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Tuesday, 17 March 2026

Approval sought to apply to Minister to progress key changes to District Plan

QLDC will seek approval to apply for exemptions from central government’s “plan stop” legislation.

Blueprint Plans

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will seek approval to apply for exemptions from central government’s “plan stop” legislation at the Full Council Meeting on Thursday 19 March 2026.

Approval would enable select plan changes within the District Plan review to continue to be progressed using the standard plan-making process in the Resource Management Act (RMA).

QLDC General Manager Planning & Development, Dave Wallace said Council’s ability to make changes to the District Plan was temporarily limited while central government developed a new planning system, but local planning could continue where clearly justified.

“We’re after approval to apply for exemptions so work can continue on six carefully selected plan changes that address known issues, support planned growth, and help implement national direction,” said Mr Wallace.

“These projects are well-established pieces of work that respond to real challenges in our district, including housing supply, business land availability, urban sprawl, climate change, and the need for more coordinated growth in key locations.”

With approval from Elected Members, Council plans to apply for exemptions to continue working on the following Operative District Plan (ODP) and Proposed District Plan (PDP) projects:

  • a review of parts of the Queenstown Town Centre currently governed by older planning rules

  • implementing Te Tapuae Southern Corridor Structure Plan, which sets out a long‑term framework for growth south of Queenstown and Frankton

  • updating the Frankton Flats and Remarkables Park Special Zones to better reflect how these areas have developed and are expected to grow

  • reviewing parts of the Gorge Road area close to the town centre that are not affected by significant natural hazards

  • correcting minor mapping errors affecting a small number of properties in Hāwea.

Mr Wallace explained that any potential exemption would not mean the projects automatically proceed.

“Any of these projects that are granted exemption would still need to go through the normal plan change or variation process, which would include public notification, formal submissions, hearings, and the ability to appeal decisions,” said Mr Wallace.

“Exemptions would simply broaden Council’s ability to keep this work moving during the nationwide plan stop period, rather than putting it on hold until at least the end of 2027.”

ENDS | KUA MUTU

Media contact

communications@qldc.govt.nz 

TEL: 03 441 1802

FURTHER INFORMATION | Kā pāroko tāpiri:

Covering Report - Authorisation to seek approval from the Minister for the Environment to progress selected plan changes