What does the future of the Far North look like?

Communities across the Far North are being invited to have their say on a significant district wide strategy that will guide how the district grows and develops over the coming decades.

This work builds on the momentum generated by the development of Te Pātukurea, the Kerikeri-Waipapa Spatial Plan, which focused on the district’s fastest-growing towns.

Now the focus is widening to include the rest of the district.

Te Rautaki Mokowā ā Rohe – the District Wide Spatial Strategy will guide how and where growth happens across the Far North over the next 30 years. It will provide long-term direction to housing, infrastructure, transport, environmental resilience, economic development and community wellbeing.

Spatial planning involves making deliberate choices about how places evolve over time. It will guide growth and development in the built and natural environments, support strong and healthy communities, and help guide and deliver real change through clear policies, targeted investment, and strong partnerships. It will include clear priorities and a practical action plan to turn the shared vision for the district into reality.

“We’ve seen strong community interest and valuable input through Te Pātukurea,” says Tammy Wooster, acting Group Manager – Planning and Policy. “This is the best opportunity to influence the growth and feel of our settlements, communities and towns well into the future.”

At this initial stage, the council is seeking input from communities across the district with a focus on local knowledge, lived experience, and insights into opportunities and challenges facing different areas. Check out our consultation page here and fill in an online survey.

Feedback is open until Monday 4 May 2026.

Alternatively, come and visit staff at any of the following pop-up events being held across the district. These will give anyone interested the opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and provide feedback in person.

• Saturday 28 March – Mangōnui waterfront festival, 12pm to 6pm, Waterfront Drive
• Thursday 9 April – Paihia farmers market, 10am to 1.30pm, Village Green
• Thursday 9 April – Kaikohe markets, 3pm to 6.30pm, Broadway
• Friday 10 April – Kawakawa Library, 10am to 1.30pm, Gillies St
• Saturday 11 April – Kaitāia markets, 7am to 12pm, Matthews Ave
• Tuesday 14 April – Rāwene, 11.00am to 1.00pm, Opposite Wharf
• Tuesday 14 April – Ōpononi, 10.30am to 1.30pm, Ōpononi 4 Square.