Should we bring back development contributions?
We are seeking your feedback on whether the council should reinstate development contributions in the Far North. Our district is growing, and to meet the needs of an increasing population, our infrastructure needs to grow with it.
We’re proposing to reintroduce a development contributions policy which would outline fees charged to developers to help offset the impact of their development. This would help fund new, or upgrade existing, infrastructure needed to accommodate growth sparked by development, including roads, water supply, stormwater systems, and wastewater systems. Currently, much of this cost is covered primarily by ratepayers.
Here’s what we are proposing / Anei tā mātou e whakatakoto nei
We’ve drafted a policy that explains:
- What the fees would contribute to – like upgrades to roads, water supply, stormwater, and wastewater systems needed for new developments.
- Where in the district the fees would apply – some areas may be affected more than others.
- How much would be charged and when – so developers know what to expect and when they need to pay.
- What types of development would be affected – including new houses, businesses, and some alterations or additions to existing buildings.
Since 2015, the current development contributions policy has exempted the collection of development contribution fees, instead relying primarily on rates and other funding methods to support growth. Under the proposed draft policy, developers would cover a fair proportionate share of the cost of growth-related infrastructure. This would reduce the pressure on general rates and help limit council borrowing.
Any development that requires a resource consent, building consent or certificates, or service connection authority will be assessed for development contributions as per the provisions of the proposed draft policy. A quick way to see if you may be affected is to check the catchment maps in Section 2 of the draft policy along with the activities under clause 17, and fees schedule at clause 19.
To learn more about the proposed development contributions policy, view the draft Utu Whakawhanake - Development Contributions Policy and supporting report.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Development contributions are charges that help fund new or upgrade existing infrastructure needed to accommodate growth sparked by development. This could include roads, water supply, stormwater systems, and wastewater systems. Potentially in the future this could also cover parks, public toilets, and other community facilities.
The precise activities funded are listed in Section 1 of the schedules of the draft Utu Whakawhanake - Development Contributions Policy.
Development contributions apply to:
- Most new residential builds or subdivisions
- Many additions or alterations (like granny flats or second dwellings)
- Commercial, industrial, and some community or mixed-use projects
- Certain changes of land use or intensifying existing properties
The draft policy explains the full definitions and any exemptions.
Development contributions charges are applied to specific areas, called ‘catchments’, within the Far North district where either new infrastructure or upgrades to the current infrastructure are needed to accommodate growth.
You will be charged when you:
- Apply for a resource or building consent
- Apply for a subdivision certificate for title
- Request a connection to council waters infrastructure
- Trigger other project milestones set out in the policy.
The timing and actual amount are clearly defined in the policy. Invoices are usually issued at key project milestones like the issue of a consent or request for a code of compliance certificate.
Fees are worked out using a transparent formula based on Household Unit Equivalents (HUEs). This system means you pay in proportion to the extra demand your project creates.
For example, a new home or subdivision lot typically counts as 1 HUE. Other projects are measured using factors like floor area or expected usage. Full details and worked examples are in Clause 17 and Clause 19 of the draft policy, and in the supporting report.
Yes, certain developments are statutorily exempt from development contribution charges such as those undertaken by the Crown and by council.
The council can use its discretionary powers to meet the policy requirement of supporting the principles of the Preamble to Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993, along with its broader statutory obligations under the Local Government Act. The council has decided to exempt housing and papakāinga developments on Māori land from development contributions. The council’s reasons for this decision are provided in clause 34.4 of the draft policy.
The draft policy makes it simple to find out your charges up front. Council provides clear schedules, and if the policy is approved, you will be able to request an estimate before committing to a project.
The draft policy also outlines how and when you’ll be invoiced, and when payment is expected (see Part B and Part C of the draft policy).
You will also be able to ask for a review or raise a formal objection if you think there’s been a mistake with your development contribution charge. The steps for resolving issues or disputes are outlined in Part D and Part E of the draft policy.
For full details, including area maps, calculation examples, schedules of charges, and guidance, refer to the draft Utu Whakawhanake - Development Contributions Policy and supporting report. These documents are written to guide both every day and first-time developers through the process.
Have your say / Kōrerotia mai ōu whakaaro
We want to hear from you. What are your thoughts about the proposed Utu Whakawhanake - Development Contributions Policy?
Share your feedback by completing the online survey.
You can also send us a written submission, or download our print-friendly survey form and send it to us:
- By email: submissions@fndc.govt.nz
- By mail: Far North District Council, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440
- In person: Drop your submission at any Far North District Council service centre or library (you can also ask our friendly customer service team to print the survey for you).
Alternatively, you can request to share your feedback verbally by emailing us at submissions@fndc.govt.nz or by phone on 0800 920 029. Verbal submissions are set for 03 September 2025.
Submissions are open until Sunday 31 August 2025.
Note: Anyone is invited to submit feedback on this consultation, whether as an individual or on behalf of an organisation, however, any submissions that are out of scope, offensive, inappropriate, or late may not be accepted by the council. You will be notified if your decision is not accepted and, where appropriate, invited to resubmit.
Any submissions that are made will become part of the public consultation process. The collection and use of personal information by the Far North District Council is regulated by the Privacy Act 2020. Please note that your submission or a summary of your submission will be treated as public information and may be published on the council's website and made available to elected members and members of the public as part of the consultation process. Your name and contact details (address, phone number, email) will only be used for administrative purposes - such as the council contacting you to update you on the outcome of this consultation and letting you know about future consultations