32. Duties to consider alternatives, assess benefits and costs,
 etc.---(1) In achieving the purpose of this Act, before adopting any
 objective, policy, rule, or other method in relation to any function
 described in subsection (2), any person described in that subsection
 shall---
   (a) Have regard to---
           (i) The extent (if any) to which any such objective, policy,
         rule, or other method is necessary in achieving the purpose of
         this Act; and
           (ii) Other means in addition to or in place of such objective,
         policy, rule, or other method which, under this Act or any other
         enactment, may be used in achieving the purpose of this Act,
         including the provision of information, services, or incentives,
         and the levying of charges (including rates); and
           (iii) The reasons for and against adopting the proposed
         objective, policy, rule, or other method and the principal
         alternative means available, or of taking no action where this
         Act does not require otherwise; and
   (b) Carry out an evaluation, which that person is satisfied is
         appropriate to the circumstances, of the likely benefits and
         costs of the principal alternative means including, in the case
         of any rule or other method, the extent to which it is likely to
         be effective in achieving the objective or policy and the likely
         implementation and compliance costs; and
   (c) Be satisfied that any such objective, policy, rule, or other
         method (or any combination thereof)---
           (i) Is necessary in achieving the purpose of this Act; and
           (ii) Is the most appropriate means of exercising the function,
         having regard to its efficiency and effectiveness relative to
         other means.

   (2) Subsection (1) applies to---
   (a) The Minister, in relation to---
           (i) The recommendation of the issue, change, or revocation of
         any national policy statement under sections 52 and 53:
           (ii) The recommendation of the making of any regulations under
         section 43:
   (b) The Minister of Conservation, in relation to---
           (i) The preparation and recommendation of New Zealand coastal
         policy statements under section 57:
           (ii) The approval of regional coastal plans in accordance with
         the First Schedule:
   (c) Every local authority, in relation to the setting of objectives,
         policies, and rules under Part V.

   (3) No person shall challenge any objective, policy, or rule in any
 plan or proposed plan on the grounds that subsection (1) has not been
 complied with, except---
   (a) In a submission made under clause 6 of the First Schedule in
         respect of a proposed plan or change to a plan; or
   (b) In an application or request to change a plan made under section
         64 (4) or section 65 (4) or section 73 (2) or clause 23 of the
         First Schedule.