Key milestone reached for the new District Plan

The Far North District Council has approved the release of its decisions on submissions to the Proposed District Plan (PDP), marking a significant milestone in the development of the district’s land use planning framework.

The council’s decisions on submissions will be formally notified on Tuesday 30 June 2026. This is an important step in the statutory process and signals the beginning of the appeal period, where submitters have the opportunity to appeal decisions made.

The PDP will guide how the district's land can be used, developed and subdivided across the Far North. Influencing future housing, business activity, infrastructure development and environmental management across the district.

Kohepu - Deputy Mayor Chicky Rudkin acknowledged the significant contribution submitters made throughout the process. “We appreciate the time, effort and local knowledge that submitters have contributed through their submissions,” says Kohepu Rudkin.

“We would also like to acknowledge the expertise of the hearing panel, and everyone involved in the hearing process. The decisions being released on 30 June are the result of the very thorough hearing process that has taken place over the past 18 months.”

Importantly, there will be no change to how planning rules are applied or how applications are assessed between now and 30 June.  Both the PDP and Operative Far North District Plan 2009 (OPD) continue to be treated in the same way as they did before the council made its decision.

All submitters will be notified of the council’s decisions on the 30 June. The wider public also be informed through a media release and public notices on the council’s website, as well as local newspapers.  This notification will include details of the council’s decisions, along with information on next steps in the process and appeal rights.

Following notification on 30 June, a 30-working day appeal period will open. During this time, submitters can lodge an appeal to the Environment Court if they wish to challenge the council’s decisions on their requests.  Additionally, there is an opportunity for members of the public to join appeals, in accordance with the Resource Management Act.

Further guidance and information will be available from 30 June at the Proposed District Plan website to support understanding of the decisions and outline the next stages of the process.

For more information in the interim, please go to the council’s Proposed District Plan website or contact the District Plan team at PDP@fndc.govt.nz or on 0800 920 029.