Council proposes practical improvements ahead of Policy taking effect

The council is seeking feedback on proposed minor changes to its Utu Whakawhanake Development Contributions Policy 2025 ahead of the policy taking effect in July.

Since the policy was adopted, the council has identified a small number of administrative and process improvements that would help the policy work more effectively in practice.

While the proposed changes are relatively minor, they are intended to create a more efficient and streamlined process for both applicants and the council.

One of the proposed changes relates to how disputed development contribution charges are reviewed. The current process requires reconsideration requests to be heard through a full council meeting, which can make it difficult to meet statutory timeframes. The proposed amendment would allow these requests to be considered by a delegated officer panel instead, helping improve efficiency while still maintaining the right to lodge an objection.

Other proposed updates include clarifying how development contribution credits are applied in certain situations and correcting minor drafting, formatting and cross-referencing issues within the policy.

The proposed amendments do not change how development contributions are calculated, when they apply, or the overall charging methodology.

Under the Local Government Act 2002, the council must seek public feedback when making changes to its development contributions policy before any final decisions are made.

You can review the proposed changes and provide feedback through the councils Have Your Say webpage before consultation closes on Monday 8 June 2026.