Strategic Rural Industries Zone — Whangārei
Overview
The Strategic Rural Industries Zone (SRIZ) recognises and provides for the retention and managed expansion of established industries of strategic significance in rural areas:
- Fonterra Milk Processing Site at Kauri and Ancillary Irrigation Farms
- Croft Timber Mill at Kauri
- Cement Works at Portland
These industries require rural locations due to specific operational requirements including infrastructure demands, proximity to resources, and suitable land availability. The zone may be extended to other rural locations by plan change.
Building Standards
| Rule | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum height (Fonterra Kauri) | 20m above ground level | Or 65m for boiler, silo, drier, evaporation plant with stacks |
| Maximum height (Portland) | 20m above ground level | Or 66m if part of rock crusher or cement production |
| Maximum height (Croft Poles) | 20m above ground level | |
| Height in relation to boundary (Fonterra Kauri & Croft Poles) | 3m + shortest horizontal distance to boundary | Applies to all buildings and major structures |
| Height in relation to boundary (Portland) | 3m + shortest horizontal distance to boundary | Except maintenance/upgrading of cement works conveyor structure |
| Setback from zone boundaries (Fonterra Kauri & Croft Poles) | 20m | From Rural Production Zone and Open Space and Recreation Zones |
| Setback from zone boundaries (Portland) | 20m | From any other zone boundaries |
| Setback from road boundaries (Fonterra Kauri & Croft Poles) | 4.5m | |
| Setback from waterbodies (Fonterra Kauri & Croft Poles) | 27m | From Mean High Water Springs and top of river bank exceeding 3m width |
| Setback from waterbodies (Portland) | 27m | From Mean High Water Springs and top of river bank exceeding 3m width |
Permitted Activities
| Activity | Status |
|---|---|
| Strategic Rural Industries (Fonterra Kauri Milk Processing Site SRIZ – Ancillary Irrigation Farms) | Permitted* |
| Buildings and structures complying with height and setback requirements | Permitted |
| Treatment Ponds or Irrigation Infrastructure (Fonterra Kauri) | Permitted |
*Subject to Rural Production Zone provisions where applicable; no resource consent required under any District Plan rule; activity not prohibited.
Note: Minor buildings are exempt from height and setback rules SRIZ-R4–R6.
Controlled Activities
| Activity | Status | Matters of Control |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic generating activities exceeding threshold limits | Controlled | Effects on transport network; design and location of accessways |
Restricted Discretionary Activities
| Activity | Status | Matters of Discretion |
|---|---|---|
| Activities not complying with traffic thresholds | Restricted Discretionary | Effects on transport network; design and location of accessways |
Traffic & Transport Standards
| Rule | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Portland SRIZ—Daily heavy vehicle movements | 700 per day maximum | 24-hour period |
| Portland SRIZ—Heavy vehicle right turns (peak) | 25 per hour maximum | Between 16:30–17:30 from Portland Road to State Highway |
| Fonterra Kauri—Daily traffic movements | 1,400 per day maximum | 24-hour period |
| Croft Poles SRIZ—Daily traffic movements | 400 per day maximum | 24-hour period |
| Approval requirement (Portland & Croft Poles) | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency + Whangarei District Council Roading | Required for activities exceeding thresholds |
| Approval requirement (Fonterra Kauri) | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency | Required for activities exceeding thresholds |
Information Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Transport assessment (SRIZ-REQ1) | Required for resource consent applications under traffic thresholds. Must include existing and proposed traffic volumes (including heavy vehicles) and assessment statement. Applies to primary and ancillary activities. |
| Council notification | Council will advise Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency of any land use consent application lodged |
Zoning & Reverse Sensitivity
- Activities must avoid fragmentation of Strategic Rural Industry Areas through subdivision
- Sensitive activities must be avoided within SRIZ Areas to prevent reverse sensitivity effects
- Complementary commercial and industrial activities permitted where they do not compromise existing Strategic Rural Industries functioning
- Activities incompatible with Mineral Extraction Activities must not be established in Portland SRIZ Area