Call for feedback on long-term plan change

Published on 26 July 2023

The Government is calling for feedback on a proposal to temporarily allow eight local authorities – including Far North District Council – to reduce statutory 10-year planning commitments.

The Government proposal is in response to Cyclone Gabrielle and other major weather events that hit Northland and other parts of the country earlier this year. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) says recovery efforts in response to the severe weather events have put extra pressure on council resources. 

It says planning for three years instead of 10 will reduce the burden on councils still assessing and dealing with the effects of the weather events and offer communities more useful direction in the short term.

A recovery-focused, three-year plan balances the need for planning and the uncertainties arising from weather events. Similar measures were taken following the Canterbury and Kaikōura earthquakes.

Public consultation is now open on the proposed changes and closes on Friday 4 August 2023. For more information on the proposal click here and to submit feedback email LGCycloneRecovery@dia.govt.nz.

.

Last updated 28 July 2023