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Waikato Regional Plan (online version)

The plan is available for viewing online through the table of contents below, and can also be downloaded.

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Maps

Some of the sections in the plan refer to Waikato Regional Plan maps. These maps show where waterbodies and geothermal systems in the region are classified for specific management purposes. The maps available online are the water allocation maps and the geothermal maps. The other maps are available to view at Waikato Regional Council's offices. Please contact us for further information.

Table of contents

 Chairman's Foreword
 Readers Guide
  Introduction
  Structure of the Plan
  Abbreviations and Symbols
  Relationship Between Rules and Resource Consents
  Activity Guide
1Approaches to Resource Management
 1.1Introduction
  1.1.1Area Covered by the Plan
 1.2Approaches to Resource Management
  1.2.1Background
  1.2.2Issues
  1.2.3Objectives
  1.2.4Policies
  1.2.5Implementation Methods
  1.2.6Environmental Results Anticipated
 1.3Monitoring the Effectiveness of the Plan
 1.4Review of the Plan
 1.5Processes to Address Cross-Boundary Issues
 1.6Responsibilities of Resource Users Under the RMA
2Matters of Significance to Maori
 2.1Introduction
  2.1.1General
  2.1.2Broad Tribal Groups
 2.2Iwi in the Waikato Region
  2.2.1The Iwi of Hauraki
  2.2.2Raukawa
  2.2.3Waikato-Tainui
  2.2.4Ngati Maniapoto
  2.2.5Ngati Tuwharetoa
  2.2.6Pouakani
 2.3Tangata Whenua Relationship with Natural and Physical Resources
  2.3.1Issue
  2.3.2Objective
  2.3.3Policies
  2.3.4Implementation Methods
  2.3.5Environmental Results Anticipated
  2.3.6Monitoring Options
3Water Module
  Policies included in the Regional Plan in accordance with the NPS on Freshwater Management
 3.1Water Resources
  3.1.1Issue
  3.1.2Objective
  3.1.3Clarification of the Relationship between Water and Geothermal Modules
  3.1.4Monitoring Options
 3.2Management of Water Resources
  3.2.1Issue
  3.2.2Objective
  3.2.3Policies
  3.2.4Implementation Methods - Water Management Classes and Standards
  3.2.5Environmental Results Anticipated
  3.2.6Monitoring Options
 3.3Water Takes
  3.3.1Issue
  3.3.2Objective
  3.3.3Policies
  3.3.4Implementation Methods – Water takes
   Water allocation maps
 3.4Efficient Use of Water
  3.4.1Issue
  3.4.2Objective
  3.4.3Policies
  3.4.4Implementation methods – Transfer of water take permits
  3.4.5Implementation methods – The use of water
 3.5Discharges*
  3.5.1Issue
  3.5.2Objective
  3.5.3Policies
  3.5.4Implementation Methods - Discharges
  3.5.5Implementation Methods - Farm Effluent Discharges
  3.5.6Implementation Methods - Discharge of Biosolids* and Sludges or Liquids from Activated Sludge Treatment Processes to Land
  3.5.7Implementation Methods - On-Site Sewage Discharges
  3.5.8Implementation Methods - Well and Aquifer Testing Discharges
  3.5.9Implementation Methods - Tracer Discharges
  3.5.10Implementation Methods - Drainage Water Discharges
  3.5.11Implementation Methods - Stormwater Discharges
  3.5.12High Risk Facilities
  3.5.13Environmental Results Anticipated
  3.5.14Monitoring Options
 3.6Damming and Diverting
  3.6.1Issue
  3.6.2Objective
  3.6.3Policies
  3.6.4Implementation Methods - Damming and Diverting
  3.6.5Environmental Results Anticipated
  3.6.6Monitoring Options
  3.6.7Spillway Requirements
 3.7Wetlands*
  3.7.1Issue
  3.7.2Objective
  3.7.3Policies
  3.7.4Implementation Methods - Wetlands
  3.7.5Environmental Results Anticipated
  3.7.6Monitoring Options
  3.7.7Table of Wetlands in the Waikato Region for Rule 3.7.4.6
  3.7.8Examples of Wetlands
 3.8Drilling*
  3.8.1Issue
  3.8.2Objective
  3.8.3Policies
  3.8.4Implementation Methods - Drilling
  3.8.5Environmental Results Anticipated
  3.8.6Monitoring Options
 3.9Non-Point Source Discharges*
  3.9.1Issue
  3.9.2Objective
  3.9.3Policies
  3.9.4Implementation Methods - Non-Point Source Discharges
  3.9.5Environmental Results Anticipated
  3.9.6Monitoring Options
  3.9.7Guidance Notes for the Use of Fertiliser
 3.10Lake Taupo Catchment
  3.10.1Issues
  3.10.2Objectives
  3.10.3Policies
  3.10.4Non-regulatory implementation methods
  3.10.5Implementation Methods – Land Use and Discharge Controls
  3.10.6Implementation Methods – Domestic Wastewater Treatment and Land Application
  3.10.7Environmental Results Anticipated
  3.10.8Procedure for Monitoring Objectives, Policies and Methods
  3.10.9Map of Lake Taupo Catchment
4River and Lake Bed Module
 4.1River and Lake Bed* Management
 4.2River and Lake Bed Structures
  4.2.1Issue
  4.2.2Objective1
  4.2.3Policies
  4.2.4Implementation Methods - Structures In, On, Under or Over the Beds of Lakes and Rivers
  4.2.5Existing Lawfully Established Structures
  4.2.6Whitebait Stands
  4.2.7Maimai, Game Bird Hunting Structures
  4.2.8Bridges
  4.2.9Culverts
  4.2.10Discharge and Intake Structures
  4.2.11Fords*
  4.2.12Boat Ramps and Jetties
  4.2.13Moorings*, Navigational Markers, Safety/Interception Booms, Signs, Ski Lane Markers and Canoe Gates
  4.2.14Lines, Cables, Pipelines, Ropeways and Associated Structures
  4.2.15Erosion Control Structures
  4.2.16Channel Training Structures*
  4.2.17Monitoring and Sampling Structures
  4.2.18Maintaining Access for Maintenance of Artificial Watercourses and Beds of Rivers in Drainage Districts and River Control Scheme Areas
  4.2.19Gradient Control Structures
  4.2.20Removal or Demolition of a Structure or Part of a Structure
  4.2.21Suspended Solids Discharge Standards for Permitted Activity Rules in Chapters 4.2 and 4.3
  4.2.22Environmental Results Anticipated
  4.2.23Monitoring Options
 4.3River and Lake Bed Disturbances
  4.3.1Issues
  4.3.2Objective1
  4.3.3Policies
  4.3.4Implementation Methods - Disturbances of the Beds of Lakes and Rivers
  4.3.5Implementation Methods - Livestock Access to Water Bodies
  4.3.6Implementation Methods - Disturbance of River and Lake Beds Associated with the Maintenance of a Lawfully Established Structure
  4.3.7Implementation Methods - Sand and Gravel Extraction
  4.3.8Implementation Methods - Introduction or Planting of Vegetation and Tree Layering on the Beds and Banks of Rivers and Lakes
  4.3.9Clearance of Vegetation In, On or Under the Beds of Rivers and Lakes
  4.3.10– Removal of Obstructions
  4.3.11Environmental Results Anticipated
  4.3.12Monitoring Options
 4.4Lake Taupo Mooring Maps
  4.4.1Zoned Maps Areas
  4.4.2Prohibited Mooring Maps
  4.4.3Existing Public Moorings
5Land and Soil Module
 5.1Accelerated Erosion*
  5.1.1Issue
  5.1.2Objective
  5.1.3Policies
  5.1.4Implementation Methods - Accelerated Erosion
  5.1.5Conditions for Permitted Activity Rule 5.1.4.11 and Standards and Terms for Controlled Activity Rules
  5.1.6Matters over which Waikato Regional Council will Reserve Control
  5.1.7Environmental Results Anticipated
  5.1.8Monitoring Options
 5.2Discharges Onto or Into Land
  5.2.1Issue
  5.2.2Objective
  5.2.3Policies
  5.2.4Implementation Methods - Discharges Onto or Into Land
  5.2.5Implementation Methods - Cleanfilling* and Overburden* Disposal
  5.2.6Implementation Methods - Dumps* and Offal* Holes on Production Land
  5.2.7Implementation Methods - Landfills
  5.2.8Implementation Methods - Composting of Green Waste* and Other Organic Materials
  5.2.9Implementation Methods - Dust Suppression
  5.2.10Environmental Results Anticipated
  5.2.11Monitoring Options
  5.2.12Good Practice Guide on Location of Dumps and Offal Holes on Production Land
 5.3Contaminated Land*
  5.3.1Issue
  5.3.2Objective
  5.3.3Policies
  5.3.4Implementation Methods - Contaminated Land
  5.3.5Environmental Results Anticipated
  5.3.6Monitoring Options
6Air Module
 6.1Regional and Local Air Management
  6.1.1Issue
  6.1.2Objective1
  6.1.3Policies
  6.1.4Implementation Methods - Regional and Local Air Management
  6.1.5Implementation Methods - Domestic Sources
  6.1.6Implementation Methods - Transport Sources
  6.1.7Implementation Methods - Effects of Land Use on Air Quality
  6.1.8Standard Conditions for Permitted Activity Rules and Standards and Terms for Controlled and Restricted Discretionary Activity Rules
  6.1.9Implementation Methods - General Rules
  6.1.10Implementation Methods - Discharges of Contaminants from Abrasive Blasting
  6.1.11Implementation Methods - Coating Processes (including Spray Painting), Diisocyanate and Organic Plasticiser Processes
  6.1.12Implementation Methods - Combustion Processes for Fuel Conversion to Useful Heat, Electricity or Work
  6.1.13Implementation Methods - Discharges to Air From Combustion Processes*
  6.1.14Implementation Methods - Processing, Storage, Transfer and Flaring of Hydrocarbons and Biogas
  6.1.15Implementation Methods - Managing Discharges to Air from Intensive Indoor Farming
  6.1.16Implementation Methods - Mineral Extraction, Size Reduction, Screening and Storage
  6.1.17Implementation Methods - Metal Processing
  6.1.18Implementation Methods - Waste Management Process
  6.1.19Implementation Methods - Other Activities
  6.1.20Implementation Methods - Cooling Processes
  6.1.21Environmental Results Anticipated
  6.1.22Monitoring Options
 6.2The Discharge of Agrichemicals into Air
  6.2.1Issues
  6.2.2Objective
  6.2.3Policy
  6.2.4Implementation Methods
  6.2.5Environmental Results Anticipated
  6.2.6Monitoring Options
  6.2.7Spray Checklist
  6.2.8Guidelines for Assessment and Enforcement
  6.2.9Potential Spray Drift Hazard Chart1
  6.2.10Performance requirements for qualifications to apply agrichemicals
 6.3Regional Ambient Air Quality Guidelines
 6.4Guidelines for Assessment
  6.4.1Guidelines for Assessing Odour
  6.4.2Guidelines for Assessing Particulate Matter1
7Geothermal Module
 7.1Clarification of the Relationship between the Water and Geothermal Modules
 7.2.1Background and Explanation
 7.3Issues and Objectives
 7.4Policies
 7.5General Non-Regulatory Implementation Methods
  7.5.1Geothermal Characteristics Valued by Tangata Whenua
  7.5.2Environmental Education
  7.5.3Integrated Management
  7.5.4Consistency of District Plans
  7.5.5Geothermal Features in Protected Systems
  7.5.6Guidelines for Applicants
 7.6Regional Rules
  7.6.1Takes and Discharges in Development Systems
  7.6.2Takes and Discharges in Limited Development Systems
  7.6.3Takes and Discharges in Research Systems
  7.6.4Takes and Discharges in Protected Systems
  7.6.5Takes and Discharges in Small Systems
  7.6.6Surface Activities Affecting Significant Geothermal Features
 7.7Environmental Results Anticipated
 7.8Monitoring Options
 7.9Maps of Geothermal Systems
  7.9.1Development Geothermal Systems
  7.9.2Limited Development Geothermal Systems
  7.9.3Research Geothermal Systems
  7.9.4Protected Geothermal Systems
 7.10Maps of Significant Geothermal Features and Geothermal Water Features
  7.10.1Significant Geothermal Features and Geothermal Water Features in Development Geothermal Systems
  7.10.2Significant Geothermal Features and Geothermal Water Features in Limited Development Geothermal Systems
8Information Requirements
 8.1Assessment Criteria and Information Requirements
  8.1.1General Information Requirements for all Applications
  8.1.2Water and Geothermal
  8.1.3Rivers and Lake Beds
  8.1.4Land and Soil
  8.1.5Air
  8.1.6Geothermal
  8.1.7Further Information
 Glossary of Terms

Download the plan in PDF format

Section Download in PDF format 
Chairman's Foreword

Chairman's Foreword and readers guide
734 kb
Readers guide
  Introduction
  Structure of the plan
  Abbreviations and symbols
  Relationships between rules and resource consents
  Activity guide
1 Approaches to resource management

Chapter 1: Approaches to resource management
156 kb
  1.1 Introduction
  1.2 Approaches to resource management
  1.3 Monitoring the effectiveness of the plan
  1.4 Review of the plan
  1.5 Processes to address cross-boundary issues
  1.6 Responsibilities of resource users under the RMA
2 Matters of significance to Maori

Chapter 2: Matters of significance to Maori
76 kb
  2.1 Introduction
  2.2 Iwi in the Waikato region
  2.3 Tangata Whenua relationship with natural and physical resources
3 Water module Chapter 3: Water module
1728 kb
  3.1 Water resources
  3.2 Management of water resources
 
 3.3 Water takes
  3.4 Efficient use of water
  3.5 Discharges
  3.6 Damming and diverting
  3.7 Wetlands
  3.8 Drilling
  3.9 Non-point source discharges
  3.10 Lake Taupo Catchment
4 River and lake bed module

Chapter 4: River and lake bed module
898kb
  4.1 River and lake bed management
  4.2 River and lake bed structures
  4.3 River and lake bed disturbances
  4.4 Lake Taupo mooring maps
5 Land and soil module

Chapter 5: Land and soil module
551 kb
  5.1 Accelerated erosion
  5.2 Discharges onto or into land
  5.3 Contaminated land
6 Air module

Chapter 6: Air module
299 kb
  6.1 Regional and local air management
  6.2 The discharge of agrichemicals into air
  6.3 Regional ambient air quality guidelines
  6.4 Guidelines for assessment
7 Geothermal module
   7.1

Clarification of the Relationship between the Water and Geothermal Modules

 Chapter 7 Geothermal module
42mb
  7.2 Background and explanation  
  7.3 Issues and objectives  
  7.4 Policies  
  7.5 General non-regulatory implementation methods  
  7.6 Regional rules  
  7.7 Environmental results anticipated  
  7.8 Monitoring Options  
  7.9 Maps of Geothermal Systems  
  7.10 Maps of significant geothermal features and geothermal water features  
8 Information requirements Chapter 8 Information requirements
73 kb
  8.1 Assessment criteria and information requirements
Glossary

Glossary
188 kb
Maps Maps are also available to view at a scale of 1:50,000 at the Hamilton office of Waikato Regional Council (401 Grey Street, Hamilton East). Copies of maps, at any scale, can be purchased on request. Please contact us for further information.