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Far North District Landscape

Assessment 1995

In 1995, Far North District Council commissioned a Landscape Assessment (by LA4 Landscape Architects) of the entire district, some 6820 square kilometres. This assessment identified the outstanding landscape features and landscape units, and distinguished landscapes that are coastal from those that are terrestrial. Those landscape units with a sensitivity rating of 6 or 7 (out of 7) were classified as outstanding, and therefore deemed worthy of protection as required by s6(b) of the Act.

The landscape units identified by the assessment are relatively large areas of terrain that have fairly constant characteristics, whereas the landscape features are smaller elements such as volcanic peaks or prominent coastal landforms.

The criteria used to determine which landscape units are outstanding are as follows:
An area of landscape which is predominantly natural, has very distinctive or remarkable characteristics, and that displays high levels of most, but not necessarily all of the following criteria:

(a) Geological, topographical, ecological dynamism;
(b) Aesthetic values;
(c) Distinctiveness and memorability;
(d) Clearly recognised signs of the formative processes leading to its creation;
(e) Transient values;
(f) Values that are shared and recognised by the community;
(g) Value to Tangata Whenua;
(h) Historical associations;
(i) Public visibility;
(j) Accessibility to viewing audience.

An outstanding landscape feature is an element or small portion of landscape which is predominantly natural and has distinctive or remarkable characteristics that make it a feature of the broader landscape setting.

A large portion of the area identified as “Outstanding” is on land administrated by DOC. The majority of land in private title that has been identified as outstanding is on the District’s coastline. There is also a significant portion of Maori land, and that therefore warrants additional consideration in the plan.

Far North District Landscape Assessment 1995
Landscape Assessment 1995 Report 223K
Plans 1-5: Landscape Units and sensitivity ratings 992K
Plans 6-10: Character Areas 934K
Plans 11-15: Sensitive Ridgelines under Immediate Threat and Extent of Areas of Landscape Significance 805K
Worksheet Landscape Unit Identification Summary: Coastal
(Download the summary to identify specific worksheet units)
Units 1-27
Units 28-54		 24K

613K
603K
Worksheet Landscape Unit Identification Summary: Terrestrial
(Download the summary to identify specific worksheet units)
Units 1-29
Units 30-58		 25K

637K
640K

For further information

Hard copies of the Landscape Assessment 1995 are available at a cost from the District Plan Team. Copies are also available for viewing in Council’s head quarters in Kaikohe. Photographs of each landscape unit are also available for viewing in Council’s headquarters.

Please contact the District Plan Team using our normal contact details if you have any further questions.

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To download a PDF document you will need Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, this is available free by downloading it from the Adobe website.