Punakaiki (pictured) Fox Glacier and Franz Josef qualify as special purpose zones because of their regional and national significance for tourism and internationally significant natural heritage features. Photo: Getty ImaqesPlanners working on a new district plan covering the entire West Coast are suggesting new special purpose zones or precincts for the Buller coalfield, tourist towns, Maori settlements and Gloriavale. They are proposing future urban zones; hospital zones; port zones; stadium zones and Maori purpose zones - all categories set out in the national planning standards. They are also suggesting two special purpose zones unique to the West Coast: the Stockton Mine would become the Buller coalfield special purpose zone. Other mining and quarrying sites on the Coast that did not qualify as special purpose zones could be also protected by becoming 'precincts' (sub-zones).

Source: Otago Daily Times August 20, 2020 03:22 UTC