Te Matā - Te Mata O Rongokako prohibited building area - Plan change 4

Proposed further building prohibition area.

What’s happening?

Hastings District Council is proposing to make a change to the District Plan that would prohibit new buildings on the eastern face of Te Matā Peak.

Why we’re making the change

The aim of the plan change is to ensure comprehensive and long-lasting protection of the natural and cultural attributes of this outstanding natural landscape for both current and future generations.

Te Matā is especially important to mana whenua who consider it a taonga imbued with whakapapa and important cultural significance.

What will the changes be?

The proposed plan change would prohibit the construction of new buildings (noting that two homes with current consents can be constructed) and limit other works (eg fencing and planting) on the eastern escarpment of Te Matā, from Waimārama Road to the top of the peak.

In addition, the proposed changes will help ensure Council meets its obligations under Part 2 of the Resource Management Act 1991, by ensuring that the relationship of Māori with their culture, traditions, ancestral lands, water, sites, wāhi tapu and other taonga are appropriately recognised and provided for.

Who is impacted by the change?

There are two private properties affected by the change: 282 Waimārama Road and 344 Waimārama Road.

The landowners at 282 Waimārama Road have a consent through a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for the construction of two dwellings and a supplementary unit on the property. Following negotiations, the property owners have agreed to relocate the buildings to less visible locations.

For both properties, registered land covenants would be put in place that put rules around the planting of shelter belts, exotic forestry and fencing, to protect the natural landscape.

Both owners understand the significance of this landscape and support these efforts to protect the eastern face of Te Matā.

The Plan Change process

Consultation for Plan Change 4 closed on Monday 21 November.

Please email policyteam@hdc.govt.nz if you have any questions about the plan change process.