Proposed changes to Development Contributions Policy

We are seeking submissions on proposed changes to some operational aspects of the Development and Financial Contributions Policy 2024-2034. There are no changes proposed to the 2024 Development Contribution charges.

Under this policy, developers are required to contribute a fair, equitable, and proportionate share of the capital costs for the necessary infrastructure to support new development.

The 2025 review of the Policy has identified changes to some of the wording in the Policy.

There are no changes proposed to the Development Contribution charges, which were set on 1 July 2024 in line with the capital costs from the infrastructure programme in Tasman’s 10-Year Plan 2024-2034. Please note, however, that these charges will be adjusted for inflation from 1 July each year. 

What are we consulting on?

There are two notable changes proposed for the Policy.

  • Stormwater detention discounts

    We are proposing to limit the provision of the stormwater detention discount to 25%, and to apply only if:

    • the development is in the Richmond Intensive Development Area; and
    • the development detains primary stormwater to the maximum allowed under Nelson Tasman Land Development Manual (NTLDM) standards.

  • Remission for papakāinga development on Māori land

    Allow a 50% remission from Development Contributions, at the Council’s discretion, for the following categories of Māori land:

    • marae
    • Māori freehold land
    • Māori customary land, as defined in Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993
    • general land held in collective Māori ownership
    • land which has been transferred from the Crown to, and is held by, a post settlement governance entity as a result of a treaty settlement.

Both of the proposed changes to the Policy are detailed in the Consultation Material, ADD LINK along with the reasons for the changes.

There are also some minor administrative amendments to the Policy, including:

  • clarifying the ability to inflation adjust Development Contribution charges at the time an invoice is sent;
  • clarifying which Policy applies when the original consent has a variation;
  • removing the standard warehousing rate for assessing Transportation Development Contributions, noting these may still be considered as a special assessment; and
  • amending the top up charge for small homes that get extended, to apply to discounts that were levied at either resource or building consent stage.

All the changes have been highlighted in the draft Development and Financial Contributions Policy 2024-2034 (2025 Review) for ease of reference. ADD LINK TO DOC

Through the consultation process, we would like to hear from people who may be affected or interested in the proposed changes. Following the consultation, the Council can either adopt the proposed Policy or amend it based on the submissions received. 

Tell us what you think

We want to hear your feedback on our plans to change the Development and Financial Contributions Policy by 4 pm on 28 April 2025.

  • Online - you can provide your views online by completing a submission here..
  • Email - send your thoughts to HaveYourSay@tasman.govt.nz
  • In writing – drop it in to any Tasman District Council office or post it for free to Freepost Authority No: 172255, Strategic Policy Team, Tasman District Council, 189 Queen Street, Private Bag 4, Richmond 7050.

Background

The Development and Financial Contributions Policy outlines the Council’s approach to funding growth infrastructure via development contributions under the Local Government Act and financial contributions under the Tasman Resource Management Plan. Tasman’s population is projected to reach 67,900 by 2034. This growth creates the need for new subdivisions and developments, and significant investment in new or upgraded infrastructure is required.

During the development of the current Development and Financial Contributions Policy 2024-2034 (the Policy), the Council concluded that the existing policy was fit for purpose, apart from several minor amendments. During consultation on the Policy in 2024, there were matters raised that warranted further engagement and Council resolved to conduct a further review of the Policy in 2025. The 2025 review has identified several amendments which we are now seeking feedback on.

Click here to make a submission by Monday 28 April open in new window