Our district plan provisions are being updated as part of the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan review. These provisions give us a rule book for managing development activities and the environment with the aim of meeting the needs of current and future generations.
We've already completed our Future Development Strategy 2024 -2054 which gives us a planning tool that outlines potential for future housing growth over the next 30 years.
To put this strategy in action we need to make changes to the district plan provisions of the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan. The new plan content must comply with National Planning Standards.
We're offering a comprehensive framework focusing on the sustainable management of our resources while supporting our communities to live and grow.
Changes in district plan provisions of the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan
The first stage is an urban focussed plan change, which is proposed to be notified in July 2025, followed by a separate update for the remainder of the district provisions which includes rural areas.
- We’re drafting a zoning plan that supports housing choice and supply.
- This is where residential, commercial and mixed use zoning changes are being developed
- Residential Urban Design Guide
- This seeks to encourage developers and designers to look beyond the minimum standards set out in the plan's rules as well as engineering standards to explore opportunities that will create a better-quality urban environment for current and future generations of Tairāwhiti.
- Notable Trees
- This establishes guidelines for the identification, protection, and maintenance of notable trees, recognizing their ecological, cultural, and aesthetic value.
- Protection and Maintenance: establishing guidelines for the identification, protection, and maintenance of notable trees, recognizing their ecological, cultural, and aesthetic value.
- Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Promoting environmentally friendly farming practices that minimize negative impacts on land and water resources.
- Coastal Protection: Implementing measures to safeguard coastal areas, including erosion control, habitat preservation, and responsible development practices.
- Heritage Sites
- Identification and Preservation: Recognizing and protecting sites of cultural, historical, and architectural significance.
- A Notable Trees register
- Adaptive Reuse: Encouraging the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings to ensure their continued contribution to the community while respecting their historical value.
- The Future Development Strategy
- Masterplans for Elgin, Awapuni, City Centre and Kaiti
- These masterplans are being developed in consultation with Tangata Whenua, local community, stakeholders, and key authorities to reflect the aspirations of residents while meeting regulatory and environmental standards
- Trust Tairawhiti Catalyst initiatives
- City Centre revitalization projects
Timeline
March 2024 - Future Development Strategy adopted
February 2025 - Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan engagement including Masterplans and draft zoning options
March 2025 - Urban Plan changes engagement with treaty partners
June 2025 - Formal consultation on Urban Plan Change 1
2026 - Engagements and formal consultation on more updated district provisions
How to stay involved
If you're interested in the district plan provisions, or anything related to the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan review, you can:
- Get updates via Council News | He Pānui Sign up here
- Follow our | Participate consultation platform.
- Email the team at trmp@gdc.govt.nz