Wairoa District Council is developing a new planning framework that focuses on careful, collective planning for the future.

Elected members and representatives of Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa, Ngāti Pahauwera Iwi Trust and other interested parties recently met in a spatial planning workshop to shape Wairoa's long-term land use, infrastructure and investment direction. 

Spatial planning identifies growth areas, infrastructure corridors and environmental limits, risks and priorities.

It also aligns plans early, ensuring they are deliberate and work toward the right development at the right place and at the right time.

Spatial Plans have not been legislatively mandated in the past, but under the Resource Management Reform, they will be required in a bid to improve alignment and long-term outcomes.

Wairoa's Spatial Plan will be developed this year and will guide future planning, investment and partnership decisions with an intentional strategic focus, particularly around resilience.

The plan is a means of aligning other council plans as well as providing a visual illustration of the intended future location and zoning of activities, including business, rural and residential, to support economic growth and development, hazard resilience and protection of the district's taonga.

Wairoa District Council Chief Executive Matt Lawson said spatial planning for Wairoa, led by Wairoa, enables us to embed local priorities, articulate and safeguard our interests and plan confidently for long-term resilience and growth.

"Spatial planning gives Wairoa a clear plan around where future growth will be and where infrastructure should go.

"It's about mapping and shaping the future, ensuring enduring benefits for people and the environment with a strong focus on final outcomes.

"Wairoa has come a long way since its original development, and we are looking forward to working with our partners to ensure all our plans, documents, visions and investments are aligned."

10 February 2026

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