Subdivision
Why do we have subdivision rules?
Subdivision rules help make sure land is developed in a way that:
- supports growth and housing choice
- matches the character of different areas
- protects important natural, cultural and heritage features
The goal is orderly, well-planned development that works for both today and the future.
What’s changing?
The biggest change is how land density is managed through zoning.
Instead of a few zones with limited lot sizes, the Proposed District Plan introduces more zones and a wider range of lot sizes. This reflects:
- population change
- existing development patterns
- infrastructure capacity
- rural land productivity and lifestyle living
Residential subdivision – more choice
Under the Proposed District Plan, residential areas are divided into five zones, with lot sizes ranging from 150m² to 8,000m².
This means:
- smaller lots are available in areas suited to higher-density housing
- larger lots are retained where neighbourhood character and infrastructure limits make sense
- future growth areas, such as Gore West, are guided by an Outline Development Plan to ensure coordinated development
Rural subdivision – a better fit for different areas
Rural subdivision is no longer based on a single “one-size-fits-all” rule.
The Proposed District Plan introduces:
- Settlement Zones (minimum 2,000m²) for smaller townships
- Rural Lifestyle Zones (generally minimum 1 hectare)
- General Rural Zones (minimum 8 hectares) to protect productive farmland
This provides clearer expectations and better reflects how rural land is used across the district.
Do I need a resource consent?
Yes. All subdivision requires a resource consent, including:
- boundary adjustments or title changes
- creating new lots that meet minimum sizes
- more complex proposals involving special features or overlays
Most subdivisions that meet the rules are assessed as restricted discretionary activities, meaning the Council focuses only on specific matters rather than reassessing the whole proposal.
Important Note
This page provides a general overview only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the official provisions contained in the Proposed District Plan or the requirements of the Resource Management Act 1991. Please refer to the Proposed Gore District Plan for comprehensive and authoritative guidance.
Details about the review, hearing process and background information, including supporting documents, reports and maps, can be found by clicking this link to the Council’s Let’s Talk website.
