This dataset is part of the Proposed Regional Plan. It has no legal effect.

Northlands' Coastal waters are classified into four water quality management units; the Hatea River arm of the Whangarei Harbour, Tidal Creeks, Estuaries, and the Open Coast. Each management unit has associated water quality standards for protecting the health of the aquatic ecosystems and other designated uses (contact recreation and shellfish consumption). The standards are applied in regional rules for discharges of contaminants into coastal waters.

The landward boundary of the coastal marine area (CMA). The seaward extent of the unit was determined by professional judgement. Consideration was given to water quality data, aerial images and the width of the channel.

The landward extent of the tidal creek unit was defined by the landward boundary of the CMA. The seaward extent of the unit was determined by professional judgement. Consideration was given to water quality data, aerial images and the width of the channel.

The landward extent of the estuary unit was defined by the boundary with the tidal creek unit. The seaward extent was determined by professional judgment. Aerial images were used to identify the entrance of each estuary with the open coast.

The extent of open coast unit was defined by the boundary of the estuary unit and the seaward boundary of the CMA.

This data was updated to follow the updated Proposed CMA boundary as at June 2017. It was unchanged for the Staff recommended version of the Proposed regional plan, August 2018.No changes were made to this data set for the Council Decision version of the RP, January 2019.