B-5 – Area 5 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 166 The discussion regarding water allocation with respect to Policy 8.6 generally applies to this objective.127 Policy 12 (Assessment Criteria) is considered relevant to Area 5 as it applies when assessing any resource consent application for groundwater takes and any associated water use. It sets out matters that are to be given particular regard when decision-making, but are not absolute requirements or standards in their own right. The relevant matters include: the effect of the activity on the relationship of tangata whenua with their ancestral lands and waters;128 the need for the volume and rate of water sought;129 the need to ensure that groundwater is available for existing and foreseeable domestic or municipal supply needs;130 consideration of alternative water sources;131 whether existing lawful takes of water will be adversely affected;132 whether tangata whenua uses and values, including the mauri of water, are maintained or enhanced;133 the need to ensure that aquifers are not over-allocated;134 any demonstrated return flow to the aquifer;135 whether surface water instream uses, values and flows (including springs) are adversely affected;136 where sustainable yields have not been set in Tables 3-6 potential for loss of recharge to other aquifers;137 where sustainable yields have not been set in Tables 3-6 potential adverse effects from aquifer compaction and ground surface subsidence;138 127 Objective 3.3.2(b) to (d), (h) and (i), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 128 Policy 12(b), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 129 Policy 12(c), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 130 Policy 12(d), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 131 Policy 12(e), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 132 Policy 12(f), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 133 Policy 12(j), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 134 Policy 12(k), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 135 Policy 12(l), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 136 Policy 12(m), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 137 Policy 12(o), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan. 138 Policy 12(p), Section 3.3, Waikato Regional Plan.
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