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Kaipara residents have until September 16 to comment on an Exposure Draft District Plan, which provides an over-arching direction of how the district will develop in future.
It covers all facets of Kaipara District Council’s responsibilities, from subdivision rules to biodiversity and cultural considerations.
Mayor Jason Smith says it is crucial that people have their say and provide important feedback to shape the Proposed District Plan next year.
“The future of Kaipara rests in the hands of our communities,” he says.
The District Plan is Council’s rule book that governs what activities can be carried out in the district. It has no ‘legal weight’ and all resource consent applications will still be considered under the Operative District Plan. Councils are required to review their District Plans every 10 years.
Mayor Smith says the government is intending to replace the current Resource Management Act with new legislation, and this will be Kaipara’s last District Plan prepared under the current planning system.
In the Exposure Draft Plan, the tangata whenua/mana whenua chapter provides for the connection and relationships that Māori have with the natural world and resources within it, as well as a general insight into their sustainable resource management system, based on the application of cultural concepts.
The strategic direction and zoning chapter provides direction for the sustainable management of growth, land-use and development and the subdivision chapter covers the process of dividing land by creating more allotments.
There are also chapters on infrastructure, renewable electricity generation and transport; natural hazards, contaminated land and hazardous substances; heritage, notable trees and sites and areas of significance to Māori; coastal environment and natural character areas along with Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes (ONFs and ONLs) and public access; earthworks (including quarrying and mining), genetically modified organisms, light, noise, signs, and temporary activities.
The Exposure Draft is a fully electronic plan (ePlan) and is available to view on the Council’s website at https://kaipara.isoplan.co.nz/review
Drop in consultation events:
Ruawai Tokatoka Hall
August 16, 10am-12pm
Paparoa War Memorial Hall
August 17, 10am-12pm
Maungaturoto Centennial Hall
Aug 18, 9.30am-11.30am
Kaiwaka War Memorial Hall
Aug 18, 2pm-4pm
Mangawhai Tavern Market
Aug 20, 8.30am-1pm
Mangawhai Council Chambers
1C Molesworth Drive
Aug 22, 10am-2pm.
There are also several Chat to a Planner sessions and webinars on topics covered in the plan. For more information about these, visit the Council website: www.kaipara.govt.nz
