The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This policy requires development to protect and support the long-term storage of carbon in natural habitats. All development must apply the mitigation hierarchy, which means avoiding harm to carbon sinks first, and must retain carbon-rich features such as soils, peatlands, woodlands, hedgerows, wetlands, grasslands and waterbodies. Development is also expected to deliver a measurable gain in carbon storage, preferably on site, and to secure long-term management of these natural carbon stores.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
ming decades.
Policy NZ.6
Carbon Sinks and Sequestration
Development must protect, enhance, and support the long-term
storage and sequestration of carbon in natural and semi-natural
habitats.
1. All development will be required to:
a. apply the mitigation hierarchy to avoid harm to carbon sinks wherever
possible; and
b. protect and retain existing carbon-rich habitats and features, including soils,
peatlands, woodlands, hedgerows, wetlands, grasslands, waterbodies, and
other areas identified as significant carbon stores.
2. All development is expected to:
a. deliver measurable carbon storage or sequestration gain, prioritising on-site
measures that enhance the carbon function of habitats and deliver wider
environmental co-benefits, in accordance with the LNRS, and Policy DS.1
Environmental Mitigation and Compensation; and
b. secure the long-term management of retained and enhanced carbon sinks,
proportionate to the development and carbon outcomes proposed.