Extra Time on the Clock for Gore’s District Plan Decisions
Gore District Council has been granted a bit more breathing room to finalise its Proposed District Plan, with the Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds approving an extension to the decision-making deadline.
Originally due by 29 August 2025, the new deadline of 31 January 2026 gives the Council extra time to work through the final stages of the planning process — ensuring everything is in place to support a strong, future-focused vision for the district.
Notified in August 2023, the Proposed District Plan sets the rules for how land can be used, developed, and protected across Gore. It’s a big deal — shaping how the district grows, where housing can go, what environmental protections are needed, and more.
The Minister supported the extension on the basis that it would provide greater procedural certainty for the community and all those involved in the process, helping ensure the outcome is robust and legally sound.
Gore District Council Chief Executive Debbie Lascelles said the extension is a welcome opportunity to complete the process thoroughly.
“We’ve had strong community engagement so far, and we want to make sure we honour that by delivering a plan that’s both forward-thinking and grounded in local values,” the Chief Executive said. Work continues behind the scenes to wrap up hearings and prepare decisions for notification ahead of the revised deadline.
For more information about the Proposed District Plan process, visit: [email protected] ENDS
Media Contact: Graham McKerracher Communications & marketing manager Cell: 021 190 6071, Email: [email protected]
