Future Development Strategy

Whangarei District Council and Northland Regional Council were required to prepare the strategy as part of the Government’s National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020 (updated May 2022).  

A Future Development Strategy allows councils and communities to set a vision for their future and then develop a plan for how to get there. This includes high-level direction about different land uses, which areas will need to grow and change, and where, when and what infrastructure is needed.  

Whangārei’s Future Development Strategy outlines a bold vision for growth and investment in the District, guiding others on working with Council to deliver positive outcomes for our communities.  

The strategy also expands on the work of the 2021 Growth Strategy, Whangārei Housing and Business Land Capacity Assessment, and other relevant plans and reports. 

Whangārei District Growth Strategy  

Whangārei Housing and Business Land Capacity Assessment

The Future Development Strategy plans for: 

• where to build houses, shops and industry 
• identifying suitable areas for urban density, supporting more affordable housing and addressing housing need 
• ensuring infrastructure decisions are well planned and benefit our community the most, as well as to support our changing communities and environment 
• providing safe and accessible ways to home, work, education, employment and other activities 
• recognising and protecting sites of historical and cultural significance 
• planning for natural hazards and climate change. 

No – the Future Development Strategy does not directly change land-use rules, but it does identify areas that may be considered for future plan changes to rezone them.  

The Future Development Strategy must be regarded to when a resource management planning document is prepared or changed, such as the Whangārei Operative District Plan. However, this does not replace existing planning processes and detailed assessments undertaken before any land is considered for rezoning. 

We carried out extensive engagement throughout the development of the strategy over approximately two years. This helped to evaluate many growth and development options for Whangārei.  

We engaged with: 

• tangata whenua 
• Central Government agencies 
• infrastructure and asset owners, including electricity suppliers 
• developers and other sectors, including community housing providers 
• community groups, special interest / advisory groups and residents.  

The Whangārei Future Development Strategy Technical Report provides the supporting information on how, and with whom, the strategy was developed.  

Whangārei Future Development Strategy Technical Report(PDF, 7MB)

Council funding decisions are made through the Long Term Plan process, which takes place every three years.  

Council should use the Future Development Strategy to inform our Long Term Plans.  Noting that an infrastructure project in the Future Development Strategy does not guarantee set funding within the Long Term Plans. 

Planning to a 30-year timeframe is challenging and uncertain, as Central Government direction and priorities are likely to change. While the strategy is aligned to current directives, it is designed to remain adaptable to future shifts and needs. 

Additionally, the strategy must be reviewed every three years to ensure it is still suitable, and a new strategy must be prepared every six years. This regular update cycle enables us to respond effectively to future changes in national policy direction and other developments within the District that require action. 

Whangarei District Council and Northland Regional Council will jointly prepare an Implementation Plan.  

The Implementation Plan provides an added layer of detail about projects, timelines and outcomes to achieve the vision and objectives within the strategy. Work is now underway to complete the Implementation Plan. 

Hearing report(PDF, 176KB)

Procedure sheet(PDF, 116KB)

Summary of Feedback Report(PDF, 822KB)

Submission Report: Volume 1(PDF, 4MB)

Submission Report: Volume 2(PDF, 2MB)  

Submission Report: Volume 3(PDF, 6MB)

Submission Report: Volume 4(PDF, 264KB)

Submission Report: Volume 5(PDF, 25MB)

Submission Report: Volume 6(PDF, 6MB)

Issues and options - Introduction(PDF, 274KB)

Part A - Building in existing town centres(PDF, 680KB)

Part B - Open up a full range of housing types(PDF, 535KB)

Part C - Prepare transport systems for growth(PDF, 483KB)

Part D - Make full use of infrastructure investment(PDF, 376KB)

Part E - Cultural identity and values(PDF, 306KB)

Part F - Strategic objectives(PDF, 334KB)

Part G - Other matters(PDF, 454KB)