan through the resource
 consent process.   
The local decision-making was undertaken in the early 2000’s with the
 promulgation and adoption of the Rural 3 Zone.  The planning system
 promote or require the relitigation of those planning decisions for each
 individual resource application, unless that application is outside the
 boundaries of what is anticipated by that zone. 
Between about 2000 and 2003 the Council investigated a range of options to
 address the demand for rural lifestyle living. Ultimately, Variation 32
 was notified. Two years of work followed working through the submissions
 and the decision-making process.  Decisions on the variation were made in
 2005. 
The Rural 3 concept has three key objectives: 
 1. The provision of more rural living opportunities; 
  2. The retention of the best land of high productive value, and
 opportunities for its use; and 
  3. The retention of rural character, rural amenities, and rural
 landscapes, as well as the progressive development of natural
 character and ecological outcomes to balance the rural values. 
4.       How have the local residents within the wider Tasman community
 been made aware of this proposed subdivision? The proposal includes the
 use of the Mapua/ Ruby bay water scheme which does already observe an
 increase in water restrictions due to the demand. Local residents are not
 aware of this application 
 There is no requirement to make local residents aware of a resource
 consent application for a proposed subdivision until the notification
 decision has been made, and it has been determined that some form of
 notification is necessary. Further, there is no express requirement for an
 applicant to consult with the community in relation to their resource
 consent application either. However, matters such as water supply
 servicing are given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision.   
  
5.       Please provide the TDC communications between those who have
 contacted you regarding this proposed subdivision stating if they are for,
 against and neutral and whether local community or not. Please define
 whether these communications are from the subdivider or their
 sub-contractors: 
a.       email communications 
b.       document communications 
c.       meeting notes 
  
 We have located a number of requests handled under the Local Government
 Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) received by yourself, or
 where you have been copied into correspondence regarding the above noted
 proposed subdivision. 
  RE_ LGOMA - 208 Stagecoach Rd Affected person by proposed Stagecoach Rd
 Development - REDACTED - reference_ 2216_Redacted.pdf
  RE_ LGOIMA Request - Affected person feedback for proposed Tahimana
 Stagecoach Road Subdivision - REDACTED - Reference 2210_Redacted.pdf 
  
 Please note, redactions have been applied under 7(2)(a) of the LGOIMA for
 the protection of privacy. 
Requests received on 6 August 2024: 
 1. As part of the proposed Tahimana 141 dwelling subdivision Ref Number
 RM240192 there are a number of factors to be considered with upgrading
 the long no exit Stagecoach road. 
a.       Please show how the TDC is assessing the Stagecoach Road (no-exit
 road) cost of up-grade. 
 
b.       What identity will be funding this upgrade? Public or private
 (developer) etc 
  
c.       What considerations are being given to the negative environmental
 impact of boundary/ fencing alterations, cost, proximity, when considering
 health, safety and wellbeing of local residents 
  
d.       What is the minimum linear distance road upgrade boundaries can
 be away from existing dwellings/ houses? Please provide the approved
 documented policy that has undertaken various stakeholder consultation 
  
e.       What documented policy is used to ascertain the safest, most
 practical and has the least impact on local residents with regards to
 entry/ exits roads to proposed developments? 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. However, matters such as transport, roads, and
 access given due consideration by Council’s technical specialists,
 planners, and decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource
 consent application for subdivision. 
  
7.       The proposed Tahimana Subdivision Ref Number RM240192 is set in
 rural zone 3 which is a minimum 50 hectares. The proposed medium density,
 141 dwelling subdivision has a range of section sizes, some as small as
 550sqm. 
  
a.       What is the documented policy for deviation to give approval for
 this?  
  
b.       What role within the TDC organisation has the final say to if
 this application is approved or rejected? 
The resource consent process is used when a proposal to subdivide, use
 and/or develop land in a manner that does not comply with the rules of the
 applicable planning instrument (in this case the Tasman Resource
 Management Plan).  
The Rural 3 Zone sets a baseline subdivision size of 50 hectares for when
 land is being retained for rural use.  However, the Rural 3 Zone clearly
 and overtly sets a structure for positive consideration of rural living
 opportunities.  Subdivision and development into potentially
 residential-scale lots is anticipated and provided for in the Rural 3
 framework. 
Please note there are two key decisions to make for the resource consent
 process. The first is the s95 notification decision, which has been set
 out for you in previous responses. The second is the s104 substantive
 decision (i.e. grant or refuse).  
As previously communicated, the consent authority is responsible for
 making the notification decision for this application.  These decisions
 are delegated to the Principal Planner – Resource Consents, or the
 Resource Consents Manager.  The responsibility for the substantive
 decision could depend on the notification decision.    
 
8.       A large percentage of Stagecoach road and surrounding residents
 opposing this 141 dwelling medium density development down the no exit
 Stagecoach Road in rural zone 3. 
 
a.       How are these residents health and wellbeing considered as it is
 proposed that the the construction could last 10+ years? Please note that
 a lot of these residents have retired and have settled in this quiet rural
 setting, any substantial change to their environment will contribute
 negatively. Items of concern are listed but not limited to the following: 
                                                                                      
 i.10+ years construction 
                                                                                    
 ii.Agricultural/ horticultural land composition and topography  
                                                                                  
 iii.Development location on Stagecoach Road wit h no exit 
                                                                                  
 iv.Area Classification Rural zone 3 (minimum 5 0 hectares)  
                                                                                    
 v.Water supply and wastewater  
                                                                                  
 vi.Fire Fighting and Emergency services impact 
                                                                                 
 vii.Native birds population reduction 
                                                                               
 viii.Roading upgrade, increase traffic flow, noise and emission pollution 
                                                                                   
 ix.Community Infrastructure  
                                                                                    
 x.Legislative Considerations 
 
As noted above, the application and its associated effects are still being
 assessed by Council staff. Any relevant matters will be given due
 consideration by Council’s technical specialists, planners, and
 decision-makers as part of the processing of a resource consent
 application for subdivision. 
 
 You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
 this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
 [1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.  
 
 Yours sincerely  
Legal Services Officer 
 
 
 LGOIMA
 LGOIMA Requests
 Call  +64 3 543 8400   |   [2][Tasman District Council request email]
 Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050, NZ
 [3][IMG] [4][IMG] [5][IMG]
 This e-mail is confidential and may be subject to legal professional
 privilege. If you are not the named addressee, please delete the message
 and notify us of the error. You must not copy, use, or disclose this
 communication, or any attachments or information in it.
 
From: LGOIMA
 Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2024 11:20 AM
 To: Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>;
 Henry Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[FOI #27926 email]>; Henry
 Wendelborn <[email address]>
 Subject: LGOIMA request - Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192 -
 Henry Wendelborn - Reference: 2265
 
Kia ora Henry,
We acknowledge receipt of your official information requests (x6) received
 on the 5 August and 6 August (copy attached) for information relating to
 Stagecoach Road Tahimana Subdivision RM240192. For the purpose of
 efficiency, we have combined the requests together.
 
We will endeavour to respond to your request as soon as possible and in
 any event no later than 2 September 2024 being 20 working days after the
 day your request was received. If we are unable to respond to your request
 by then, we will notify you of an extension of that timeframe. For
 requests that are likely to involve substantial collation and/or research,
 there may be a charge for staff time, however if this is the case, we will
 advise you before we process your request.
Your request is being handled by the Legal team. If you have any
 questions, please feel free to contact the team on
 [6][email address]. If any additional factors come to light which
 are relevant to your request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that
 these can be taken into account.
Yours sincerely,
 Legal Services Officer
References
Visible links
 1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
 2. mailto:[Tasman District Council request email]
 3. https://www.facebook.com/tasmandistrictc...
 4. https://www.instagram.com/tasmandistrict...
 5. https://www.linkedin.com/company/tasmand...
 6. mailto:[email address]
Things to do with this request
- Add an annotation (to help the requester or others)
 - Download a zip file of all correspondence (note: this contains the same information already available above).
 

