Resource Consent - Subdivision at 597 Horahora Road, Arapuni

A private applicant has lodged a resource consent application for joint land use (to enable construction of the dwellings within the proposed new lots) and subdivision development, proposing an 81‑lot rural‑lifestyle subdivision on land zoned as rural-lifestyle. This proposal is not a Council development. Council’s role is to assess the application in accordance with the Resource Management Act (RMA) and the District Plan.

597 Horahora Road, Arapuni. The lot is positioned adjacent to the banks of the Waikato River. Site maps are available to view in the weblinks above.

No. This is a private development proposal.
Council’s sole role is to:

• Receive the application,
• Assess it against the RMA and District Plan,
• Seek expert advice where required, and
• Make decisions through the correct legal processes.

Council does not design, fund, or profit from the proposed development.

Council is required under the RMA legislation to consider the potential effects of the development on Māori cultural values, sites of significance, and relationships with the land and water.
This includes:

• Notifying or consulting relevant iwi authorities,
• Seeking cultural advice or Cultural Impact Assessments if required,
• Considering iwi submissions received.

The applicant has identified and engaged with three key iwi associated with this area, including Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Raukawa and Ngāti Haua.

An assessment under Sections 95A and 95B of the 1991 RMA determined the necessity for the public notification, which was undertaken in the report (see the s.95a and s.95b reports).

To date, there are no rate payer costs, this process requires the applicant pays.

Yes, the submission process is outlined in the Public Notice as set out below:

You may make a submission by sending a written or electronic submission to Resource Consents Officer, South Waikato District Council, Private Bag 7, Tokoroa 3444; email: submissions@southwaikato.govt.nz, or via Council’s website. The submission must be provided on Council’s Form 13 format. Copies of this form are available from Council offices or see the online submission form.

Submissions open Friday 13 March 2026 and close at 5.00pm on Wednesday 15 April 2026.

You must serve a copy of your submission to the agent on behalf of the applicant, as soon as reasonably practicable after serving your submission on the South Waikato District Council:
Rebecca Stenstra
Cogswell Surveys
5 Milicich Place
Cambridge 3434
Email: rebecca@cogswell.co.nz

The applicant must assess all relevant environmental effects and provide the following assessments:

• Traffic and infrastructure impacts,
• Effects on rural character and landscape,
• Stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water infrastructure,
• Ecological and environmental effects.

Council experts (and independent specialists, where necessary) review this information before making decisions.

No. This is not a Plan Change.
It is a Resource Consent Application which must fit within the Rules, Objectives and Policies of the existing District Plan.

Infrastructure impacts—such as water, wastewater, roads, and stormwater—are a key part of the assessment.

If infrastructure upgrades are required, these would be the responsibility of the applicant, not ratepayers.

Page 26 of the Notification Report outlines the matters regarding cultural effects and why there are concerns. The public notification and the process which follows this notice includes the final determination, which will outline how any cultural effects will be addressed.