Geomorphological Assessments
Geomorphological assessments covered the geology, landform evolution (which often had to include the Holocene and Pleistocene Epochs), existing forms and processes, and predicted future changes for various scenarios, including climate change projections. Such assessments provided the basis for all of our investigations. The following areas of coastal investigation in which we worked often resulted from protection and management legislation, of which the Resource Management Act (RMA 1991) and the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS 2010) were the most relevant. Implicit, and in some situations explicitly stated, in giving effect to the requirements of the legal directives was coastal geomorphology.
Coastal Environment
Policy 1 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS, 2010) referred to the coastal environment and listed a range of determinants to be considered in its demarcation. Geomorphology played a central role in identifying the landward extent of the coastal environment, and some councils also defined a corresponding Coastal Protection Area in District Plans.
Natural Character
Section 6(a) of the RMA referred to the preservation of natural character, and NZCPS (2010) Policy 13 provided instruction on its preservation with geomorphology again playing a central role. Local government Plans subsequently began incorporating Natural Character.
Outstanding natural Landforms and Landscapes
Section 6(b) of the RMA referred to the identification and protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes, and NZCPS (2010) Policy 15 described protection measures, including identification, with geomorphology playing a key role. Local government Plans began incorporating outstanding natural landforms and landscapes.
Coastal Management
Section 5 of the RMA referred to the promotion of sustainable management of natural and physical resources, and understanding the geomorphology was necessary to achieve this objective. Many coastal reserves had Coastal Management Plans which were regularly updated. In addition, these plans often required Resource Consents. Geomorphological assessments were the starting point for any such planning or management. Moreover, most of the New Zealand coast was eroding or unstable (with fluctuating shorelines), and sand stabilization programmes were often required. Resource Consents frequently formed part of such programmes, and once again geomorphological assessments were the starting point.
Tangata whenua
Revisions planned for the RMA aimed to give Māori more influence in resource management and protection, and the NZCPS 2010, Policy 2, listed measures that had to be taken into account when giving effect to the Treaty of Waitangi in relation to the coastal environment. Māori have a unique association with the land, especially the coast, so natural processes that maintained or changed it were of fundamental importance when it came to development decisions. Māori often lacked such specialist scientific knowledge, and Coastal Systems Ltd (CSL) was able to unravel the local geomorphology and present it in a clear and effective way.
Coastal Hazard assessments
Coastal hazards occurred when coastal processes threatened infrastructure, property, and personal safety. These included the erosion of beaches, dunes, inlets, and cliffs; burial by windblown sand or cliff failure; inundation from tsunami, storms, and hinterland flooding; and waves and currents (especially rips) that threatened beach users. Coastal Systems Ltd (CSL) carried out assessments into the extent and likelihood of each of these hazards. However, CSL had particular expertise in shoreline analysis and coastal erosion prediction, and worked for both local government and private clients throughout New Zealand and in the Pacific.
Hearing presentations
The final stage of many projects was to present evidence at hearings. Hearing panels and judges could struggle with the technicality of our work, so we strived to ensure our reports were clear, comprehensive, and well-illustrated.
Monitoring
In addition to locating, processing, and analyzing available historical data (maps, aerial photography, satellite images, video, bathymetric charts, survey plans, profiles, etc.), we also had the capability to collect and process raw data as required by a project.