We’re reviewing the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan to ensure it reflects the needs of our communities. As a combined unitary plan under section 80 of the Resource Management Act (RMA), it guides how we manage and protect Tairāwhiti’s natural and physical resources - including land use, development, and environmental wellbeing.
Because the plan is large and wide-ranging, we’re updating it through a series of targeted plan changes. This work has been underway since 2021 however the Government’s plan stop legislation came into effect on 21 August 2025.
Plan stop legislation now in effect
Until 31 December 2027, councils can’t notify new plan changes or reviews unless they have an exemption.
The Government has recently announced their intention to introduce significant ‘plan stop’ changes preventing councils from notifying plan changes. These changes are part of a broader transition to a new resource management system expected to be in place from 2027.
Key changes for us
- Removing the requirement to undertake 10-year reviews on our plans or implement the National Planning Standards.
- Removing the ability to notify new plan or regional policy statement reviews, changes or variations unless we have an automatic or discretionary exemption.
- Extending the restriction on notifying freshwater planning instruments for a further two years to 31 December 2027 which includes our catchment plans, and our regional freshwater plan.
What this means for our plan review
Council recognises the urgent need to address issues that reflect our realities here in Tairāwhiti. At this stage, we intend to apply for two exemptions so that some of our critical plan changes can continue – the draft Urban Plan Change 6, and our work on transitioning land use.
The Urban Plan Change 6 updates district plan rules for Gisborne City that are more than 20 years old and have a focus on enabling housing growth in safe, well-serviced areas.
Preparing for the new system
We are also reshaping our resource management planning work programme to be prepared for the transition to the new resource management system. Draft policy direction and legislation about the new system is being worked on by the Ministry for the Environment. Our goal is a smooth transition for our region.
We will keep our community updated on the outcomes of any exemption processes and share opportunities for people to have their say as our work progresses.
How we're reviewing the TRMP
Why and how it's being reviewed and how to get involved
Regional Policy Statement
Review of the Regional Policy Statement provisions
Sustainable Land Use Plan Change
Forestry harvest provisions and land overlay mapping and wider TRMP
Catchment Planning
Review and development of 7 river catchment plans
Freshwater Plan
Review of the regional freshwater management plan
District Plan Changes
Plans and projects related to the plan review
Stay engaged:
- Visit and follow our participate page for engagements and consultations on the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan review - https://participate.gdc.govt.nz/
- Sign up for Council’s He Pānui - https://www.gdc.govt.nz/council/news
- Subscribe to the Ministry for the Environment newsletter for national updates - https://environment.govt.nz/
We will continue to share updates through our usual channels – website, social media, and He Pānui – sign up here:
- Check for any open engagements - kōrero mai have your say via our engagement portal
- Ask us a question - email the team at trmp@gdc.govt.nz
- Sign up for Council News | He Pānui - using this form