How to achieve more consistent planning outcomes across combined sub-regions
The Wairarapa Combined District Plan is the first plan under the Resource Management Act to be prepared jointly by neighbouring district councils, and is one of the first ‘second-generation’ plans under the Act.
Boffa Miskell was engaged in 2004 to assist the Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa District Councils to prepare a single resource management framework for the three districts, which had previously had separate district plans. The three councils wished to achieve more consistent planning outcomes across their combined sub-region, where there were many similar or common planning issues as well as cross-boundary issues. The Proposed Wairarapa Combined District Plan was publicly notified in 2006 and all but those provisions subject to one outstanding appeal are operative.
Boffa Miskell has guided much of the plan’s development, including the following services:
Major issues included the management of rural subdivision, coastal development, energy and infrastructure issues, and the protection of indigenous biodiversity, and preservation of historic heritage values.
Boffa Miskell also prepared an Implementation Manual to guide the three councils in applying the plan provisions consistently in each of the three districts.
After the decisions on submissions were released in March 2008, Boffa Miskell assisted with resolving appeals through mediation. The Combined District Plan became the first second generation District Plan to become fully operative in May 2011.
Statutory planning under the Resource Management Act; policy development, consultation and advice on process.
Client | Masterton District Council, Carterton District Council, South Wairarapa District Council |
Project team | Robert Schofield Hamish Wesney |
Project date | 2004 - 2011 |
Awards | Nancy Northcroft Planning Practice Award, New Zealand Planning Institute, 2010 |