6. Matters of national importance---In achieving the purpose of this
 Act, all persons exercising functions and powers under it, in relation
 to managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical
 resources, shall recognise and provide for the following matters of
 national importance:
   (a) The preservation of the natural character of the coastal
         environment (including the coastal marine area), wetlands, and
         lakes and rivers and their margins, and the protection of them
         from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development:
   (b) The protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes from
         inappropriate subdivision, use, and development:
   (c) The protection of areas of significant indigenous vegetation and
         significant habitats of indigenous fauna:
   (d) The maintenance and enhancement of public access to and along the
         coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers:
   (e) The relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with
         their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu, and other
         taonga.