3000km of Northland coast gets protection

A regional coastal plan covering Northland's 3000km coastal area has been approved by Conservation Minister Chris Carter after more than 10 years of work by the Northland Regional Council.

The plan, governing the use, development and protection of one of the biggest coastal marine areas in the country, takes effect next week.

Council chairman Mark Farnsworth said the coast was one of Northland's principal treasures and the plan's formal adoption yesterday was a milestone for the region.