Submissions invited on Proposed District Plan

Creating a new District Plan for the Far North reached a milestone this week with the Proposed District Plan officially notified, opening it up to submissions from landowners, tangata whenua and the community.

The Proposed District Plan was officially notified through a full-page public notice published in Northland and Auckland newspapers on Wednesday 27 July. All Far North ratepayers will also receive a copy of the public notice by post or email, along with a brochure summarising key changes and an explanation of the submission process. Similar information will be emailed to anyone who requested updates on the District Plan review process or other topics the council consults on.

General Manager – Strategic, Planning and Policy Darren Edwards is urging ratepayers and anyone with an interest in land in the Far North to review the Proposed District Plan and to make a submission.

“The District Plan sets out how we sustainably manage our land and resources. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that we maintain the value and character of what we love about our district, while enabling development in the right places. That’s why it is so important people review this latest version of the plan and tell us what they think.”

Anyone who makes a submission, has the right to participate in hearings in front of an independent hearing panel. Submitters also have the right to appeal to the Environment Court if they disagree with the council’s final decision.  

Unlike previous district plans, the Proposed District Plan can be viewed entirely online at pdp.fndc.govt.nz. The ePlan format makes it easy for anyone with an internet connection to explore maps, quickly locate properties of interest, read property reports, and make submissions. The ePlan website includes short videos that explain how to navigate the plan and how to make a submission.

Mr Edwards says National Planning Standards require that the council provide the plan as an interactive ePlan. “Some people won’t want to view the plan online, so to ensure everyone has an opportunity to give feedback, we are providing printed copies to view along with map books at our Kerikeri, Kaikohe and Kaitāia service centres. Paper submission forms will also be provided. Submitters can scan and email these back, post or drop off them at any council office or library.”

Notification of the Proposed District Plan follows a comprehensive review of the current, or Operative District Plan. The review, which is required by the Resource Management Act, was launched in 2016 and included a series of engagement activities, including a pop-up shops, an interactive map (Put a pin in it) and targeted consultation on high-interest topics throughout the project.

The plan and supporting material can be viewed online at pdp.fndc.govt.nz. Anyone who has questions about the plan, can email pdp@fndc.govt.nz or call 0800 920 029 and ask for the District Planning Team.

Submissions are open until 21 October 2022.