The maps are arranged in pairs being Environments and Resource Areas. Each map in the pair covers the same geographical area. Each map has a key to explain the features of the map.

The maps of the Resource Areas show areas that are specially managed for various reasons.

The maps of the Environments (formerly called zones) show the areas that the district is divided into. Every part of the district is in an Environment.

The Environments Maps also show:

• Designations
• Road hierarchy
• Indicative roads
• Scheduled activities and overlay maps where deviations to the plan are identified

Airport approach paths (Designation DW 125) are mapped in a greater detail in Chapter 85 of the text.

The rules relating to the items on the maps are contained within the text of the Plan. To get an idea of what the Plan is proposing for a particular piece of land, follow these steps:

• Look at the Resource Area maps and other notations shown on the land, then look at the Environment maps and any other notations shown on the land.
• Look at the relevant rules (within the text) for each Resource Area or Environment to determine whether an activity is permitted or requires a resource consent.
• Details of designations are in Chapter 85 of the text.
• Further explanation about activity types and resource consents are contained in Chapters 2 and 3, and in the introductions to the different sections of rules, Chapters 35, 55 and 70, all contained within the text of the Plan.

Click here to view the full District Plan document.

Below are links to various District Plan maps grouped by categories:

GIS Maps

The District Plan is a statutory document which can only be changed through a legal process and is therefore rather static i.e. it does not report on property descriptions and the like. Being a statutory document it does not lean itself to manipulation or search opportunities.

The GIS map system, however, is an interactive system that records all sorts of information including the District Plan Zonings and Resource Areas. People can identify their property and drill down through all the layers to find the information they require including the District Plan information.

To find out which Rules, Policy and Objectives are applicable people will have to go back to the Statutory Document of the District Plan. To receive all information applicable on the property the public are advised to apply for a Land Information Memorandum (LIM).

Related Links
GIS Maps
Land Information Memorandum (LIM)
View changes made to District Plan Maps since May 2007 [PDF: 44kb]