Many areas of native bush, streams and wetlands in the area are currently under threat from grazing and weed invasion, however landowners are unable to afford to fence and/or undertake weed control without revenue gained from subdivision.

The rural areas of the Oratia Catchment are experiencing pressure for subdivision as orcharding and horticulture become less viable and due to their location on the urban fringe. Further subdivision, if allowed to continue in an ad hoc manner, has the potential to make worse the existing water quality and flooding problems.

An innovative structure planning approach, new under New Zealand s Resource Management Act was used. All the stakeholders in the community were brought together to discuss the issues involved and develop a plan for the Oratia Catchment.

An analysis of the landscape, water issues and vegetation quality was undertaken which formed the basis of the structure plan by indicating areas for physical and legal protection (weed control, fencing and bush protection covenants) as well as areas where the restoration of natural habitats or revegetation was needed. The process also identified areas suitable for further subdivision and where development could potentially occur. This future development is contingent on the identified protection, restoration and revegetation actions required on each landowner s property being undertaken.

The Structure Plan has been publicly notified and has been through a Council Hearings process. It is currently the subject of a reference to the Environment Court.

A holistic interconnected catchment management approach to development of rural areas of the Oratia Catchment which is owned by the community and which will result in protection and restoration of indigenous vegetation and aquatic habitats.

Introduction of a regulatory framework that requires active protection and enhancement before any development can be undertaken; and restriction of development in protect water catchment areas.