AI Policy Making Day 8: Starting Over Again (Attempt 1)

That ‘herding cats’ feeling …

Midjourney prompt: a mouse teaching a group of cats --ar 7:4

Context: I am an experienced urban planner who likes to find new and better ways of doing things. See my website (www.fluid-industries.co.nz) for examples of my work. I have been experimenting with AI LLMs like ChatGPT for a large range of urban planning tasks. I have an idea for a demonstration project that is an evolution of my previous work. The project: To use AI LLM tools such as ChatGPT to draft a 'Bootleg' District Plan (the Bootleg District Plan) for the Kaipara District in New Zealand. I plan to publish the work as I go through blogs, and build an ePlan on my website. One of my goals is to create a district plan that is minimalistic and the process for developing it will use agile and lean methodologies. It should only contain the minimum legally required content (thus forming a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)), and we will only add to it where it is necessary or adds value in terms of efficiency and effectiveness. Parameters: The Bootleg Plan will need to meet all relevant requirement of the Resource Management Act 1991 for District Plans including: Section 74 Matters to be considered by territorial authority Section 75 Contents of district plans Section 76 District rules Section 32 Requirements for preparing and publishing evaluation reports The Quality Planning website (https://qualityplanning.org.nz/) is to be the primary reference source for 'best practice' and to make sure all procedural requirements are met. Considerations: The Kaipara District in New Zealand is a territorial authority with a small population, but within district are examples of most of the resource management issues that are present across New Zealand. The Council has already commenced its review of the District Plan (https://www.kaipara.govt.nz/kaipara-district-plan-review/planning-for-the-future), and much of the background research and consultation on 'issues and options' has been undertaken already. I will be drawing on all this publicly available information when drafting the District Plan. However, my project is to be undertaken completely separately from the Council. It will be an example of what a District Plan 'could' look like if it was drafted by civil society in consultation with the community. The methodology: First we will clearly identify the minimum mandatory content of district plans (s75 RMA). Then we will work through a series of prompts to identify all relevant national and regional planning instruments relevant to the Kaipara District to develop a broad table of contents for the Bootleg District Plan. The chapter, topic, subtopics, and content outlines will be set out in successive prompts in that order to confirm the Plan's framework before moving on to introduce detailed content. For the purposes of this project, we will adopt the background information gathered and consultation already undertaken by Kaipara District Council (kaipara.govt.nz). We should start with summarising the issues for the district, and the outcomes sought. These should already be well articulated in council reports and past consultation processes, or are directed by higher level planning documents. Your job: Based on the above instructions, you will be assisting with the drafting of the Bootleg District Plan. We will be working through the document iteratively from a top-down approach to develop objectives, policies, and methods. Then we will use mapping and spatial planning techniques to test the methods for consistency with the policies, objectives, higher level documents, and the RMA itself. Please confirm that you understand the assignment, and let me know when you are ready to proceed.

I understand your assignment and the scope of the project. You're aiming to create a minimalist District Plan for the Kaipara District in New Zealand that meets all the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991, using agile and lean methodologies. This plan, the Bootleg District Plan, should only contain the minimum legally required content, forming a Minimal Viable Product (MVP), and additional content should only be added if it is necessary or adds value in terms of efficiency and effectiveness.

We will use a top-down approach to develop the plan iteratively, starting by identifying the minimum mandatory content of district plans as specified in the Resource Management Act 1991 (Section 75), and the 'best practice' guidelines provided by the Quality Planning website. We will also use publicly available information and consultations already conducted by the Kaipara District Council to inform our content.

Once we have established the broad framework for the plan, we will develop objectives, policies, and methods, and then use mapping and spatial planning techniques to test these methods for consistency with the policies, objectives, higher-level documents, and the RMA.

We will be publishing the work as we go through blog posts and building an ePlan on your website.

I'm ready to assist you with this project. Let's get started.

Excellent. Let's start by listing all the National Policy Statements and Environmental Standards (including drafts) that must be given effect to in our Plan.

[Finished browsing].

Based on the information I found from the Environment Guide, the current National Policy Statements and Environmental Standards in New Zealand are as follows:

**National Policy Statements:**

1. National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management 2020

2. National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020

3. National Policy Statement on Renewable Electricity Generation 2011

4. New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010

5. National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission 2008【33†source】.

**National Environmental Standards:**

1. National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry 2017

2. National Environmental Standards for Air Quality 2004

3. National Environmental Standard for Sources of Drinking Water 2007

4. National Environmental Standards for Telecommunications Facilities 2016

5. National Environmental Standards for Electricity Transmission Activities 2009

6. National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health 2011

7. National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020

8. National Environmental Standard for Marine Aquaculture 2020

9. National Environmental Standard for Storing Tyres Outdoors 2021【25†source】.

However, my search for draft National Policy Statements and Environmental Standards did not yield comprehensive results within the time limit. I recommend checking the Ministry for the Environment's website or contacting them directly for the most accurate and current information on any draft National Policy Statements and Environmental Standards.

That's fine. Having regard to proposed national documents helps future proof the Bootleg District Plan, but they are not necessary considerations at this time. The NPS on Biodiversity is one that is closest to completion I understand. Now list the regional planning instruments that are relevant to the Kaipara District.

[Finished browsing].

In the Kaipara District, the primary regional planning instrument is the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) for Northland. The RPS provides the broad direction and framework for managing the region's natural and physical resources, including land, water, soil, minerals, plants, animals, and structures. The current RPS was made operative on 9 May 2016【55†source】.

At the national level, there are several National Environmental Standards (NES) and National Policy Statements (NPS) that are currently in force and could potentially influence planning in the Kaipara District.

National Environmental Standards include:

- National Environmental Standards for Plantation Forestry 2017

- National Environmental Standards for Air Quality 2004

- National Environmental Standard for Sources of Drinking Water 2007

- National Environmental Standards for Telecommunications Facilities 2016

- National Environmental Standards for Electricity Transmission Activities 2009

- National Environmental Standard for Assessing and Managing Contaminants in Soil to Protect Human Health 2011

- National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020

- National Environmental Standard for Marine Aquaculture 2020

- National Environmental Standard for Storing Tyres Outdoors 2021【25†source】.

National Policy Statements include:

- National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management 2020

- National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020

- National Policy Statement on Renewable Electricity Generation 2011

- New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2010

- National Policy Statement on Electricity Transmission 2008【33†source】.

There's also the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land that came into effect on 17 October 2022 and introduces additional controls to the Kaipara District Operative District Plan 2013, in relation to the subdivision and development of highly productive land (Land Use Class 1 to 3 soils) in the Rural zone【49†source】.

Regarding the National Policy Statement on Biodiversity that you mentioned, I was unable to find its current status due to limitations of my browsing capabilities. For the most accurate and current information, I would recommend visiting the New Zealand Ministry for the Environment's website or contacting them directly.

I hope this information is helpful for your planning efforts in the Kaipara District. If you need more information, please let me know!

Can you please give me a list of the iwi or hapu management plans for rohe within Kaipara District.

[Finished browsing].

I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but I've encountered some difficulty in finding a comprehensive list of iwi or hapū management plans for rohe within the Kaipara District. The information available online appears to be dispersed across various sources and not all of them provide a detailed list.

From the Northland Regional Council's website, it appears that the following iwi/hapū have management plans:

- Te Roroa Whatu Ora Management Plan

- Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust Environmental Management Plan

- Te Uri o Hau Environmental Management Plan

- Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara Integrated Management Plan

- Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei Resource Management Plan

- Ngāti Wai Trust Board Environmental Plan

- Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua Environmental Plan

- Ngāti Rēhia Environmental Management Plan

However, I was unable to verify if all these plans specifically cover areas within the Kaipara District.

I recommend contacting the relevant local or regional authorities, or the iwi/hapū themselves, for the most accurate and up-to-date information. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more assistance in this matter.

For each of the National Policy Statements, can I have a list of things the Kaipara District plan must give effect to.

[Finished browsing].

I apologize for the delay in obtaining the specific details you requested. I was able to collect the following information:

1. The Kaipara District Plan is guided by the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), which sets out how New Zealand should manage its environment. This includes managing the air, soil, fresh water, and coastal marine areas, as well as regulating land use and subdivision. The RMA also places importance on partnerships with Te Tiriti O Waitangi when managing the environment【49†source】.

2. There are several National Environmental Standards (NES) that the district plan must adhere to. These include standards related to plantation forestry, air quality, sources of drinking water, telecommunications facilities, electricity transmission activities, contaminants in soil, freshwater, marine aquaculture, and outdoor tyre storage【25†source】.

3. The district plan is also guided by National Policy Statements (NPS), which include statements on freshwater management, urban development, renewable electricity generation, electricity transmission, and a New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. The district plan must also give effect to the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land, which came into effect on 17 October 2022 and introduces additional controls related to the subdivision and development of highly productive land in the Rural zone【33†source】【49†source】.

4. The Kaipara District Council's Operative District Plan must also give effect to and not be inconsistent with the Regional Policy Statement (RPS) for Northland, which covers the management of natural and physical resources in the Northland Region. This includes resources such as land, water, soil, minerals, plants, animals, and structures【55†source】【49†source】.

However, I was unable to find detailed lists of the specific points within each National Policy Statement that the Kaipara District Plan must give effect to. This would involve a detailed review of each Policy Statement in conjunction with the Kaipara District Plan, which would likely require more time and access to the full text of the District Plan, as well as potentially expert interpretation.

Moreover, it seems that the Kaipara District Council is in the process of preparing a new District Plan to be notified in mid-2023, which could potentially affect how these National Policy Statements are applied at a district level【49†source】.

For the most accurate and detailed information, I would recommend contacting the Kaipara District Council or a legal professional who specializes in New Zealand's environmental and resource management law. They would be best equipped to provide a comprehensive list of the points within each National Policy Statement that the Kaipara District Plan must give effect to.

That's enough for now. Remember that we are adopting an agile approach, so we will adapt and adjust as we move through the project. Based on the l national, regional, and rohe matters listed above, give me a list of topics / chapters for the Bootleg District Plan for Kaipara that we can set up and begin to examine one at a time. This is for the purpose of setting out the topic and compiling information we know about each topic. Part of this exercise will involve my collecting published data and generating maps. After that is done, no doubt patterns will emerge, and topics may overlap or begin to relate to some areas, and affect some communities more than others. The topics may evolve accordingly, but for now, let's start with a list of the main topics / chapter headings so we can begin to work on objectives.

Based on the information gathered and the requirements of the Resource Management Act, the National Policy Statements, and the National Environmental Standards, here's a suggested list of initial topics or chapters for the "Bootleg District Plan" for Kaipara:

1. **Introduction & Overview**: This chapter would provide an overview of the district, the plan, and its objectives, as well as a summary of the legislative and policy context (including the Resource Management Act, National Policy Statements, and National Environmental Standards).

2. **Te Tiriti O Waitangi Partnerships**: This chapter would detail how partnerships with Te Tiriti O Waitangi are integrated into the management of the district's environment.

3. **Land Use & Subdivision**: This chapter would cover policies and rules for land use and subdivision across the district, including urban, rural, and coastal areas.

4. **Natural Resources Management**: This chapter would detail the management of natural resources such as water, soil, minerals, plants, and animals. This could be subdivided further into more specific topics such as Freshwater Management, Soil Management, Biodiversity etc.

5. **Air Quality**: This chapter would address policies and standards related to maintaining and improving air quality.

6. **Drinking Water Sources**: This chapter would cover the management and protection of sources of drinking water.

7. **Telecommunications Facilities**: This chapter would detail rules and standards for the establishment and management of telecommunications facilities.

8. **Electricity Transmission Activities**: This chapter would cover the management and regulation of activities related to electricity transmission.

9. **Contaminants in Soil**: This chapter would outline how contaminants in soil are managed to protect human health.

10. **Marine Aquaculture**: This chapter would cover policies and rules related to marine aquaculture activities.

11. **Outdoor Tyre Storage**: This chapter would detail rules and standards for storing tyres outdoors.

12. **Highly Productive Land**: This chapter would cover the subdivision and development of highly productive land (Land Use Class 1 to 3 soils) in the Rural zone.

13. **Infrastructure Management**: This chapter would address the provision of essential infrastructure, such as stormwater pipes, roading, and waste management.

14. **Climate Change & Sustainability**: This chapter would consider how to manage the impacts of climate change and promote sustainable practices across the district.

15. **Hazard Risk Management**: This chapter would cover the management of natural hazards and the mitigation of risk.

16. **Community Input & Engagement**: This chapter would detail how the local community can engage in decisions about how their environment is managed.

17. **Monitoring & Enforcement**: This chapter would outline how the district plan's policies and rules will be monitored and enforced.

Please note that this list is a suggestion based on the information available. Each chapter should be developed with the specific needs of the Kaipara District and its communities in mind. Further, as you mentioned, the topics may evolve over time as more information is gathered and patterns emerge.

On the following blog there is an ongoing project being described. Can you give me an overview of the project so far: https://www.fluid-industries.co.nz/articles

[Finished browsing].

I've attempted to gather some information from the blog you've provided, but I've faced some difficulties in accessing the specific articles on the page. However, from the information available on the main page, I've gathered the following:

1. The blog is maintained by Fluid Industries. The company is involved in a project concerning the Kaipara District Council. There is mention of a 'Reboot Plan' which seems to be a significant part of the project. However, the details of this plan are not clearly stated on the overview page【68†source】【71†source】.

2. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) is also mentioned, though it is unclear how the IRD is directly related to the project. The IRD has released a consultation document about tax and charitable giving, with submissions closing on 12 June 2023【72†source】【73†source】.

3. A post from New Zealand's Ministry for the Environment outlines the country's resource management system, which provides a framework for how New Zealand's environment should be managed. It highlights a focus on sustainable management, partnerships with Māori under the Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and community involvement in decision-making【74†source】【75†source】.

Unfortunately, I was unable to delve deeper into the individual articles and provide a comprehensive overview of the project. It seems that the website's navigation may be causing some issues with retrieving detailed information. I would recommend manually exploring the blog's articles to gather a more in-depth understanding of the project.

Perhaps start with a summary of this article: https://www.fluid-industries.co.nz/articles/2023/6/11/the-28-day-district-planning-challenge-day-zero

[Finished browsing].