Important Natural Landscapes (Boffa Miskell, 2013)

25Degree of NaturalCharacterNatural Character AttributesZone A Zones A & B Zone BWaterAbioticSystems &LandformsPerceptual/experientialTerrestrialBioticSystemsLandCover &Land UseZone CThe CoastalContext ZoneVery High Descriptive textHigh around elements that still mayModerate to High contain ‘significant’ModerateModerate to LowLowVery Lowaspectsof the CoastalEnvironment butfall within theCoastal Context(Zone C).Overall Natural Character Ratingfor Coastal AreaThe above attributes have been assessed for each coastal area and considered as part of a matrix. The attribute tablehas been developed to avoid double-counting and to ensure e that the indicators for each attribute are mutually exclusive.There are, however, overlaps between some attributes, tes, which is reflected in the descriptions for each coastal area. Eachattribute has been considered equally, with no weighting applied.The degree of natural character for each coastal area was then assessed, based on an aggregation of the values. Thestudy team acknowledge that not all attributes within each coastal area need to score ‘high’ to hold an overall ratingof high. In some instances a coastal area which rates highly overall, may only have a few attributes holding high or veryhigh ratings. While the study team tried to maintain a high level of objectivity throughout this process, professionaljudgment was involved in the determination of the thresholds. This was based on a rigorous analysis of the dataavailable and a carefully crafted methodology. Whilst in some instances the overall natural character rating for a coastalarea was obvious (i.e.it fell at either end of the continuum), particular consideration arose around areas those areasholding ‘moderate‘ ratings.HIghDRAFTSECTION CFurthermore, Zone C has also been considered, as it is acknowledged that elements within this zone can also affect thenatural character of the coastal environment. No value system has been ascribed to Zone C, only a description.Hurunui District | 2013