In April, we held eight in-person community drop-in sessions across the District and one online webinar where the community could ‘meet the planners’ working on draft Plan Change 81 Urban Growth and draft Plan Change 85 Natural Hazards.

Residents were able to talk directly to the planners and technical and science staff to receive information about specific issues relating to their properties. Feedback on the drop-ins themselves spoke of the benefit of the combined consultation given the need to consider our natural hazards when planning for housing and development.

Draft Plan Change 85 Natural Hazards is currently in the early stages of the planning process, so it was encouraging to see community members attending the drop-in sessions keen to learn more about the natural hazards in their area and the potential implications for them as we work to avoid putting more people and new development in harm’s way.

Draft Plan Change 81 Urban Growth has as its overall direction increased density for towns and more homes. This includes the rezoning of land for homes and businesses for 10 years, a new medium-density zone for building up, easier rules for workers’ accommodation and papakāinga, and the modernising of some transport and central business rules.

Discussions with residents acknowledged the need to get the balance right between the need for development, securing employment opportunities, and protection of our natural and built environments.

Feedback on draft Plan Change 81 Urban Growth and draft Plan Change 85 Natural Hazards are still open until Monday 5 May. Vis