Decisions released on submissions to the Proposed District Plan

Far North District Council has today (30 June 2026) notified its decisions on submissions to the Proposed District Plan. This is a significant step in amending the District Plan to better manage growth, protect the environment, and support resilient communities.

These decisions follow a multi-year review process that included input from the community, expert evidence, and recommendations from a hearings panel. Over the past 18 months, the hearings process involved 40 days of hearings and more than 1100 submissions from the public, with over 34,000 individual submission points.

More than 20 topics were considered, supported by over 800 expert briefs of evidence and detailed reporting from council officers – reflecting the scale and complexity of shaping the district’s future planning framework.

Submitters are now being formally notified of the council's decisions and of a 30-working day appeal period. During this time, submitters can review the council’s decisions and appeal to the Environment Court if they disagree with any part of a decision on their submission. Appeals can be lodged until 12 August 2026 and must relate to matters raised in the submitter's original submission. Following the close of the appeal period, there is a 15-day period during which other parties could join an appeal proceeding.

During the appeal period, both the Operative District Plan (2009) and the Proposed District Plan – Decisions Version will apply when assessing resource consent applications. Because this can create additional complexity, the council recommends applicants seek independent planning advice for more complex proposals.

Following the close of the appeal period, the council will work with the Environment Court and parties involved to resolve appeals. Provisions that are not appealed will be treated as operative, replacing equivalent provisions in the operative plan, while those under appeal will remain ‘proposed’ until the appeal process is complete. Once all appeals have been resolved, the Proposed District Plan will become fully operative.

Information on how to view the decisions, understand the changes, and make an appeal is available on the council decisions on submissions website. Printed copies of the Proposed District Plan – Decisions Version are also available at council service centres in Kaikohe, Kaitāia and Kerikeri.

Residents, landowners and businesses are encouraged to review the decisions and understand how the updated planning framework may affect their properties, activities and future development. Fact sheets are also available to help explain key changes.

For more information, visit the council’s Proposed District Plan website or contact the District Plan team at pdp@fndc.govt.nz or on 0800 920 029.