Variation 2: Ecologically Significant Marine Sites:

The purpose of the variation is to add new Ecologically Significant Marine Sites, adjust the spatial boundaries of some existing sites and amend category status and buffers where appropriate.
The variation is necessitated by the RMA's requirement that Council recognise and provide for the protection of areas of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna as a matter of national importance (Section 6 (c)).

Submissions closed on 11 April 2023 with Council receiving 33 submissions. The Summary of Submissions was notified 22 June 2023. The period for further submissions closed on 21 July 2023.

The Hearing for Variation 2 was held 28-29 February 2024. The Panel will now deliberate on the s42A reports, the submissions, the evidence provided in support of them and the s42A report writers right of reply and will make a decision in due course. All submitters will be given notice of the decision.

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