Plan Change 4 Outlines Roadmap for Future Urban Growth

The next stage in the South Waikato’s plans for growth in the District is now being publicly notified, with plans for seven new 'live zoned' growth cells and six Future Urban Zones set out.

South Waikato District Council this week publicly notified the proposed Plan Change 4, to allow for urban growth areas in and around Tīrau, Putāruru and Tokoroa, with the goal of ensuring adequate development land becomes available within the District until 2054. The notification period will run for a period of six weeks, until Wednesday 2 September, 2026.

The proposed rezoning of land identifies key growth cells across the main centers of the District, to prepare for future residential, commercial, industrial and rural lifestyle developments.

Some areas are flagged as Future Urban Zones, to set aside some flexibility for further developments as the District continues to grow.

"Plan Change 4 is about opening up new spaces for residents and businesses to set down roots and grow here. We're laying the foundations for the next 28 years,” Planning and Performance Manager, Gary Knighton, said.

“We have had some pre-notification discussions with the community as part of public meetings held in July, and we are looking forward to hearing more from interested parties.”

This is the fourth change to the current South Waikato District Plan, with additional key changes to note such as the new rules for simplifying duplex and townhouse subdivisions, an improved natural hazard policy for flood protection, and amendments to help enhance Town Centre Zones and multi-modal transport connectivity.

Knighton said the proposed changes are based on evidence and a "common sense" approach.

"The Housing and Business Capacity Assessment we did back in 2023 estimated our population could nearly double by 2054,” he said.

“Even the more conservative assumption says we would reach about 35,000 in 25 years or so, and by then our community will have completely different needs and challenges. Getting ahead of any challenges is the main purpose of this plan.”

The Growth Plan 2024-2054 – adopted by the previous Council – sets out some ambitious visions and goals to adapt to the District's changing social and economic needs and includes an action to prioritise a District Plan Change for urban growth.

Open for public consultation until Wednesday, 2 September, Plan Change 4 is a major opportunity for Council to gather submissions from residents and organisations within the District and beyond, while South Waikato prepares for growth within the economically strong Waikato region.

Letter drops have been completed to South Waikato residents, three drop-in information sessions will be held (details below) and further information can be found at Council facilities across the District.

Information sessions:

• Tīrau | Saturday 15 August: 10am-12pm
  Tīrau Information Centre (The Dog), SH1, Tīrau
• Putāruru | Wednesday 19 August: 9am-12pm
  Council Office, 2 Overdale Street, Putāruru
• Tokoroa | Wednesday 19 August: 2-5pm
  Council Office, Torphin Crescent, Tokoroa

For more information about Plan Change 4, please visit:
Public Consultation - Plan Change 4 - South Waikato District Council