Zones

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

What are the key issues we need to think about?

We need to ensure the district has well-functioning urban residential environments with sufficient land, in a diversity of localities, that enable the residential needs of the district’s present and future urban populations to be met while recognising constraints imposed by the natural and physical environment.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The General Residential Zone applies to the majority of the residential area of Ōamaru, as well as the towns of Weston, Palmerston, Kurow, Otematata, Ōmārama and Lake Ōhau. In accordance with the Ōamaru, Weston and Kakanui Spatial Plan, the draft District Plan also zones much of Kakanui as General Residential.

The General Residential Zone provides for residential areas with ample private open space and minimal adverse effects on existing and future residents amenity. Permitted activities other than residential activity include home business, boarding houses, supported residential care and residential visitor accommodation. Other activities that are at a scale and generate a range of effects that is consistent with residential character are also permitted (small scale educational facilities, medical and health facilities and papakāika).

You can view the full draft chapter here.

When Council consulted on a Discussion Document for the District Plan review, there was strong feedback from Ōhau residents seeking Design Guidelines for the village. These design guidelines are yet to be developed.

Key changes from the current rules

The General Residential zone replaces most of the Residential Zone in the Operative District Plan. As signalled in the Ōamaru, Weston and Kakanui Spatial Plan, the current Township Zone at Kakanui is suggested to become General Residential. The Residential 1 Zone at Blue Stone Drive and Saleyards Road between Ōamaru and Weston would become General Residential Zone. Most of the current rules and standards are being rolled over into the Draft District Plan, however some differences are:

• The criteria for Minor Residential Units would be relaxed, enabling one per site with a maximum floor area set
• Educational facilities and medical and health facilities are suggested to be permitted, with limits on building floor areas and hours of operation.
• Papakāika would be provided for on land held under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 or within a Native Reserve and subject to limits on floor area of a building. Outside these locations, papakāika would require a resource consent.
• Multi-unit developments would require a resource consent, with a focus on good design.
• The use of a building would be separated out from the construction of a building, and be treated separately in the rules.
• New standards suggested for buildings / development in the General Residential Zone include:
  • a minimum permeable surface area (25%) to help reduce stormwater effects generated by new developments (to see more on this check out the Stormwater chapter summary).
  • Road boundary fencing design controls – focused on retaining some visibility from the property onto the street (this provides more ‘eyes’ on the street and helps make our communities safer)
  • A requirement for the layout and design of the floorplan of a residential unit to follow design principles for safe streets.
• New controls on residential activity in high noise environments (when next to commercial zones, the main trunk rail line or state highways) and in potential wildfire risk areas. See the chapters/summaries for Noise and Natural Hazards for more information.

   

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

If your property is in the General Residential zone, typical residential activities are provided for (residential units and accessory buildings, i.e., garages) and are able to be carried out in the zone without a resource consent if they comply with certain standards for density, height, building coverage, setbacks from boundaries, minimum permeable surfaces, outdoor living space and front fencing. One minor residential unit would also be permitted per site (subject to some criteria).

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

What are the key issues we need to think about?

In the next 30 years, the Ōamaru, Weston and Kakanui area could be home to an additional 3,000 people (roughly up to 65 new dwellings per year). The Ōamaru, Weston and Kakanui Spatial Plan recently adopted by Council (May 2022) identifies three areas, two around the town centre and a third around the Ōamaru North shopping area, where it makes sense to allow for a greater intensity of residential development. These areas have easy access to day-to-day services, employment opportunities and education facilities and central government policy (the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 requires that we should be increasing housing supply and choice in these areas.

We need to ensure that we provide appropriate opportunities through our District Plan framework for residential areas that experience high demand and/or have close proximity to employment and day-to-day services to grow more intensively than other residential areas.

With a greater focus on growing up, rather than defaulting to growing out, what standards are needed to ensure Residential amenity remains appropriate?

Oamaru’s South Hill is one of three areas that meets the NPS-UD criteria as being suitable for greater intensification, due to its proximity to the town centre and the demand the area experiences and has been identified as a Medium Density Residential area in the Spatial Plan.  However, through the Spatial Plan process it emerged that the area is highly valued by the community as a character housing area.  We are going to undertake an assessment of the character and/or heritage values across the South Hill area to get a better understanding of the values present.  We can then determine whether the values are sufficiently high enough to be what the NPS-UD terms ‘qualifying matters’ and whether that then impacts the standards for development in the zone, such as building coverage, boundary setbacks and height.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The Medium Density Residential Zone (MRZ) is one of two residential zones that manage the neighbourhoods where we live, what we can do there, and how houses are built in our bigger centres. The MRZ is a new zone, found only in Ōamaru.

The MRZ allows for a greater density of development than the General Residential Zone (GRZ). Permitted activities (those that can be done without a resource consent) are the same for both the GRZ and MRZ, but the standards for height and building coverage are more lenient in the MRZ.

Residential activity, residential units, and accessory buildings are permitted activities.  Permitted activities other than residential activity include home business, boarding houses, supported residential care and residential visitor accommodation (i.e., B&B’s). Other activities that are at a scale and generate a range of effects that are consistent with residential character are also permitted (small scale educational facilities, medical and health facilities and papakāika).

Activities such as multi-unit developments, and large visitor accommodation facilities require a resource consent.  The focus for such developments would be on good design. We’ve developed Medium Density Residential Design Guidelines to help with this.

You can view the draft Medium Density Residential Zone mapping here and the full draft chapter here

In addition to the area of MRZ identified in the South Hill area, there is MRZ identified in the blocks between Reed and Aln Streets and in the blocks either side of Thames Highway stretching between Torridge and Orwell Streets.  A third area of MRZ wraps around the north-end shopping area from Conway Street to Balmoral Street.

Key changes from the current rules:

The Medium Density Residential Zone is a new zone for the District Plan, and allows for a higher density of housing than is allowed under the current plan. Minimum site sizes, boundary setbacks, and outdoor living space requirements are reduced while building coverage and building height limits are increased.

• Minor Residential Units would be enabled, with one per site (with a maximum floor area limit).
• In addition to the usual height, setback and building coverage standards, other standards suggested for buildings / development in the MRZ include:
  •  a minimum permeable surface area (25%) to help reduce stormwater effects generated by new developments (to see more on this check out the Stormwater chapter summary).
  • Road boundary fencing – focused on retaining some visibility from the property onto the street (this provides more ‘eyes’ on the street and helps make our communities safer)
  • A requirement for the layout and design of the floorplan of a residential unit to follow design principles for safe streets.
• New controls on residential activity in high noise environments are suggested (when next to commercial zones, the main trunk rail line or state highways). See the chapter/summary for Noise for more information. 
  
  

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

If your property is in the MRZ, typical residential activities would be provided for (residential units and accessory buildings, i.e., garages) and able to be carried out in the zone without a resource consent if they comply with certain standards for density, height, building coverage, setbacks from boundaries, minimum permeable surfaces, outdoor living space and front fencing.  One minor residential unit would also be permitted per site (subject to some criteria).

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT?

Pressures for residential subdivision in rural areas can result in the fragmentation of large rural land holdings, the loss of highly productive rural land and reverse sensitivity issues such as dust, noise and odour from existing farming operations. Increased demand for infrastructure such as roads, water and sewerage as a result of increased development can affect rural character and amenity. Increases to intensive farming practices can result in a loss of landscape values, increased pest species, increased traffic movements by heavy vehicles, odour and noise. Achieving a balance between enabling plantation and carbon forestry and the loss of rural productive land, communities and landscape/biodiversity/cultural/heritage values. The need to provide for diversification in rural communities to ensure the long-term sustainability of farming and to acknowledge the potential for a range of alternative uses of rural properties that support the rural economy.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The General Rural Zone (GRUZ) covers the majority of the district and the focus is on retaining the productive potential of land to be used for rural activities. Areas of the zone that have high landscape, biodiversity, cultural or historic values would have additional protections in place using ‘overlays’. The provisions for these overlays are contained in their own chapters and separately mapped. The key objective of the zone is to provide for primary production activities and retaining the open rural character of the district. You can view where the General Rural Zone has been identified on our website.

Key changes from the current rules

The Rural Scenic Zone included in the current plan is no longer identified as a zone in the draft plan. Instead, Rural Scenic Landscapes are identified as an overlay and addressed in the Natural Features and Landscapes chapter. Earthworks provisions applying to the rural zones are now contained in the Earthworks chapter. Residential density in the GRUZ would be reduced to one dwelling per 20 hectares. At present it is one dwelling per 4 hectares in the current plan. Additional minor residential units would not need a resource consent if they were less than 80m2 in area and met other standards. Under the current plan, a resource consent is needed for additional minor residential units. Carbon forestry would need a resource consent.

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

Within the GRUZ, some primary production and residential activities (including additional minor residential units) would not require a resource consent. New buildings would however need to meet standards on density, height, coverage, setbacks and fencing. Other activities such as some commercial activities, recreational, homestay, home businesses and amenity tree planting and shelterbelts would not require a resource consent. There would be limits on the numbers and types of intensive indoor and outdoor farming that could be undertaken without needing a resource consent.

Activities that would require a resource consent include carbon forestry, some intensive farming activities, industry, quarrying, mining, and some commercial activities. Rules for earthworks in the GRUZ are separated out into the Earthworks chapter. Most earthworks of under 500m2 in area would not need a resource consent in the GRUZ. However, there are additional limitations if your property is within an ‘overlay’ area.

Overlay provisions may also apply in addition to the rules in the GRUZ chapter if you are in an area identified as an Outstanding Natural Feature or Landscape, Significant Natural Area, Coastal Environment, Significant Natural Feature, Rural Scenic Landscape, Site and Area of Significance to Māori, Heritage Items or natural hazard area. Please refer to these chapter summaries for further information.

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

What are the key issues we need to think about?

Pressures for further rural lifestyle subdivision on the margins of Ōamaru would result in the loss of highly productive rural land.

The scattered nature of rural lifestyle development can sometimes lead to reverse sensitivity issues with existing farming operations.

The minimum lot size of 1 hectare in the existing Rural Residential zone is not always practical to maintain for lifestyle purposes. We are keen to hear your feedback on whether we should reduce the lot size below 1 hectare for new subdivisions in the zone.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The Rural Lifestyle Zone (RLZ) provides for low density rural living located near established urban areas. It would replace the Rural Residential Zone identified in the current District Plan.

The chapter recognises that further subdivision in the zone would need to be appropriately serviced and risks from natural hazards managed.

The key objective of the chapter is to maintain the semi-rural character and amenity values of the zone with low density detached residential units on spacious sites and provide for ongoing farming opportunities.

You can view where the full draft chapter here.

Key changes from the current rules

The Rural Lifestyle Zone would replace the Rural Residential Zone in the current district plan.

The area of RLZ in Ōamaru has been reduced to align with the Council adopted Ōamaru, Weston and Kakanui Spatial Plan.

Additional RLZ has been identified in Palmerston and Herbert.

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities would have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

Within the RLZ, some primary production and residential activities (including an additional minor residential unit) would not require a resource consent. New buildings would however need to meet standards on density, height, coverage, setbacks and fencing. Other activities such as some commercial activities, recreational, farm holiday accommodation, homestay, home businesses and amenity tree planting and shelterbelts would not require a resource consent.

Activities that would require a resource consent include intensive farming activities, community and educational facilities, industry, quarrying, mining, and some commercial activities.

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

 WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT?

Continuing to provide for viable rural centres that service residents and surrounding rural communities.

Recognising that smaller settlements play an important role in the district’s economy and contribute towards reducing the need for residents to travel to larger urban centres.

Several settlements are impacted by risk from natural hazards and contain highly valued soil resources around them. Growth needs to be carefully managed to minimise the impacts of new development and to protect the character of the settlements while recognising that growth can lead to positive economic benefits to the District.

There are limitations on the ability to provide sufficient water and service wastewater for some settlements. Existing infrastructure can limit the capacity and amount of growth these settlements can accommodate.

What are we proposing in the Draft District Plan?

The Settlement Zone (SETZ) will replace the Township Zone identified in the current district plan and cover smaller settlements in the district with populations ranging from 50 to over 500 people.

Settlement Zones are identified for Waitaki Dam Village, Duntroon, Waitaki Bridge, Ngapara, Ennfield, Maheno, Herbert, Hampden, Moeraki, Matakaea/Shag Point, Dunback and Macraes.

The key objective of the zone is to provide for a mix of residential, accommodation, rural industry, services and tourism.

Key changes from the current rules

The Settlement Zone replaces the Township Zone identified in the current district plan.

Standards to ensure new houses contribute towards a safer street environment have been added.

A new Settlement Zone has been identified for the Waitaki Dam Village.

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities would have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

Within the SETZ new houses and minor residential units would not require a resource consent if they meet standards for density, height, coverage, setbacks etc. Home businesses, homestay visitor accommodation, recreation, commercial, industrial, service, education, health and papakāika would also not require a resource consent if certain conditions and standards are met.

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

What are the key issues we need to think about?

The TCZ replaces parts of the Business 1, 1A and Business Heritage zones in the Ōamaru town centre.

With Ōamaru, Weston and Kakanui expected to grow by up to another 3,000 people, we want to accommodate growth by encouraging town centre living and greater density of urban form. We want to ensure the Ōamaru town centre functions as the vibrant heart of our town and is a place to live, work and play in.

Alongside this we want to give appropriate protection to the heritage we have which makes up so much of our town centre – to preserve the buildings and enable new uses for them. Ōamaru’s heritage is unique in New Zealand and it is what makes Ōamaru, Ōamaru. Good design of new development in our town centre is important –if design is not managed appropriately the qualities of our town centre can be eroded.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The Town Centre Zone (TCZ) covers Ōamaru’s central business area and has been mapped in the Draft District Plan from Ribble Street through to Wansbeck Street.

The key objective of the chapter is for the zone to be the main commercial and civic centre for the district and allow a diverse range of activities – commercial, visitor accommodation, recreational, educational and community activities would all permitted as would limited types of industrial activity. Residential living would also allowed. New large format retail would only permitted when establishing within an existing building. All these activities would need to comply with certain standards, and if they did not a resource consent would be required.

Activities that would require a resource consent include large format retail activity in new buildings, and service stations.

The Town Centre Zone contains much of the Ōamaru Historic Area. Current rules addressing alterations to existing buildings, demolition and new buildings south of Coquet Street have been clarified and have shifted, now being found in Part B of the Historic Heritage (HH) chapter – check out the Historic Heritage chapter or summary.

Key changes from the current rules

• When the TCZ site neighbours Open Space or Sport and Active Recreation zones new activities would be subject to limits on hours of operation and boundary landscaping requirements. These same limits would continue to apply to new activities if on a TCZ site that neighbours a Residential zone.
• The establishment of new noise sensitive activities (residential living, visitor accommodation, places of worship etc.) would need to incorporate acoustic treatment measures.
• New residential activity at ground level would be restricted to the rear of buildings to encourage active shop frontages facing the street.
• Controls specific to large format retail are introduced and this would only be permitted where it takes place in an existing building. The current blanket requirement for resource consent for demolition of buildings would be removed from the zone provisions and instead addressed through more targeted provisions in Part B of the Historic Heritage chapter.
• While retained at 12m for now, the height limit for new buildings is likely to be increased. With the Spatial Plan now adopted, we need to undertake an accessibility and demand assessment as required by the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 (NPSUD) before we determine what the appropriate height limit is for the Proposed District Plan.
  
  

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and can continue to operate unchanged.

If your property is in the TCZ, typical commercial activities could be undertaken in the zone without needing a resource consent if they complied with certain standards (outdoor storage, and when neighbouring Residential or Open Space zones limits on hours of operation and boundary landscaping). Industrial activities, other than craft and cottage industrial activities would require a resource consent.

Additions and alterations to existing buildings would be permitted (but check out the HH chapter or summary and SCHED3 if you are in the Ōamaru Historic Area and/or own a listed Historic Heritage building – see SCHED2).

The current Plan requirement for new buildings in the Town Centre Zone to go through a resource consent process, with the focus on good design, would continue.  

Urban design controls are targeted to areas where they are considered necessary to maintain the character of areas that are valued by the community, or to ensure that developments integrate with the public realm and result in attractive and inviting town centre spaces. 

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

 What are the key issues we need to think about?

The Operative District Plan has a range of Business zones which have various roles and functions for different commercial and industrial areas across the district. The Business 2 zone covers the suburban shopping centres of Ōamaru and the commercial centres of the district’s larger towns with reticulation. The National Planning Standards (NPS) now requires prescribed Commercial and Mixed-Use zones be used within district plans.

The role and function of the Business 2 zone across the district, the Business 1 zone in Palmerston and the Business 6 zone in Otematata and Ōmārama fits best into the description of the Local Centre Zone provided for by the NPS.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The Local Centre Zone (LCZ) applies to the commercial centres of the district’s larger towns with reticulation (Weston, Kurow, Otematata, Ōmārama and Palmerston) and the suburban shopping centres in Ōamaru. The primary function of the zone is to provide for the commercial needs of the community within which they are situated and/or those travelling through the towns.

It is suggested that the area around the Kakanui shop and community hall becomes Local Centre Zone to align with the recently adopted Ōamaru, Weston, and Kakanui Spatial Plan.

The wide range of activities permitted for the zone continues, with commercial activity, community facilities, educational facilities, recreational activities, residential activity, and visitor accommodation able to be carried out without a resource consent (provided standards for building height, setbacks, shop frontages, landscaping, hours of operation etc. are met). Resource consent would be required where standards are not complied with. Because sites in the LCZ often adjoin residential neighbours, it is suggested that controls over the scale of buildings and their proximity to residential zone boundaries is rolled over to continue managing effects between neighbouring sites.

In Ōmārama and Otematata the Business 6 zone (Traveller’s Accommodation) is suggested to be replaced with a Visitor Accommodation Precinct. This precinct is an overlay where the rules and standards supersede the rule framework of the underlying zone. The precinct is for sites that are developed or have been identified as appropriate for the establishment of visitor accommodation. The precinct has a narrower range of permitted activities - visitor accommodation, residential activity, and commercial activity limited to restaurants, the sale of food and beverages or souvenirs. You can view the draft Local Centre zone and Visitor Accommodation Precinct section for more information.

Key changes from the current rules

• The use of a building would be separated out from the construction of a building, and be treated separately in the rules.
• The establishment of new noise sensitive activities (residential living, visitor accommodation, places of worship etc.) would need to incorporate acoustic treatment measures.
• New residential activity at ground level would be restricted to the rear of buildings to encourage active shop frontages facing the street. The maximum height for the LCZ in Ōamaru would increase to 12m (the 10m height limit would be retained for LCZ in other towns).
• New repair workshops would require a resource consent.
• The bulk and location controls for new buildings in the LCZ when neighbouring a more sensitive zone are suggested to continue to apply to residential zones and to also apply to Open Space, and Sport and Active Recreation zones.
  
  

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

If your property is in the LCZ typical commercial activities can be undertaken in the zone without needing a resource consent if they comply with certain standards (limits on buildings such as maximum height and building coverage), and limits for activities (hours of operations etc.). To establish other activities such as industrial activities, would require a resource consent.

Permitted activity in the Visitor Accommodation Precinct includes visitor accommodation, residential activities and commercial activity limited to restaurants, the sale of food and beverage or souvenirs.

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

 What are the key issues we need to think about?

The Mixed Use Zone (MUZ) replaces parts of the Business 3 zone of the operative plan. 

Following the adoption of the Ōamaru, Weston and Kakanui Spatial Plan, the focus of the MUZ chapter has shifted to enabling a mix of compatible uses alongside higher density living – with the zone acting as a transition between the commercial zones and medium density residential zone. As such, we are now reconsidering whether the MUZ in Palmerston, Kurow, Otematata, and Ōmārama would be better suited as a light Industrial Zone, given these areas may not be suitable for additional residential living.

You can view the draft Mixed Use zones chapter here.

The Spatial Plan identified an area between Coquet and Dee Streets between Thames and Reed Streets for Bulk Retail businesses. The National Planning Standards indicates that this type of land use would be managed by way of a Large Format Retail Zone (LFRZ). In line with the Spatial Plan and NPS we will be developing the provisions of this LFR zone chapter for the Proposed District Plan. 

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The key objective for the MUZ is to accommodate a range of compatible residential, visitor accommodation, recreational, educational, and community activities, along with limited retailing and some specific industrial activities.

The mixed-use areas in Ōamaru wrap around much of the town centre and Ōamaru Historic Area and act as ‘gateways’ into to our town centre where quality design outcomes are sought. Because of this, the MUZ also has a need for quality design outcomes. The Draft Ōamaru Town Centre Design Guidelines have several parts with design direction specific to the MUZ.

The draft chapter currently contains provisions relating to large format retail activity. However, these are suggested to shift from this chapter into a specific LFRZ chapter. After this shift, bulk retailing in the MUZ will be discouraged and will require a consent. 

Key changes from the current rules

The MUZ zone would replace the B3 zone where it wraps around the northern end of the town centre zone. Much of what is currently Business Heritage zone around the Ōamaru Harbour would also become MUZ. Many of the Business 3 rules are rolled over from the Operative Plan. 

• Limits on any retailing are continued, but the provision for very large retail outlets (LFR) will change to align with the direction of the Spatial Plan.
• An increase in the maximum permitted height limit (from 10m to 12m).
• New development on a MUZ site would be subject to a new standard setting a minimum permeable surface area.
• New Industrial activities would require a resource consent, except for marine related industry activity which is specifically permitted in the MUZ when in the Ōamaru Harbour Precinct.
• When new noise sensitive activities (residential living, visitor accommodation, places of worship etc.) establish in the zone they would need to incorporate acoustic treatment measures.
• New provisions to improve amenity for new residential activity.
• The bulk and location controls for new buildings in the MUZ when neighbouring a more sensitive zone are suggested to continue to apply to residential zones and to also apply when Open Space, and Sport and Active Recreation zones.
  
  

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

If your property is in the MUZ a range of activities can be undertaken in the zone without needing a resource consent if they comply with certain standards for new buildings (limits on buildings such as maximum height and building coverage), and limits for activities (hours of operations etc.). To establish other activities such as industrial activities, would require a resource consent given this can be less compatible with residential activities. Limits are placed on commercial activities retailing from this zone, to avoid dispersal of retail activities from the town centre or local centre zones. 

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

 What are the key issues we need to think about?

We need to ensure we zone our land correctly to maximise its use for industrial activities, but just as importantly, manage the effects on the environment and the community from these types of land use activities.

Some industrial activities can generate odour, high volumes of traffic and can be visually obtrusive. These effects can sometimes extend beyond the site itself and can create nuisance effects where they adjoin open spaces or residential areas.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The General Industrial Zones (GIZ) have been identified and mapped in the Draft District Plan at the northern end of Ōamaru and in Palmerston. They are areas that contain primarily industrial activities and provide for other activities that are compatible with the industrial activities.

Industrial and ancillary activities would be permitted within the zone. Non-industrial activities would need a resource consent to locate within the GIZ, as would potentially high-impact industries such as chemical fertiliser plants, meat processing, cement manufacture, storage and disposal of sewage material, commercial composting etc. Potentially high-impact activities are encouraged to locate in the Heavy Industrial Zone (HIZ).

The key objective of the chapter is for the zone to provide for a range of industrial activities that support the well-being and prosperity of the district and do not detract from the role of Ōamaru town centre or Palmerston centre.

We are considering whether a Light Industrial Zone would be better suited to areas along Humber Street as far north as Regina Lane in Ōamaru and the North Oamaru Business Park to recognise the existing activities and proximity to residential areas.

You can see view the full General Industrial Zones chapter here.

Key changes from the current rules

The General Industrial Zone replaces the Business 4 Zone in the Operative District Plan.

Most of the current rules are being rolled over into the Draft District Plan.

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities would have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

Industrial activities could be carried out in these zones without a resource consent so long as they do not have a potentially high impact and can comply with certain standards for height, coverage, setbacks, hours of operation and provide landscaping. Ancillary activities and building activities can also be carried out without a resource consent so long as standards are complied with.

Potentially high impact industrial activities and other non-industrial activities would require a resource consent. A consent would be required for all residential, commercial or sensitive activities (residential, education, healthcare etc).

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

What are the key issues we need to think about?

The Heavy Industrial Zone applies to the two meat processing plants at Pukeuri and at the eastern end of Redcastle Road. Both sites are located away from residential areas and could potentially accommodate other heavy industrial activities that are potentially noisy or have the potential to emit odour or are high heavy traffic generators.

These areas need protection so they are not compromised by more sensitive activities and can continue to allow for potentially high impact activities that contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the district.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

Within the Heavy Industrial Zone (HIZ), industrial activity and the ancillary sale of meat would be permitted without a resource consent so long as standards were complied with. These standards cover building height, site coverage, setbacks, and landscaping. All other activities in the HIZ would require a resource consent.

The key objective of the chapter is for the HIZ to accommodate industrial activities, including potentially high impact industrial activities that contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the district and protect the zone from activities that could compromise the ability of these industries to operate.  

Key changes from the current rules

The Heavy Industrial Zone replaces the Business 5 Zone in the Operative District Plan.

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities would have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

The zone surrounding the meat processing plants would be reserved for industrial activity and the sale of meat that had been processed on site. All other activities in the zone would require a resource consent.

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

What are the key issues we need to think about?

Open space is an important recreation, community and environmental resource to the district and requires protection from inappropriate activities that could degrade its qualities, character, and values.

Open spaces have different purposes – some have high ecological, landscape, cultural and heritage values (for example Cape Wanbrow) while some provide space for passive recreation (such as the Ōamaru Gardens) and active recreation (like parks and sports fields). The Open Space Zone chapter deals with areas that are used for more passive recreation and are generally more open in nature. Active recreation areas are addressed under a separate chapter in the Draft District Plan - Sport and Active Recreation Zone.

The Waitaki Reserves Management Plan 2014 deals with the day-to-day management of reserves under the Reserves Act whereas the District Plan manages their overall land use and development.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The Open Space Zone (OSZ) is designed to provide open space for a range of passive recreational activities. Such activities, along with some ancillary commercial activities, conservation activities, customary activities, parks management facilities and furniture, community facilities and educational facilities would be permitted activities.

All other activities, in the OSZ, including residential, visitor accommodation, quarrying, mining or industrial activities would require a resource consent.

The key objective of the zone is to support a range of recreational activities and to protect the predominant character and amenity values of the open space.

You can view the Open Space Zone chapter here.

Key changes from the current rules

The Open Space Zone is a new zone. In the current District Plan parks facilities are enabled through designations and often require outline plans to be lodged before new works can be undertaken. The new zone will provide for Council managed reserves to operate without the need for a resource consent where they are able to meet the rules and standards for the zone.

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities would have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

Activities that are compatible with the role, function and character of the open space would not need a resource consent so long as they comply with certain standards such as height, building coverage, setbacks and hours of operation.These activities include sport and recreation, ancillary commercial activities, conservation, customary, community and educational activities along with parks facilities and furniture. Other activities would need a resource consent.

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

What are the key issues we need to think about? 

Sports and active recreation areas are usually large open space areas with associated buildings and structures and can generate noise, light and traffic effects in surrounding neighbourhoods. 

Much of the land zoned Sport and Active Recreation Zone is subject to Reserve Management Plans. Reserve Management Plans determine what types of land uses are appropriate for Council owned reserves. The Resource Management Act is responsible for managing the effects on the surrounding environment of activities taking place on those reserves. 

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan? 

The Sport and Active Recreation Zone (SARZ) applies to open space areas that provide for a range of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation activities, along with associated facilities and structures. 

The zone includes a range of sport and recreation activities, including organised sport and recreation for local, district-wide and regional communities in parks, sports grounds and multi-sport facilities.   

The key objective of the SARZ chapter is to provide for a range of indoor and outdoor sport and recreational activities with associated facilities and structures. 

Open spaces used for passive recreation, such as Cape Wanbrow, local parks and play areas, are identified as Open Space Zone and addressed in a separate chapter. 

Rules in the Light, Noise, Signs, Transport and Temporary Activities chapters would also apply to activities within the SARZ. These chapters would manage effects in relation to any noise, light, signage and traffic effects generated by sports and recreation facilities. 

You can view the areas identified as Sport and Active Recreation Zone here. 

You can view the full draft chapter here . 

Key changes from the current rules: 

The Sport and Active Recreation Zone is a new zone. In the current District Plan sports and recreation facilities are enabled through designations and often require outline plans to be lodged before new works can be undertaken. The new zone will provide for sport and recreation facilities to operate without the need for a resource consent where they are able to meet the rules and standards for the zone. 

What does it mean for me? 

Any lawfully established existing businesses or activities would have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged. 

The Sport and Active Recreation Zone would provide for a range of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation activities and activities associated with them, including parks management, furniture and facilities, educational facilities, and some associated commercial activities, as permitted activities. 

All other activities in the SARZ, including most commercial activity, residential activities, camping grounds and visitor accommodation would require a resource consent. 

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

What are the key issues we need to think about?

The area around Macraes Flat has been mined for gold periodically since the mid 1800’s but since 1990 has been subject to ongoing large-scale opencast and underground mining, extracting ore. The Macraes goldmine is the largest in New Zealand and since the commencement of operations over 5 million ounces of gold has been produced. The Special Purpose Zone - Macraes Mining SPZMM) covers some 11,200 hectares. The key issue is how to strike the balance between recognising the economic and social benefits of mining, while ensuring adverse effects on the environment are avoided, remedied or mitigated.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan

The SPZMM covers the area around Macraes Flat that is used for gold mining. It is divided into two overlays – the ‘Existing Mining Overlay’ and the ‘Potential Mining Overlay’. The boundaries for these two overlays have not yet been determined.

The Existing Mining Overlay would cover land that has consents already issued for mining related activities (excavation of pits, waste rock stacks, haul roads and the gold processing plant and underground mining).

The Potential Mining Overlay is the remaining land in the SPZMM that has not yet been mined. It may be pursued in the future dependant on prospecting or exploration and financial feasibility. For now the typical land use in this Potential Mining Overlay is pastoral farming.

The SPZMM has early mining features identified that are listed Historic Heritage Items. There are a number of other draft overlays in the area due to the landscape values and indigenous vegetation and habitat present for indigenous fauna, which are likely to be of considerable value.

Permitted activities in the SPZMM would include prospecting, primary production activities, residential activities, recreational activities, building activity and tree planting (provided species do not include any wilding conifers and met planting setbacks). Exploration in the Existing Mining Overlay would be permitted. All other activities in the SPZMM, including mining, would require a resource consent.

Key changes from the current rules

The SPZMM would replace the Macraes Mining Zone from the Operative District Plan. The extent of the zone has increased substantially to both the north-west and south-east of the current zone.

You can view the extent of the draft Special Purpose Zone – Macraes Mining here.

Some key differences from the Operative District Plan rules are:

• The relaxation of rules for Recreational Activities (currently restricted to only organised groups or private visits to the Macraes Mining operation.
• Exploration would require a consent in the Potential Mining Overlay.
• Mining would require a consent in the zone with a number of matters able to be considered and made subject to consent conditions – such as disturbance to land effects, the siting of buildings, infrastructure and other equipment or plant, landscaping and rehabilitation and measures to maintain indigenous biodiversity.
• Residential activities would be permitted.
  
  

What does it mean for me?

Any lawfully established existing activities would have what is referred to as ‘existing use rights’ and could continue to operate unchanged.

The land in the SPZMM is in the ownership of Oceana Gold NZ Ltd (OGL). The Existing Mining Overlay recognises existing mining is occurring and would control new mining activities in order to maintain any indigenous biodiversity values and manage effects of noise, vibration, access and lighting on the amenity values of the adjacent General Rural Zone. The Potential Mining Overlay recognises that it is an area which may be appropriate for mining activities provided the activity does not compromise the identified characteristics and values of any sensitive environment.

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

WHAT ARE THE KEY ISSUES WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT?

 The Special Purpose Zone - Lakes (SPZL) applies to an area of some 129 hectares in the upper Waitaki Valley between the townships of Otematata and Ōmārama, on the south-eastern shores of the western arm of Lake Benmore. The location is generally referred to as ‘Bog Roy’. You can view the location and extent of the Special Purpose Zone - Lakes on our website.

The Operative District Plan zoning for this site is Rural-Residential which sets a 1 hectare minimum lot size for subdivision. There are no consents required for earthworks or buildings and no standards for management of siting, design or appearance of buildings despite the high landscape values of the surrounding Outstanding Natural Landscape and Rural Scenic Landscape.

Since the current District Plan was made Operative with a Rural-Residential zone in this lakeside location, there has been an increased focus on sustainable development patterns in the Regional Policy Statement which the District Plan must give effect to. There is also an increased focus on freshwater management. 

The key issue is what level of development might be appropriate in this location with its high visual and amenity values. What controls should be put in place to ensure any subdivision or landuse here results in high-quality, sustainable development.

What are we suggesting in the Draft District Plan?

The key objective for the zone is for limited low-density rural-lifestyle activities that in terms of building position, scale, design and materials, integrates with, and protects, the landscape and amenity values experienced by locals and visitors to this part of the Waitaki Valley.

It is suggested that the key mechanism for the management of development in this SPZ would be by compliance with an Outline Development Plan (ODP). An ODP indicates where different activities and development can be located. An ODP defines the boundaries, the location of development activities and a general roading layout.

The National Planning Standards lets us use Special Purpose Zones, but only when the anticipated outcomes of the zone meet 3 criteria:

•  Are significant to the district, region or country
• Are impractical to be managed through another zone
• Are impractical to be managed through a combination of spatial layers.

You can view the draft chapter here. The rules for the chapter are still being considered.

KEY CHANGES FROM THE CURRENT RULES

The SPZL would replace the Rural-Residential Zone at the south-eastern end of Lake Benmore on Bog Roy Station. View the location of the draft Special Purpose Zone – Lakes here. Some key differences from the Operative District Plan are:

• There would be a focus on the external appearance of buildings and structures, where the Rural-Residential Zone has no such controls.
• There may be setbacks required from the lake, no build areas or lower heights to maintain the predominantly open character.
• There may be provisions or guidance on appropriate landscaping to reduce the visual impact of any development.

Ōamaru Airport provisions to be addressed at the Proposed District Plan stage.

Ōmarama Airport provisions to be addressed at the Proposed District Plan stage.

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

This chapter contains objectives, policies and rules relating to the General Residential Zone and Medium Density Residential Zone.

The purpose of the Residential zones is to provide zones where residential amenity values and the quality of the built environment reflects the purpose and character intended for the Residential zones. A range of housing types, densities and activities are provided for to meet the diverse needs of the community, with provisions to ensure that the effects of development on adjoining sites are minimised, including visual amenity, privacy and access to daylight and sunlight. Home businesses and other non-residential activities that support the social and economic health and well-being of the community are enabled where the activities minimise adverse effects on residential character and amenity values. Non-residential activities that are incompatible with residential amenity values, or which are more appropriately located in other zones, are discouraged.

Please read the full chapter before giving us your feedback

This chapter contains objectives, policies and rules for the General Rural Zone, the Rural Lifestyle Zone and the Settlement Zone.

The purpose of the Rural Zones is to manage the effects of development and ensure that rural amenity values, rural production values, rural living and settlements, and conservation values are appropriately managed to enable their ongoing use for providing for agriculture, horticulture, conservation, tourism and other rural activities within the wider rural area. The rural area of the Waitaki District spans from the high country, including Ōmārama Basin, through to the foothills and out to the plains and downland hill country. It contains a range of natural resources, including highly productive land for farming, as well as minerals, and important landscapes and ecosystems.

Significant land use change has taken place in the high country, where previous dryland farming has changed with the advent of wider irrigation practices. This has modified and, in many cases, devalued the outstanding landscape areas of the upper Waitaki high country. The high country has also been impacted by pest incursion, changing parts of the high country values through introduced pest species. The long term sustainability of pastoral farming will depend upon farmers being able to achieve economic returns from utilising the natural and physical resources of their properties. For this reason, it is important to acknowledge the potential for a range of alternative uses of rural properties that utilise the qualities that make them so valuable.

The Waitaki District remains important for the South Island’s tourism economy, with the network of lakes in the District as well as the landscapes of the high-country attracting tourists, along with the coastal areas around Moeraki and the beaches and headlands, south of Ōamaru. Change in the high country which can potentially detract from its important landscape, ecological and cultural values needs to be carefully managed.