ABSTRACT
The Far North District is one of three included within the Northland Regional Council, which has its offices in Whangarei. A review of organizational arrangements indicated that Far North District Council structure and resources for preparing a good plan were satisfactory — given its limited rating base. The district has some of the most distinctive ecological areas in New Zealand, with exceptional biological diversity offering habitat to a wide range of indigenous fauna. Staff in the council was well aware of the need to consult with central, regional and local government agencies that might be affected by the district plan, as well as tangata whenua and the public at large. The chapter focuses on Federated Farmers because they feature strongly later in the charge against the notified proposed plan. It emphasizes significant natural areas because of the unique northern environment and the controversy they generated after the plan was released.
