Appendix 1: Evaluation Criteria for Scheduled Natural Environment and Heritage Resources and Protection of Other Items
The heritage resources listed in Schedules 1, 2 and 3 have been evaluated using the following criteria.
1 BUILDINGS AND OBJECTS
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Criteria
- Of particular significance to Maori for its religious, mythological, spiritual or cultural value
- Notable or early example of a particular architectural style, designer or period, or material/method of construction or craftsmanship
- Associated with the life or activities of a person, group, organisation, institution or event that has made a significant contribution to the community, region or nation
- Historical context
- Contributes to the continuity or character of a street, group of features or buildings, neighbourhood, precinct or area
- Forms an important visual landmark
- Cost of preservation, restoration, maintenance is reasonable. (Buildings to be in reasonable structural condition)
- Potential public use
- Has significant heritage fabric and retains design qualities that do not adversely affect the heritage qualities
- Occupies a site with an historical context
- Whether the feature will increase our understanding of past lifestyles, zoology, botany or past geological or volcanic activity
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Groups
All buildings and objects listed in Schedule 1 are classified into two groups according to their degree of importance and suitability for protection. The following distinctions can be made between the two groups:
Heritage features in Category 1 are distinguished from those in Category 2 by their higher quality in terms of the outstanding significance well beyond their immediate environment. It is of prime importance that Category 1 buildings are protected as they are considered irreplaceable. Generally unless otherwise stated in the schedule, a Category 1 classification implies the protection of a whole heritage property including the interior, exterior and surrounding grounds. Category 2 includes buildings, objects and places of historic or cultural, architectural, aesthetic beauty or scientific significance or value. It generally applies to the exterior of an item only, unless other specified.
2 NOTABLE TREES AND STANDS OF TREES
Notable Trees and stands of trees scheduled in the plan have been assessed using the following criteria:
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Landscape/Amenity Value
- Any tree or group of trees that have a significant landmark value due to its location
- Any tree or group of trees which have significant contribution to the visual amenity of the immediate environment
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Historic/Cultural Value
- Any tree or group of trees associated with or commemorating an historic event
- Any tree or group of trees associated with or planted by an historic or notable figure
- Any tree of spiritual or cultural value to tangata whenua
- Any tree or trees particularly outstanding for its/their species in relation to its/their age, size and form, canopy spread
- Any significant tree or trees or species rare or under-represented or which contribute viability, diversity or resilience in the ecological district, or region or nationally.
- Any significant tree or trees of unusual genetic or morphological form
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Ecological/Scientific Value
- Any tree or trees particularly outstanding for its/their species in relation to its/their age, size and form, canopy spread
- Any significant tree or trees or species rare or under-represented or which contribute viability, diversity or resilience in the ecological district, or region or nationally.
- Any significant tree or trees of unusual genetic or morphological form
3 GEOLOGICAL FEATURES
Geological features scheduled in the Plan have been assessed using the following criteria:
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Scientific/Educational Importance
- the site or feature contains important scientific information which provides insight into past geological, volcanic or geomorphological activity
- the site or feature provides scientific reference material for comparative identification
- the site is vulnerable to destruction or modification
- the feature is the best representative example in Matamata Piako area of the different landforms, geological features and soil sites that together document the history and evolution of the district
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Visual appeal
- the site or feature either on an individual basis or collectively makes a considerable contribution to the character of the immediate area or the district
- the site or feature forms a visual landmark within the district
4 WAAHI TAPU
- the site is known to be of particular significance to tangata whenau for its religious, mythological, spiritual significance
5 SIGNIFICANT NATURAL FEATURES
Significant natural features in the district are assessed using eleven criteria:
- Representativeness - examples of the characteristic communities within relevant land systems in ecological districts.
- Diversity and pattern. The diversity of ecological and physical features, and the patterns that exist within the area under consideration.
- Rarity and special features. Communities or species rare or comprising special features.
- Naturalness. Most mainland ecosystems are modified but the degree of naturalness is an important consideration.
- Ecological viability. The inherent viability of the area to maintain itself in the long term.
- Size and shape. Large areas with compact shape are preferable to small areas; often there is no choice though as only small remnants may remain.
- Buffering and surrounding landscape. Buffering is the degree of protection provided by the surrounding landscape.
- Fragility and threat. The actual or potential threats that an area may be exposed to and the vulnerability of an area to threats or other influences.
- Fauna values. The fauna known to be present, or recorded during the survey.
- Management (protection) requirements.
- Any one or more of the “Criteria for Determining Significant Indigenous Vegetation and Significant Habitats of Indigenous Fauna” as identified in the Regional Policy Statement.