Local Growth Strategy vs Spatial Plan
Council is working with regional partners to finalise the Our Places: Eastern Bay Spatial Plan — a shared regional view of future development challenges, opportunities, and likely growth areas over the next 30+ years.
The Spatial Plan looks at how housing, infrastructure, transport, community needs, and the environment need to be planned for the future. It’s initially focusing on Whakatāne, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, rural settlements, and the Rangitāiki Plains, where housing and business growth pressures are strongest. Iwi, hapū and whanau values, aspirations, and priorities have been woven throughout the plan.
Preparing the Spatial Plan has involved a range of technical work and extensive engagement with iwi/hapū, stakeholders, and the community. It tells a regional story of growth and change - and will guide Council’s work, influence regional and central government processes (such as regional deals and the Regional Infrastructure Fund), and shape future projects with our partners.
So, why a Local Growth Strategy?
Alongside the regional work, each council is preparing its own local growth plan, with further local engagement.
For the Whakatāne District, this will be the Whakatāne District Local Growth Strategy, which will:
- Complement the direction set in the regional Spatial Plan, but work at a more local scale.
- Cover both spatial (land use) and non-spatial (e.g. climate change community resilience, community wellbeing) considerations.
- Build on technical work and community engagement already completed for other plans, such as the Long Term Plan, Climate Change Strategy and risk assessments.
- Draw on similar local approaches developed in other parts of New Zealand, such as Waikato District, Horowhenua District and Porirua City.
Why it matters
Having a clear local growth strategy will:
- Give the community, iwi/hapū, developers, investors, and central government greater certainty about how we plan for growth.
- Help create more local employment opportunities and increase housing supply.
- Support district-wide wellbeing and environmental outcomes.
- Build developer confidence to invest in new residential and commercial development.
Awakeri Local Growth Strategy - Frequently Asked Questions
- Is my property going to be included in the Awakeri structure plan area or any future growth zones?
Awakeri is strategically located at the junction of SH2 and SH30, but no planning boundaries or zoning changes have been set. A key part of the structure plan will be how future growth integrates with existing services like the school, events centre, and commercial area. We’ll continue engaging with the community, but we can’t provide information on individual properties yet.
- How will future growth protect the rural and village character of Awakeri?
The structure plan will aim to balance urban growth with keeping the rural landscapes, sense of community, and village character that residents value.
- I’m a long-term landowner and want to understand how future growth might affect my property. What should I know?
We understand that planning for growth can feel uncertain, especially for people who’ve been on their land for a long time. At this stage, the structure plan is still in early phases, and no final decisions have been made about the location of zoning, development, or infrastructure.
These planning processes take time . We’ll continue to be transparent and keep communication open. You’re welcome to stay in touch local.growth@whakatane.govt.nz meet with us or provide feedback as the plan develops.
Land use, zoning and rural
- How will new growth affect existing rural properties?
Right now, all the land in this area is rural. If the structure plan goes ahead, some properties will be rezoned and that will mean change for those landowners. For others not directly included in the rezoning, things will stay as they are, with rural zoning still in place. Where new growth areas sit alongside rural properties, we’ll look at ways to soften the edges - like setbacks, buffer zones, or keeping and enhancing natural features - to help protect privacy, rural character, and lifestyle as much as possible.
- How will normal farm and rural activities be protected as the area grows?
The structure plan will make sure normal rural activities - like farming, spray application, or keeping animals - can continue without being affected by nearby development. This includes planning for separation between rural and urban areas, using buffers or other measures to protect the lifestyle, privacy, and operations of existing landowners.
- Will housing growth take over highly productive farmland?
Protecting highly productive land is a key consideration. Some productive land may be used to accommodate growth, but the plan aims to minimize loss while providing enough capacity for future housing.
- Will our land’s zoning change in the next District Plan Review?
No changes are confirmed at this stage. Government reforms mean district plan reviews are currently on hold. Any zoning changes would likely come later through future legislation, guided by the structure plan.
- Can I subdivide unproductive lifestyle blocks under the plan?
The structure plan will identify areas where subdivision may be appropriate, but this depends on infrastructure capacity, environmental suitability, and how the land fits strategically with the district’s growth plans.
Infrastructure and environment
- What's the timeline for infrastructure upgrades like wastewater, roads, or drainage?
There are no confirmed timelines yet. Detailed infrastructure planning will follow the structure plan process and be informed by technical investigations and community input.
- How will growth deal with stormwater, flooding, and peat soils?
Technical investigations will help identify suitable areas for development. Drainage, stormwater management, and soil conditions will guide where and how growth can safely occur.
- How will transport, walking/cycling, and road safety be addressed?
Transport planning is integrated into the structure plan. This includes safe connections for vehicles, walking and cycling routes, and speed management to make movement around Awakeri safer for everyone.
Business and housing
- If I run a business from my rural property, will I need a new consent?
Existing lawful businesses can continue operating under current consents or existing use rights, if the activity remains the same in scale and character.
- What types of businesses are expected along SH2 in Awakeri?
Large-scale industry will continue to be centred in Kawerau.
- Will the plan support affordable housing or retirement villages?
The structure plan will look at different housing types, including affordable and age-friendly options, to meet the community’s needs.
- Will lifestyle property owners still be able to maintain privacy, rural character, and land-based businesses?
Protecting existing landowner interests is a core part of the planning. While some land-use changes may occur, the impacts on current properties and living environments will be carefully considered.
Community engagement
- How can I stay informed and involved?
Stay engaged by attending events, providing feedback during consultation periods, or contacting the planning team directly. We’re also considering a community reference group to help guide the structure plan. More on this to come at a later date.
- Will there be consultation for zoning changes affecting properties?
Yes. Any zoning changes would go through formal consultation under the relevant legislation.
- How much weight will community and iwi views carry in final decisions?
All feedback from mana whenua, landowners, and the wider community will be considered when shaping the plan and future decisions.
- Will growth increase my rates?
Infrastructure investment does have cost implications. The timing and funding of any investment will be considered through the Long Term Plan, which balances growth with other Council priorities.
- Some people prefer growth to happen elsewhere. How does the Council decide where growth occurs?
The structure plan assesses land suitability, infrastructure, environmental constraints, and community input to guide where growth can best happen. The goal is to plan carefully and fairly.
For more on our Eastern Bay Spatial Plan visit ourplacesebop.org.nz the plan provides a shared, 30-year vision for how and where growth could occur across the Whakatāne, Kawerau, and Ōpōtiki districts.
- Is growth going to happen anyway?
Yes, growth is expected, but the structure plan focuses on how it happens. The aim is to balance community values, the environment, and infrastructure capacity, so growth occurs in the right places at the right time.
Stay in touch with us
You’re welcome to stay in touch local.growth@whakatane.govt.nz meet with us or provide feedback as the plan develops.