Examples of definition styles

Definitions are generally written in one of four ways:

1. delimiting definitions – clarify the boundaries between similar terms or terms with several possible meanings
2. extending definitions – add to the common meaning of a term through including extra information or examples. They are usually distinguishable by the use of the word ‘includes’
3. restricting definitions – remove some element from the common meaning of a term or are used to explain shorthand or abbreviated terms
4. referencing definitions – refer to definitions provided in statutes or technical documents. Note that as an alternative, referencing definitions could be put in a glossary that is separate, but adjacent to, the definitions chapter of a plan.

Being aware of the four types of definitions can assist in their drafting and in understanding the effect they may have in any given circumstance. However there is no obligation to use all four definition types, nor do any need to explicitly identify to the reader the type of definition being used.

Examples of ‘delimiting’ definitions

Coastal Marine Area: means that area of the foreshore and seabed:

1. of which the seaward boundary is the outer limits of the territorial sea;
2. of which the landward boundary is the line of mean high water springs, except that where that line crosses a river, the landward boundary at that point shall be whichever is the lesser of:
1. one kilometre upstream of the mouth of the river; or
2. the point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width of the river mouth by five.

Day means between the hours of 7.00am and 10.00pm.

Services: means the range of capital works and facilities provided by the council, being:

1. roading;
2. footpaths;
3. street lighting;
4. wastewater disposal;
5. solid waste disposal;
6. stormwater disposal;
7. reserves and sports grounds; and
8. libraries and cultural facilities.

Examples of ‘extending’ definitions

Fish: means all species of fish including;

1. all species of finfish at all stages of their life cycle; and
2. all crustacean, shellfish, sponges and echinoderms at all stages of their life cycle

Restaurant: refers to a place where food is served to paying customers for commercial gain and includes:

1. cafes;
2. bars serving food;
3. takeaway premises with provision for customers to eat on-site;
4. food stalls that provide seating for customers; and
5. boats, vehicle, or aircraft that are immobilised and converted as a place to serve food to customers who eat on-site.

Wind Farm: means turbines or other mechanical devices used to obtain or derive energy from the wind, including the pylons or towers that support turbines or other devices, ancillary buildings, and the land on which they are located.

Examples of ‘restricting’ definitions

Council: means the Kaitaki Lakes Regional Council

Earthworks: means excavation, re-contouring or filling of land but does not include turning of soil, tilling, or ploughing.

Water: means water in all its physical forms whether flowing or not and whether over or under ground but does not include water in any form while in any pipe, tank or cistern.

Examples of ‘referencing’ definitions

Ecosystem: has the same meaning as contained in section 2 of the Environment Act 1986.

Tawhito Policy Area: means the area shown in planning maps H3 to H5 (inclusive) that is subject to development restrictions set out in chapter 9 of this plan.

Taonga Species: are species of birds, plants, and animals with which Ngāi Tahu have a recognised spiritual, historic, and traditional association as defined in section 287 of the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998.

Note: As an alternative to having referencing definitions in the plan chapter on definitions, these terms could be placed in a glossary that is separate, but adjacent to, the definitions chapter.