Process & Timeline

The Shaping Horowhenua project will be undertaken over the next three or more years. The project is being undertaken in several phases, which are explained below.  For each phase there is a key timeframe for the phase to be completed.  Please note that the timeframes provided are only anticipated timeframes.  The significance of this project combined with the great range of matters that need to be addressed means that it may be necessary to adjust project timeframes as the project proceeds. There will be several opportunities throughout this process for members of the community to provide feedback or get involved with this project.

Where is the District Plan Review project up to?

We are currently in Phase 1B, if however you would like to provide feedback on the Discussion Document (Phase 1A) it is not too late, we are still interested in your feedback.

Continue reading below for more details about each phase of the project. 

What is the timeframe for each project phase?

 Phase 1A        Discussion Document Preparation

Timeframe:       Discussion Documents released during October 2011

The preparation of the Discussion Document builds on the valuable community input provided through the Shaping Horowhenua Survey.  The Discussion Document identifies a number of topical resource management issues for our district and outlines some of the different options we are considering to address these issues.  The discussion document sought to informally engage the community and get their opinions on the issues and options identified.

Phase 1B        Plan Preparation and Notification

Anticipated Timeframe:       Proposed District Plan Notified in July 2012

Phase 2A        Submissions

Anticipated Timeframe:       Submissions received by September 2012

Once the Proposed District Plan has been publicly notified, there will be the opportunity to make formal submissions supporting or opposing what has been included in the Plan.

Phase 2B        Further Submissions

Anticipated Timeframe:       Further Submissions received by November 2012

Once the formal submissions have been received and the period for submissions has closed, a summary of all the submissions will be prepared.  The Summary of Submissions will be publicly notified to allow for further submissions to be made.  Further submissions can only be made in relation to original submissions that have been received.

Phase 3          Planning Report Preparation

Anticipated Timeframe:       Planning Report prepared by April 2013

A planning report will be prepared for the public hearing.  This planning report will consider all the submissions and further submissions received and provide recommendations to the hearing panel.  The report will outline any recommended changes to what was in the notified Proposed District Plan.  The Planning Report is circulated prior to the hearing, to all submitters who have indicated that they wish to speak at the hearing.

Phase 4          Hearings

Anticipated Timeframe:       Public Hearings held by June 2013

The public hearing will be the opportunity for submitters to verbally present their submissions.  The hearing will also involve the reporting planner speaking to their Planning Report and the recommendations set out within it. 

Phase 5          Decision

Anticipated Timeframe:       Decision adopted by Council by October 2013

Following the conclusion of the public hearing the hearing panel will then begin deliberations.  The hearing panel in reaching their decision will consider all the information and evidence that has been presented to them either verbally or in written form.  The decision will need to address the submissions that have been made.  The decision will need to be adopted by Council before it is publicly notified.

Phase 6          Appeals

Anticipated Timeframe:       Appeals lodged with Environment Court by December 2013

Once the decision has been issued and publicly notified submitters have the opportunity to lodge appeals with the Environment Court if they are not satisfied with the Council’s decision.  There is also the opportunity for submitters to join an appeal as an interested party.

Phase 7          Plan made Operative

Anticipated Timeframe:       Appeals resolved 2014 onwards

Appeals to the Environment Court can be resolved in a variety of ways including through Environment Court assisted mediation and Environment Court hearings.  Once appeals have been resolved the Proposed District Plan can then be made operative.