Coastal Marine Area (CMA) - New Zealand

Coastal marine area (CMA) in New Zealand means the foreshore, seabed, and the coastal waters, and the air space above the water.

Regarding the boundaries:

(a) The seaward boundary is the outer limits of the territorial sea (the 12 nautical mile limit):

(b) The landward boundary is the line of mean high water springs, except where the line crosses a river, then the landward boundary at that point shall be whichever is less -

(i) One kilometre upstream from the mouth of the river; or

(ii) The point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width of the river mouth by 5:

To minimise arguments and confusion most Regional and District Councils have defined and published where the agreed position is. Please check with your local Council to confirm a location.

Back to Definitions home page or FAQ or Definition of seabed

See How The Land Lies - Planning & Surveying in New Zealand