Marlborough District Council has taken another important step to finalise the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan (PMEP), following the Minister of Conservation’s approval of further regional coastal plan provisions, including key aspects of Variation 1: Marine Farming.
This milestone, confirmed at today’s Council meeting, means that additional provisions governing marine farming and a range of related resource management matters are now set to become operative, providing greater certainty for Marlborough’s coastal users, residents, and the wider community.
Mayor Nadine Taylor welcomed the news, saying, “The approval of these further provisions is a positive step towards sustainable marine management in Marlborough. It gives our aquaculture sector, iwi, and community greater clarity and confidence about the rules that apply in our unique coastal environment. I want to acknowledge the constructive efforts from all parties to resolve appeals and support the implementation of these important provisions.”
Council’s decision today follows the Minister of Conservation’s formal sign-off on the regional coastal plan provisions of Variation 1: Marine Farming.
Councillor Barbara Faulls, a Sounds Ward Councillor and Chair of the Environment and Planning Committee, emphasised the importance of Variation 1: Marine Farming, stating, “There is now a blueprint for managing marine farming set out for at least the next 10 years. Marlborough’s marine farming industry is very important, predominantly operating in a marine environment highly valued by the community. It was essential to provide the industry and the community with certainty regarding the future of marine farming. That certainty has now been delivered.”
Council will publicly notify an operative date for the newly approved provisions, in accordance with statutory requirements. The operative date will be 14 April 2026. Once operative, these provisions will replace equivalent rules in previous planning documents.
The PMEP is Marlborough’s comprehensive planning framework, designed to integrate and streamline resource management across the region. With the majority of its provisions now operative, it continues to provide clear direction for sustainable development and the protection of Marlborough’s unique environment.
For more information on the Proposed Marlborough Environment Plan and updates on its progress visit our website.
