Another Environment Court Appeal Over Canterbury Housing Development

Thursday, 4 September 2025, 2:42 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

The drawn out saga over a proposed housing development at Ohoka is set to continue, with another appeal to the Environment Court. 

Rolleston Industrial Developments Limited and Carter Group Property Limited have made an appeal against the Waimakariri District Plan, after a proposed 850 home sub-division at Ohoka, between Kaiapoi and Rangiora, was rejected. 

The appeal is one of 21 appeals made to the Environment Court against the District Plan. 

Waimakariri District Council development planning manager Matt Bacon said 21 appeals was expected and was ‘‘relatively low number for a full plan review’’. 

In comparison, the Selwyn District Council received 26 appeals against its District Plan, adopted two years ago. 

Mr Bacon said submitters will now have the opportunity to consider whether they wish to join the appeals as interested parties. 

‘‘After this the Court will issue instructions to the parties." 

The remainer of the new District Plan rules, not under appeal, are now fully operative. 

The council will now update the online version of the District Plan to reflect what aspects of the plan are now operative and what is subject to appeal. 

The proposed Ohoka development is the subject to another appeal to the Environment Court. Rolleston Industrial Developments Ltd made an appeal following a November 2023 decision by the Waimakariri District Council to reject a private plan change, following a recommendation from an independent commissioner. 

An Environment Court spokesperson said the first appeal has been granted an extension to September 26 to advise ‘‘how or whether it intends to proceed’’. 

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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