83 Oct 2021 OceanaGold WNP Project, Waihi - Archaeological / Heritage Assessment STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Resource Management Act 1991 Requirements Relevant to this assessment, Section 6 of the RMA identifies the following as matters of national importance: ‘the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu, and other taonga’ (S6(e)); and ‘the protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development’ (S6(f)). All persons exercising functions and powers under the RMA are required under Section 6 to recognise and provide for these matters of national importance when ‘managing the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources’. There is a duty to avoid, remedy, or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment arising from an activity (S17), including on historic heritage. Historic heritage is defined (S2) as ‘those natural and physical resources that contribute to an understanding and appreciation of New Zealand’s history and cultures, deriving from any of the following qualities: (i) archaeological; (ii) architectural; (iii) cultural; (iv) historic; (v) scientific; (vi) technological’. Historic heritage includes: ‘(i) historic sites, structures, places, and areas; (ii) archaeological sites; (iii) sites of significance to Maori, including wahi tapu; (iv) surroundings associated with the natural and physical resources. Regional Policy Statements, Regional Plans and District and Plans prepared under the provisions of the RMA help to identify, protect and manage archaeological and other heritage sites. The Hauraki District Plan (2014) (HDP) and Waikato Regional Policy Statement (RPS) are relevant to the proposed activity. This assessment addresses historic heritage objectives and policies of the RPS through the archaeological survey and research of the project area, to determine whether significant historic heritage places, or previously unidentified historic heritage, is affected by the proposal. Regional, district and local plans contain sections that help to identify, protect and manage archaeological and other heritage sites. The plans are prepared under the rules of the RMA. The Waikato Regional Policy Statement (2016), Hauraki District Plan (2014) and Waikato Regional Plan (2012) are relevant to the proposed activity. Waikato Regional Policy Statement (RPS) Chapter 3 (objectives) of the Waikato RPS states that ‘Sites, structures, landscapes, areas or places of historic and cultural heritage are protected, maintained or enhanced in order to retain the identity and integrity of the Waikato region’s and New Zealand’s history and culture’ (3.18 Historic and cultural heritage). Policy 4.4 (on regionally significant industry and primary production, such as mining) aims to ensure: ‘The management of natural and physical resources provides for the continued operation and development of regionally significant industry and primary production activities by: c) ensuring the adverse effects of regionally significant industry and primary production are avoided, remedied or mitigated; g) promoting positive environmental outcomes.’
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