Non RMA regulatory methods
A range of methods other than regulatory controls imposed under RMA plans could be considered in regard to addressing the effects of climate change, including methods that may also be applied through the use of RMA controls (such as land development and subdivision rules based on structure plans). Some of the key mechanisms within the 'toolbox' that can be used as appropriate include:
Civil Defence Plans - these plans prepared under the Civil Defence Act can identify specific coastal hazards and evacuation and support strategies including training needs and community education.
Emergency Response Plans/Recovery Plans - these plans identify appropriate responses to specific events and what the needs of the community will be in the near future after an event - these mechanisms are likely to be required regardless of the management option chosen.
Protective Works - Constructing protective works such as flood banks, sea walls, beach replenishment and other devices to provide a level of reducing the risks from natural hazards.
Community initiatives (e.g. local dune care groups) can both increase the community 's awareness of climate change effects (e.g. the impacts of sea level rise on local beaches and community assets) and also assist in implementing preventative or protective measures (e.g. illustrate that action to protect and establish dune systems can help mitigate the effects of unusually high storm surges and wave run-up impacts which are expected to be the norm with a rising sea level).
Monitoring and Reporting - this process of monitoring and reporting on the state of the environment can identify climate change-induced coastal hazards, trends in coastal processes, changes in risk, and further monitoring required to fill information gaps. Specifically it can identify long-term research and investigation needs.
Covenants on land titles - this mechanism can be used to ensure that development on any site that is at risk from coastal hazards is undertaken appropriately and can influence the ability of the owner to develop the site.
Non-statutory agreements - this involves reaching non-statutory agreements with property owners or managers on how existing or proposed developments may be managed in the future, or to set-up "first option" agreements to ensure properties at risk can be purchased by local authorities in the future when sale is contemplated.
Integrated input into other plans and strategies - as appropriate, councils should address the effects of climate change in other strategies or policymaking areas (for example, transportation strategies which consider design and placement of roadways).
Investigations and research - this covers a range of activities, such as ensuring regular and close interaction with research organisations, links with local education providers, regular consultation with lifeline providers and managers etc.
Structure and development plans - when applied to developments on 'greenfield' sites, these mechanisms provide an opportunity for large developments to be designed and managed taking coastal hazards into account, including the location and provision of infrastructure and placing the onus on the developer to include provisions addressing coastal hazards in their development plans.
NZ Standards/Codes of Practice - engineering solutions that can be adopted to manage certain coastal hazards in certain circumstances to provide some degree of certainty. [Note: may be tied into regulatory methods used under RMA, such as through land development and subdivision codes of practice]
Other strategic level methods include education through strategic planning processes, community education programmes, demonstration projects, urban growth strategies, and urban sustainability initiatives.
