By Kaaren Joubert, Planning Manager, Cato Bolam Consultants.
If you own land in Kaipara and want to stay informed about potential land use changes, the Proposed Kaipara District Plan is currently in the hearings phase, offering a clearer view of how key provisions are being tested and refined.
While final decisions are still some time away, this stage helps signal which parts of the plan are under closer scrutiny and where changes may emerge as evidence is considered.
What is being heard now
The first hearing topic was Light, heard in January 2026. The panel has since progressed to other scheduled topics, including how the plan works, national direction instruments, and temporary activities. Attention is now turning to the March hearings, which include:
- SPZ Hospital
- Hazards and Risk, including Hazardous Substances and Contaminated Land
- Signs
- Renewable Electricity Generation
Some of these topics are district-wide. Others may be more relevant depending on your location or land use.
For landowners in Mangawhai, Kaiwaka, Dargaville and Maungatūroto, hearings relating to zoning, infrastructure, and hazard management are likely to be of particular interest as the process progresses. (Note that if you have not made a submission or a further submission, you will only be able to observe the hearing outcomes).
How to stay informed
Council has made it easier to follow what is happening by developing two useful resources.
This shows which topics received submissions. If a topic is not listed, it generally means no submissions were lodged on that matter. View submissions list by topic. Note: Due to errors or omissions in the original Summary of Submissions, a small number of submission points have been renotified for further submissions. All other further submissions have closed.
The interactive map shows where submission points were raised across the district. It is not a decision on the zoning in the Proposed District Plan, but it does provide insight into which areas attracted discussion and what themes may continue to be debated. View the Submissions map tool
The Council website also includes: the full hearing schedule; hearing evidence; and video recordings once available. For landowners who want to stay across the detail without attending in person, these resources are helpful.
What this means for your land
Although the plan is not yet operative, the direction signalled through hearings often shapes the final outcome.
Three things are worth keeping in mind:
- This is where detail matters.
Technical evidence carries weight at hearings. Issues such as flood risk, servicing, infrastructure capacity and zoning interpretation are examined carefully. - Growth is likely to remain staged.
Across Kaipara, planning direction continues to emphasise infrastructure readiness, hazard management and structured settlement growth rather than broad, unsequenced expansion. - Location still counts.
Discussion and submission interest are often more concentrated around key settlements, where development pressure and infrastructure considerations intersect.
For landowners, the key question is not simply what the proposed map shows, but how the emerging provisions apply to your specific site.
For those providing evidence at an upcoming hearing
Notification timeframes
-
25 working days before your scheduled topic hearing
-
80 days in advance for major scheduled zoning hearings
Evidence deadlines
-
3 weeks prior for expert evidence submitted electronically
-
2 weeks prior if you want evidence tabled but will not attend
Lay submitters
-
Bring 10 hard copies to the hearing
-
Provide electronic copies within 2 days if not submitted earlier
-
After the bullets, reinforce the practical implication:
These timeframes are firm and preparation often takes longer than expected, particularly where technical input is required. Find out more on the Kaipara District Council’s website.
How we can help
With a local office in Mangawhai, Cato Bolam works alongside Kaipara landowners on planning strategy, technical assessments and development feasibility.
If you are preparing for a hearing, or would like to understand how the Proposed District Plan may affect your property, we can assist with clear planning advice and well-supported evidence.
If you would like to discuss your land and next steps, contact our planning team.
