These FAQs are designed to help you understand the Schedule 1 process that the Proposed District Plan must follow, as well as provide key information on how to make a submission and where to get support if you need help with the process.
You can make a submission online through our E-Plan system online or through a written submission form. You can support or oppose any part of the Proposed District Plan and suggest changes or amendments to provisions or mapping.
Options for making a submission are:
Resources:
The submission process can be complex. To assist we offer a Friend of the Submitter service. This is an independent and neutral advisor who can help you:
They are neutral and do not support or influence the content of your submissions. This is a free service and will be available to everyone in the district.
To book in please call 0800 727 059 or email districtplanreview@kaipara.govt.nz
While many submission oppose part of the district plan, it is important to submit on things you support as well.
The orange gavel identifies rules that have effect from the date that the Proposed Kaipara District Plan is notified. All other rules have legal effect later in the process once a decision on submissions has been made and notified by the Council.
Rules with immediate legal effect include:
Submissions can still be made on these provisions.
Rules with Immediate Legal Effect document Link?
Under the Resource Management Act, each provision of a district plan has to be reviewed every ten years. Our District Plan was made operative in 2013 and many things have changed in the District since then. A review of the district plan is an opportunity for communities to redefine their vision for the future of the District.
We have also had a number of private plan changes included in the District Plan and this review allows us to have one comprehensive and consistent document to manage the future of the District.
The district plan affects the way you and your neighbours can use and develop your properties. It identifies a range of activities that are anticipated in the district, where they should occur and regulates these activities through rules.
The positive outcomes achieved through the district plan generally go unnoticed for most people and it is often not until someone wants to start a new activity or redevelop their property that they become aware of the district plan regulations and the intended outcomes.
Some common ways the district plan can affect property owners are:
The Proposed Plan is accessible to the community and easy to use as a GIS driven E-Plan.
To view the Proposed Plan, planning maps and all supporting documents please visit our website kaipara.govt.nz/kaipara-district-plan-review
An online version of the Proposed Plan can also be viewed at Kaipara District Council offices and public libraries during business hours from Monday 28 April to Monday 30 June 2025:
Kaipara District Council offices:
Public libraries:
The Proposed District Plan contains 'rules' for each of our zones (Rural, Residential etc). To find which zone your property is in, check out the District Plan planning maps online. Once you have found which zone you are, you can view the relevant rules in sections of the District Plan online.
The District Plan does not address all the issues in the district. The District Plan primarily sets the rules for how we manage, use and develop land.
The regional plan manages issues like activities in the coastal marine area, water takes or discharges of water. Other district council issues such as road maintenance, rates and dogs are managed by other legislation and processes.
The process for reviewing the District Plan looks like this:
We are seeking submissions until 5pm Monday 30 June 2025.
The Resource Management Act requires us to make a decision within two years of when it is notified. Sometimes it does take a bit longer depending on the complexity of issues.
The National Planning Standards sets out the structure for district plans which has meant a completely different organisation of our District Plan. All district plans throughout the country will eventually have the same structure.
District plan provisions and maps are now required to be electronically accessible which makes searching for things much easier.
The Government is undertaking reform of the resource management system. These changes may impact the Proposed District Plan in the future.
More information regarding the reform is available in the Resource management reform - The need for change
Designations identify land for public works and infrastructure projects (e.g. schools, roads, utilities). Most designations in the Proposed Kaipara District Plan have been rolled over from the existing plan, and new designations have also been added. Designation details can be found in Section 3 of the Proposed Plan and on the planning maps.
There are 33 Sites and Areas of Significance to Māori (SASMs) identified on the planning maps and are based on iwi settlement claims. These have been identified in partnership with Kaipara District Council and local iwi and hapū. This ensures appropriate recognition and protection of these important places in the District Plan.
In 2022 Kaipara District Council released a draft District Plan for informal community feedback. 277 submissions were received. This feedback was carefully read and has led to a lot of changes to our Proposed District Plan.
Because some rules have immediate legal effect, some applications for resource consent will need to be made under, and assessed against, both the Operative District Plan and the Proposed District Plan. This can be quite complex, and we suggest that you consult a professional to assist with any applications for resource consent during this time.
No, if you have not submitted on a provision that affects your property you probably won't hear about any changes until Council releases its decision. By putting in a submission, you are making sure you are part of the process.
We’re reviewing and updating our District Plan. The Proposed Kaipara District Plan is the community’s rulebook, setting out how land use and development is managed within our District. It plays a major role in shaping Kaipara's future and provides a framework for managing natural and physical resources in the District.
The District Plan's rules outline what activities can be done as of right (permitted activities) and what activities require resource consent. These include residential development, land subdivision, building height and location, commercial and industrial activities, noise and lighting, and the protection of heritage, cultural values, and the natural environment.
Submissions are open until Monday 30 June 2025.
If you have further questions or are needing help with your submission you can find further information on the chat to a planner service, friend of a submitter service and open days where you have the opportunity to ask questions about the Proposed District Plan and how it may affect you and your community find out more.