Kaipara District Council will begin hearings for the Proposed District Plan on Monday 25 August.

The District Plan is the ‘rule book’ for the district, managing subdivision use and development activities as well as Kaipara's natural environment. The Proposed District Plan looks to replace the current operative District Plan, which is more than 12 years old and no longer meets the needs of the growing district. Developed over five years across two council terms, the Proposed District Plan reflects a simpler and more enabling approach to development. It opens up significant new areas for housing, business, rural lifestyle opportunities, and aligns with national planning direction.

The Proposed District Plan was publicly notified on Monday 28 April 2025 and submissions closed on 30 June 2025, with 365 submissions received. Staff are currently summarising submissions, with a summary to be released shortly for further submissions to be received. The 25 August hearing will commence the hearings process, with further 'topic based' hearings to be arranged following the initial hearing. Independent Commissioner Mark Farnsworth was appointed by Council on 14 August to Chair the Hearings Process, with the remaining Panel to be appointed following the elections.

At the hearing, staff will “set the scene” for the hearings process and any procedural matters. The Panel Chair will also make decisions on how to proceed with late submissions.

View the full list of submissions on the Kaipara District Council website.

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