Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP) - the combined district plan for the West Coast - has been approved following six years of extensive public consultation, hearings and expert input.

Committee Chair Rex Williams says he is particularly proud of the fact that this Committee has developed the first whole of region district plan in New Zealand, successfully combining the Buller, Grey and Westland district plans into one cohesive, region-wide document. West Coast Regional Council is a joint partner and provides administrative and technical support for delivering the plan.

"It’s a gamechanger. Through the collaboration of the four Coast councils and Poutini Ngāi Tahu, the West Coast has become a national leader in integrated planning.

“The TTPP sets the rules for how land can be used across the West Coast, including Buller, Grey, and Westland districts and land managed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio.

“The Plan has been developed under modern planning standards to ensure it aligns with current national direction and best practice in resource management.

“The Plan delivers consistency and clarity for everyone across the Coast, streamlines planning rules and makes it easier for people to understand and engage with the planning process. The benefits will be felt for generations.”

The Hearing Panel, supported by planning, legal and subject matter experts, has now made its final recommendations to the TTPP Committee. The Committee made its decision on the recommendations at a meeting today (24 September) and has directed staff to notify the decision on 10 October 2025.

Rex Williams says major benefits of the Plan for the West Coast include:

• rezoning areas so much needed new housing can be built in towns and settlements
• support for strengthening and redevelopment of town centres
• retaining the unique character of settlements while providing a framework for them to grow and thrive
• hazard identification to improve the safety of people and property
• protecting valued historic heritage while providing practical rules enabling earthquake strengthening of historic buildings
• recognising the unique Poutini Ngāi Tahu Māori cultural heritage of the Coast
• identifying new mining zones for long term continuity of coal mining and quarrying
• ensuring the most valuable farming land is maintained for that use into the future, and
• balancing environmental protections with development aspirations.

The new rules will come into effect immediately upon public notification, for all matters not subject to appeal.

Any person who submitted on the proposed TTPP may now lodge an appeal to the Environment Court. Appeals must relate only to matters raised in original submissions. They must be lodged within 30 working days of the public notice of decisions.

The appeals process provides a final opportunity for submitters to raise outstanding concerns, with the Environment Court providing oversight and resolution.

Background:

The Proposed Plan was publicly notified in July 2022. Over 900 submissions were made by community members, stakeholders, industry groups, and iwi. During 2023-2024, 54 hearing days were held for submitters to speak directly to their submissions, so the independent Hearings Panel could carefully consider community perspectives.

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