Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) new 2025 Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice has launched today, meaning any resource consent submitted to Council on or following this date will be subject to this version of the Code.

QLDC General Manager Property & Infrastructure, Tony Avery said the latest Code of Practice would continue to ensure infrastructure across subdivisions and developments was functional, consistent, able to be operated and maintained safely, and built using best practice.

“Following an extensive review and public consultation held in late 2024, the new Code has a particular focus on stormwater management to lessen environmental effects and ensure stormwater systems built today are suitable for the future,” said Mr Avery.

“Given a significant portion of the infrastructure Council owns and manages is installed by developers and their contractors, the Code provides clear guidelines and standards to be met to ensure this infrastructure meets local conditions and our community’s expectations.”

A total of 210 submission items were received from a range of submitters on proposed updates to the Code, providing valuable insight and technical feedback from practitioners working with the Code regularly.

The Code now incorporates revised design and testing requirements for soakage devices, clarified definitions for catchment types, updated guidance on blockage factors, amongst various other changes resulting from feedback received through the submission process. All changes to the main document are identified in red text.

Mr Avery thanked those who made a submission and shared their expertise with Council, noting feedback received helped the new Code to reflect practical issues encountered while subdividing or developing land in the district.

“We’ve also identified significant demand for the Code’s roading and transport section to be updated, which we now plan to review at a date to be determined in 2026,” said Mr Avery.

The 2025 Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice was approved for adoption at the Full Council meeting on Thursday 17 April 2025.

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