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.
We plan to formally consult on the draft Urban Plan Change on 25 March 2026.
The exemption pathway
On 5 February 2026, we received an exemption from the Government’s “Plan Stop” for Urban Plan Change 6. This plan change updates zoning rules for Gisborne city and aims to support more housing 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.
Housing choice
This plan change supports housing choice and supply by introducing several changes, including:
- A new Medium Density Residential zone in Gisborne City that specifically enables duplexes, terraced housing and apartments
- A new Mixed Use zone enabling dwellings in combination with commercial uses
- A new City Centre zone to help revitalisation
- A new Future Urban zone in the Back Ormond Road area, to signal the future expansion of the urban area.
Timeline
- March 2024 - Future Development Strategy adopted
- February 2025 - Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan engagement including masterplans and draft zoning options
- March 2025 - Urban Plan Change 6 engagement with Treaty partners
- August 2025 - Councillors support an exemption for the plan change
- September 2025 - Exemption letters sent to ministers
- February 2026 – Exemption granted
- 25 March 2026 - Urban Plan Change 6 formal consultation opens
- 25 May 2026 - Urban Plan Change 6 formal consultation closes
- TBC - Further submissions
- TBC - Hearings
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:
- Check for any open engagements including the Urban Plan Change 6 consultation which is scheduled for 25 March 2026 - 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