When reviewing a LIM for a coastal property, which environmental hazard information is the territorial authority required to include?
Correct Answer
A) Known natural hazards affecting the land, such as tsunami and coastal erosion
Under LGOIMA ss 44A and 44B, a LIM must include natural hazard information the territorial authority holds about the land, such as tsunami, coastal erosion and inundation. Since the 2023 amendments, this includes information on how climate change makes those hazards worse. A LIM does not include engineering assessments of the building, insurance estimates or neighbours' informal plans.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
LGOIMA ss 44A and 44B require a LIM to include natural hazard information the council holds about the land. For a coastal property, that includes tsunami and coastal erosion.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: An engineer's assessment of how the house would perform in a storm surge
A LIM reports information the council holds. It does not include a structural engineering assessment of the house.
Option C: The council's estimate of how coastal risk will affect insurance premiums
Insurance premiums are set by insurers. A LIM does not estimate them.
Option D: Development plans that neighbouring owners have discussed informally with the council
Informal discussions with neighbours are not LIM content. A LIM covers regulatory information about the land itself.
Deep Analysis of This Resource Management Question
This question tests understanding of Land Information Memorandum (LIM) requirements under the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987. LIMs are crucial documents that territorial authorities must provide to property buyers, containing information about the property that could affect its use or value. For coastal properties, natural hazard information is particularly critical due to New Zealand's exposure to coastal risks. The Resource Management Act 1991 requires territorial authorities to identify and manage natural hazards, and this information must be included in LIMs. Understanding LIM requirements is essential for real estate agents as they help clients make informed decisions about property purchases, particularly regarding environmental risks that could affect property value, insurance, or future development potential.
Background Knowledge for Resource Management
A LIM is issued under s 44A of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987. Section 44B sets out the natural hazard information a LIM must contain, including the impacts of climate change that make natural hazards worse, where the council holds that information. A LIM also covers consents, notices, rates owing and other special features of the land known to the council.
Memory Technique
COAST: Coastal erosion, Other known hazards, Always what the council holds, Sea-level and climate effects on those hazards, Tsunami zones.
When a LIM question asks about hazards, pick the answer about hazard information the council holds, including climate-worsened hazards. Reject engineering reports, insurance figures and neighbours' plans.
Exam Tip for Resource Management
A LIM reports what the council knows about the land, including natural hazards and how climate change worsens them. It does not include new technical assessments or third-party opinions.
Real World Application in Resource Management
A real estate agent is helping clients purchase a beachfront property in Hawke's Bay. When reviewing the LIM, they find information about tsunami evacuation zones and coastal erosion risk areas that affect the property. This information helps the clients understand that while the property has beautiful ocean views, it also carries natural hazard risks that could affect insurance costs, future development options, and long-term property value. The agent uses this LIM information to ensure the clients make a fully informed decision about their purchase.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Resource Management Questions
- •Thinking climate change information about hazards is never in a LIM
- •Expecting a LIM to include engineering or insurance assessments
- •Assuming the council must commission new hazard studies for each LIM
Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
More Resource Management Questions
What is required before starting construction of a new two-storey family home in New Zealand?
A developer wants to subdivide Rural-zoned land into residential sections. The district plan does not prohibit this, but says consent can be granted only if the proposal passes the section 104D gateway test. What activity status does that indicate?
A homeowner receives a LIM report showing that previous resource consent was granted with ongoing conditions requiring annual monitoring reports. What does this mean for the new owner?
A property owner receives a notice that their building work was undertaken without a building consent. What is this notice likely to be called?
Under the Building Act 2004, which type of building work typically requires a building consent?
- → A client wants to subdivide their rural property into smaller lots. What type of consent will they most likely need under the RMA?
- → Under section 104 of the RMA, when considering a resource consent application, what must a consent authority have regard to alongside the actual and potential effects on the environment?
- → Under the Resource Management Act 1991, what is the primary purpose of district plans?
- → A property developer wants to subdivide a 2-hectare residential section into 10 lots. Under typical district plan rules, what consents would likely be required?
- → Under the Building Act 2004, which authority is responsible for issuing building consents?
- → Which of the following activities would most likely require resource consent under the RMA?
- → What is the main difference between a regional plan and a district plan?
- → A property has an existing resource consent for a home-based business that expires in two years. What happens if the owners want to continue the business after the consent expires?
- → A developer has obtained resource consent for a subdivision but discovers during earthworks that the site contains archaeological features. What is the most likely immediate consequence under New Zealand law?
- → A LIM report will typically include information about which of the following?
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