What is the objective in the Natural Open Space Zone, Whangārei?

Description. This is a summary of the Whangārei district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the policy in the Natural Open Space Zone, Whangārei?

Intent. This is a summary of the Whangārei district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the nosz-p7 subdivision design and layout in the Natural Open Space Zone, Whangārei?

Protect natural, cultural and heritage values by managing subdivision design and layout.. This is a summary of the Whangārei district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the maximum building height in the Natural Open Space Zone, Whangārei?

5.5m above ground level. This is a summary of the Whangārei district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the height in relation to boundary in the Natural Open Space Zone, Whangārei?

Comply with adjoining zone's rule. This is a summary of the Whangārei district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

What is the maximum gross floor area per building in the Natural Open Space Zone, Whangārei?

50m². This is a summary of the Whangārei district plan — verify against the council's official plan before relying on it.

Natural Open Space Zone — Whangārei

Overview

The Natural Open Space Zone identifies areas of open space land primarily managed for conservation and protection of natural resources. Land is generally in Council or Department of Conservation ownership. Examples include bush reserves, headlands, natural wetlands, and parts of the coastline. The zone seeks to preserve natural, ecological, landscape, cultural, and heritage values while providing limited recreational and educational opportunities with minimal environmental modification.

Objectives

Objective	Description
NOSZ-O1 Natural Environment	Protect and enhance the natural, ecological, landscape, cultural and heritage values of the Natural Open Space Zone.
NOSZ-O3 Kauri Dieback Disease	Buildings associated with recreational, educational, cultural and conservation activities complement and do not compromise the values and qualities of the Natural Open Space Zone. Avoid the spread of plant pathogens including Phytophthora Agathidicida (Kauri Dieback Disease).

Policies

Policy	Intent
NOSZ-P2 Adverse Effects	Identify and protect open spaces managed primarily for conservation with high natural, ecological, landscape, cultural and heritage values. Manage adverse effects on zone values by limiting use, location, scale, and design of buildings.
NOSZ-P4 Limiting Inappropriate Activities	Enable structures and platforms in appropriate locations to enhance visitor understanding and experience of natural, cultural and heritage values. Avoid, remedy and mitigate adverse effects on zone values and qualities.
NOSZ-P6 Subdivision	Avoid adverse effects on amenity and character by managing activities to support ongoing conservation. Avoid fragmentation where subdivision would not protect high natural, ecological, landscape, cultural and heritage values.
NOSZ-P7 Subdivision Design and Layout	Protect natural, cultural and heritage values by managing subdivision design and layout.
NOSZ-P8 Kauri Dieback Disease	Discourage vegetation clearance within vicinity of New Zealand Kauri tree (Agathis Australis). Ensure vegetation clearance is undertaken to avoid spread of plant pathogens including Phytophthora Agathidicida (Kauri Dieback Disease).

Building Standards

Rule	Value	Notes
Maximum building height	5.5m above ground level	Major structures also limited to 5.5m; minor buildings exempt from detailed standards
Height in relation to boundary	Comply with adjoining zone's rule	Whichever adjoining zone is closest
Maximum gross floor area per building	50m²	Single building limit
Total cumulative gross floor area	15% of site area	All buildings combined
Setback from Mean High Water Springs or river banks	27m	Applies to banks of rivers exceeding 3m width; bridges, culverts, and fences exempt
Height in relation to boundary	Comply with adjoining zone rule	Whichever adjoining zone is closest

Permitted Activities

Activity	Status	Conditions
Buildings and structures complying with height, setback, and coverage standards	Permitted	Must comply with NOSZ-R4–R7; minor buildings exempt from specified rules
Storage or stockpile outdoor areas	Permitted	Must comply with height/setback rules; screened from public places and adjacent zones; construction materials limited to 12 months per 10-year period
Indigenous vegetation clearance	Permitted	Maximum 250m² per site per 10-year period; not within 20m of water bodies; not within three times canopy dripline radius of Kauri trees
Routine maintenance vegetation clearance	Permitted	Within 7.5m of building eaves; excludes damage to roots or removal where trunk is outside 7.5m distance
Track, lawn, garden, fence, drain maintenance and new walking tracks	Permitted	Associated with lawfully established activities; excludes clearance within three times Kauri canopy dripline radius
Pest plant removal and biosecurity works	Permitted	No Kauri restrictions apply
Vegetation removal for customary rights	Permitted	No further conditions specified
Conservation planting and ecological restoration	Permitted	No further conditions specified

Discretionary Activities

Activity	Status	Conditions
Any combination of activities listed in rules NOSZ-R11 to NOSZ-R19	Discretionary	Cumulative gross floor area less than 300m² per site AND cumulative outdoor area less than 500m²

Non-Complying Activities

Activities not meeting permitted or discretionary thresholds, or where primary or ancillary activities do not comply with specified conditions, are classified as Non-Complying.

Note: This page is generated from available evidence chunks. Some rule numbers (NOSZ-R4–R7, NOSZ-R11–R19) are referenced but full details not fully elaborated in source material. Always verify with Whangārei Council's official district plan document.