Lincoln Voice is a group of concerned residents who are launching an Environment Court appeal against the Selwyn District Council June 8 decision to rezone 190ha of rural land to accommodate the Carter Group's 1700-unit subdivision. The case is expected to be a test case of the NPS Urban Development policy, of importance to councils and communities across the whole of New Zealand.

Whilst there are a number of problems with the proposed subdivision, the group's primary objection is based around the irreversible loss of productive land, and the dismissal of the forthcoming national policy statement around highly productive land (NPS-HPL). HPL is considered a national strategic asset. It is rare and our current and future food security relies on it.

The NPS-HPL was due out more than two years ago (consultation began August 2019), but was delayed by the Government’s COVID-19 response. Ministry for the Environment officials are now finalising the NPS-HPL, which is expected to go to Cabinet in late July and it is anticipated the new policy statement will take effect later this year.

In a letter to the group, Minister David Parker said “The NPS-HPL will introduce regulations to direct urban expansion away from highly productive land, where possible”, and went on to say that “it will work alongside the National Policy Statement for Urban Development 2020 and the Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021, which require intensification of existing urban areas”.

The Lincoln group say that thoughtful, planned and considered development that takes a long-term view of the social and environmental impacts and how will we all feed the future and have thriving communities is vital and of importance across New Zealand.

The Lincoln Voice group have set up a Givealittle campaign to raise funds for the legal fees to prepare the appeal and for legal representation and court fees for the full case.

The group say they are garnering good awareness and traction and thank those who have already donated and advise they are close to their phase 1 target to fund the appeal application. This support will help to preserve Lincoln’s role as a vital agricultural hub, protect the rare and irreplaceable highly productive land, and leave a legacy for future generations.

For more information email LincolnVoice@yahoo.com

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