What is a plan change?

A plan change is when a council updates or makes a change to the planning rulebook for their city or district. For Auckland this is called the Auckland Unitary Plan.

The Auckland Unitary Plan sets the rules for how land can be used and how development can happen, such as:

• what can be built and where (types of homes, shops, and businesses)
• how rural land can be used
• how to look after the marine environment
• how land is protected, like cultural sites or areas at risk of natural hazards.

Since the Auckland Unitary Plan was approved in 2016, there has been over 100 plan changes.

Why a plan change matters

Plan changes respond to changing circumstances and shape how Auckland grows - where homes, jobs, parks, and transport connections will go. They also ensure the public can have a say on important issues like flood safety, housing supply; and protecting key places.

Types of plan changes

• Public (council-initiated): these are proposed by councils, often responding to new government laws, environmental risks, or region wide planning needs.
• Private: proposed by a person, business, landowner or developer to change the rules for a specific property, area or project.

How a plan change works

• The council notifies (publishes) the plan change for everyone to see it.
• The public can make submissions to say what they support, oppose, or want changed in the plan change.
• After submissions close, a ‘further submission’ period allows people comment on earlier submissions.
• Hearings are held where people who made a submission may present their views.
• The council makes a decision on the plan change.
• People who disagree can normally appeal to the Environment Court.
• The plan change only becomes fully operative after any appeals are resolved.

Who is involved

Anyone can take part in the plan change process. They can be proposed by a council, landowners or developers. Anyone, including people, whānau, community groups, businesses, or organisations can have their say through making a submission.

What is a submission?

A submission is how you can share your views on a proposed plan change. It’s your chance to have a say on what’s being proposed and influence the decisions that are made.

Why submissions matter

• Decision-makers read them: Every submission is considered by the council and other decision makers.
• Your views shape the outcome: What you say can affect what changes are made to the Auckland Unitary Plan and how the city grows
• It’s the formal way to be heard: Submissions are part of the legal process under the Resource Management Act, so decision-makers are required to take them into account.
• You can speak at hearings: If you make a submission, you can talk at public hearings.

What is happening now

You can view plan changes on the Auckland Council website.