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Mangawhai’s largest ratepayer organisation, Mangawhai Matters Society Inc (MM), says it is gearing up for one of its busiest periods yet, with four major issues demanding attention in the first half of next year.
The group, which represents 370 paid members, is preparing submissions, evidence and advocacy across several significant planning and rating matters that will shape the town’s future.
Society chair Doug Lloyd says it broadly supports Kaipara District Council’s draft District Plan, particularly its proposal to concentrate future development in Hakaru and Kaiwaka rather than further expanding Mangawhai.
“With hearings already underway, MM plans to present evidence in favour of what is a very good draft, which protects Mangawhai from over-development,” he says.
One of the group’s most pressing battles is the upcoming hearing on Plan Change 85, which seeks to rezone 94 hectares of high-quality Class A farmland on Black Swamp Road. MM argues the change conflicts with the District Plan, is unnecessary given that three major approved but undeveloped plan changes are already in the pipeline, and it would create an out-of-character satellite suburb and fourth commercial area.
The group also warns of potential estuary pollution and says the land is not included in Council’s wastewater planning. MM will present evidence against PC85 at hearings scheduled for February 17 and 18.
MM believes that Kaipara’s current rate levels are “unsustainable” and will continue lobbying for rate increases to remain close to the rate of inflation. It is urging councillors to adopt a Capital Value (CV) rating system, used by most local authorities, which bases rates on both land and improvements. Lloyd says the current land-only system causes major inequities.
“While MM supports shifting to CV rating in the 2026/27 year, it strongly opposes staff proposals that would see urban and commercial ratepayers shoulder a greater share of the total rates bill.
“Rather, all ratepayer groups – urban, rural, commercial and residential – should continue paying the same proportion they do now.”
Lloyd says the fourth issue MM will be keenly seeking to advance this year is better buy-in from Northland Regional Council, Department of Conservation and KDC to a long-term environmental protection strategy.
“Launched in 2023, MM’s environmental risk assessment found that intensifying weather patterns and storm events pose significant threats to the Mangawhai Harbour, estuary and surrounding assets. Early investment in resilience will cost far less than recovering from storm damage.”
Reflecting on the past 12 months, Lloyd says the group’s recent advocacy has delivered several key wins:
• Plan change input: Developers behind Plan Changes 83 (The Rise) and 84 (The Hills) consulted MM prior to submission. As a result, stormwater and sediment-control requirements during construction were included and these measures were later ratified by the Environment Court and are now embedded in the draft District Plan.
• Development contribution increase: After years of pressure, KDC has raised development contributions in the Kaiwaka/Mangawhai ward from $23,000 to $67,000 – a figure that Mangawhai Matters believes reflects the true cost of wastewater and roading infrastructure. However, the group is disappointed the increase, effective from this month, will not apply to major developments already approved, including Mangawhai Central, The Rise and The Hills.
With multiple hearings and policy decisions looming, Lloyd says 2026 will be a pivotal year for ensuring Mangawhai’s growth remains sustainable, affordable and environmentally responsible.
