Our district plan provisions are being updated as part of the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan review. These provisions give us a rule book for managing development activities and the environment with the aim of meeting the needs of current and future generations.
The scope and timeline for the district provisions and the scheduled Urban Plan Change may be significantly changed by the proposed RMA changes.
Plan stop legislation now in effect
The Government’s plan stop legislation came into effect on 21 August 2025. This means that until 31 December 2027, councils can’t notify new plan changes or reviews unless they have an exemption.
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.
Changes in district plan provisions
We've completed our Future Development Strategy 2024 -2054. This is a planning tool that outlines potential for future housing growth over the next 30 years.
To put this strategy in action we need to make changes to the district plan provisions of the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan. The new plan content must comply with National Planning Standards.
We're offering a comprehensive framework focusing on the sustainable management of our resources while supporting our communities to live and grow.
The first phase is an urban focussed plan change followed by a separate update for the remainder of the district provisions which includes rural areas.
- This will be the 6th Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan change.
- We’re drafting a zoning plan that supports housing choice and supply.
- This is where residential, commercial and mixed use zoning changes are being developed
- Residential Urban Design Guide
- This seeks to encourage developers and designers to look beyond the minimum standards set out in the plan's rules as well as engineering standards to explore opportunities that will create a better-quality urban environment for current and future generations of Tairāwhiti.
- Sustainable Agriculture Practices: Promoting environmentally friendly farming practices that minimize negative impacts on land and water resources.
- Coastal Protection: Implementing measures to safeguard coastal areas, including erosion control, habitat preservation, and responsible development practices.
- Heritage Sites
- Identification and Preservation: Recognizing and protecting sites of cultural, historical, and architectural significance.
- A Notable Trees register
- Adaptive Reuse: Encouraging the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings to ensure their continued contribution to the community while respecting their historical value.
- The Future Development Strategy
- Masterplans for Elgin, Awapuni, City Centre and Kaiti
- These masterplans are being developed in consultation with Tangata Whenua, local community, stakeholders, and key authorities to reflect the aspirations of residents while meeting regulatory and environmental standards
- Trust Tairawhiti Catalyst initiatives
- City Centre revitalization projects
Timeline
- March 2024 - Future Development Strategy adopted
- February 2025 - Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan engagement including Masterplans and draft zoning options
- March 2025 - Urban Plan changes engagement with treaty partners
- August 2025 - Working with Staff, Councilors and Central Government to determine the best way forward.
How to stay involved
If you're interested in the district plan provisions, or anything related to the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan review, you can:
- Get updates via Council News | He Pānui Sign up here
- Follow our | Participate consultation platform.
- Email the team at trmp@gdc.govt.nz