Open Space

District plan rules for the Open Space in Whangārei, New Zealand.

Summarised from the Whangārei District Plan. This is a summary compiled from the council's published plan, not the plan itself — and not legal or planning advice. Always verify against the council's official document before relying on any figure, and check whether a more recent plan change applies.

Open Space — Whangārei

Objectives

ObjectivePolicy Framework
Provide sufficient quality open space for social and cultural well-being of growing populationDGD-OSR-O2: Range of Open Space
Provide range of open space for recreational, cultural, community, conservation, and educational useDGD-OSR-O2: Range of Open Space

Policies

PolicyRequirements
DGD-OSR-P1: Open Space LinkagesIncrease functionality and effectiveness of open space network by ensuring linkages (including walking and cycling linkages) are created between new and existing areas of open space through subdivision design
PREC23-O7: Open Space (Precincts)Manage reverse sensitivity effects between zones; create strong network of public open space for active and passive recreational activities whilst enhancing local ecology
PNDA-P7: Open Space (Port Nikau Development Area)Meet recreational needs applicable to density of development; facilitate public access to coastal marine area recognising operational necessity for some activities in riparian/coastal margins

Signs — Permitted Activities

ActivityStatusConditions
SignsPermittedMaximum three signs per site; height ≤3m (freestanding or affixed); area ≤3m²
Signs in accordance with approved Reserve Management PlanPermittedAuthorised under Reserves Act 1977

Rule Exemption: Official signs, road signs and community signs only required to comply with SIGN-R2–R5.

Signs — Restricted Discretionary Activities

ActivityStatusMatters of Discretion
Signs (non-compliance)Restricted DiscretionaryVisual amenity and character effects (within zone, adjacent/adjoining zones, public spaces, scale/location/design); lighting and traffic safety effects; landscape values and natural character; cultural and heritage values; cumulative effects; duration of consent

Subdivision Standards

RuleValueNotes
Boundary adjustment subdivisionControlled activityMatters listed in Relationship Between Spatial Layers Chapter, HPW-R9

Port Nikau Development Area — Subdivision (Controlled)

RuleRequirement
Super Lot spatial alignmentMust align with PNDA plans including street network and building typologies
Non-existing residential unitsEvery site must be capable of accommodating building typologies under PNDA plans and rules
Existing residential unitsMust comply with PNDA permitted activity rules
Open Space locationMust be spatially located in accordance with PNDA Plans
Matters of Control (Reserved)Building typologies siting; fire rating on boundaries; PNDA plan compliance; infrastructure provision, location, design, capacity, connection, upgrading, staging and integration; staged provision of park/public land and open space; public access to CMA; consent notices for future built form on super lots

Port Nikau Development Area — Road & Network Provision (Controlled)

RuleRequirement
New/upgraded roads, accessways, service lanes, footpaths locationMust be located in accordance with PNDA Plans
Street formationMust be formed in accordance with PNDA Street Sections plans
Matters of ControlDesign, construction, and maintenance of road/accessways/pedestrian network; traffic safety and visibility

Port Nikau Development Area — Open Space (Controlled/Restricted Discretionary)

RuleRequirementStatus if Non-Compliance
Open Space spatial locationMust be spatially located in accordance with PNDA PlansRestricted Discretionary
Matters for Discretion (non-compliance)Alternative location of open space and impact on PNDA layout; Whangarei District Council Engineering Standards; urban design and landscape best practice; pedestrian safety and efficiency; vesting of open space with CouncilRestricted Discretionary

Port Nikau Development Area — Public Access & Infrastructure

PolicyRequirement
PNDA-P3: Street Networks and FormationSimple and legible street layout; linked street network with choice of travel direction; viewshafts to water, Town Centre, central park, southern park; park-side-streets to maximise visibility of public reserves
PNDA-P4: Reticulated Infrastructure ServicesNew sites require connection to reticulated infrastructure (water, sewer, stormwater, electricity, telecommunications) or demonstration for super lots; consideration of alternative infrastructure locations
PNDA-P6: Ecological ValuesRetain existing open water buffer between south-western PNDA boundary and wader bird habitat (outer edge of mangroves)
PNDA-P10: SubdivisionSites shaped/sized for generous sunlight to living/outdoor spaces; high on-site amenity and privacy; sites overlook and front roads and open spaces where possible; limit creation of multiple rear sites

Marsden City Precinct — Open Space Requirements

PolicyRequirement
PREC23-P9: Open SpaceMinimum open spaces within Lot 59 DP 465292, Lot 60 DP 465292, Lot 65 DP 465292 that are prominent and accessible by pedestrians; number and size proportionate to future neighbourhood density; pedestrian and cycle linkages

Permitted Activities — Port Nikau Development Area

ActivityStatusConditions
Road upgrading or provision of public open spacePermittedWhere required under PNDA-R4

Note: Minor buildings exempt from PNDA-R10 to PNDA–R12 and PNDA-R63 to PNDA-R66.


Coverage Note: Evidence comprises 28 chunks covering Signs, District Growth & Development (Open Space), Subdivision, Precincts, and Port Nikau Development Area. Building Standards table omitted as no specific dimensional standards (setbacks, coverage %, height limits for structures) are prescribed for Open Space zone in provided evidence.

Other zones in Whangārei