Decisions on Variation 2 Hearing 4 (which related to new greenfield residential rezonings) were released on 8 February 2023. The appeal period closed on 21 March 2023 and 16 appeals were received. These cover a number of sites across the city and most seek that the sites are zoned residential.

Both the 2GP planning map and ePlan have been marked up to show the sites and provisions that are under appeal. Decisions on plan changes (including rezoning) that did not receive any appeals are now deemed operative, which means that the new residential zoning and related rules apply.

The appeal process is run by the Environment Court and the DCC is currently in the process of holding informal meetings with appellants, prior to court-assisted mediation which will occur later this year. Any appeals that remain unresolved following mediation will proceed to an Environment Court hearing. These are likely to take place in the first half of 2024.

If you have any questions relating to the appeal process, please contact Bede Morrissey (Policy Planner) on bede.morrissey@dcc.govt.nz or phone 03 477 4000.