Far North District Council is dropping its Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) plans after months of controversy.
A map of what was proposed for Significant Natural Areas in Far North.
Photo: Far North District Council
Council maps had identified 42 percent of the district as SNAs - or land with high ecological values.
SNAs are subject to extra land-use restrictions, but tangata whenua, farmers, and other landowners argued the proposal undermined their sovereignty and property rights.
The process was paused by Far North Mayor John Carter last month, right before hundreds joined a hīkoi to the council buildings, and delivered a petition.
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