Gisborne Plan Change 6: New rules to allow townhouses and apartments

Minister Responsible for Resource Management Reform Chris Bishop has approved an exemption for the Gisborne District Council’s Urban Plan Change. Photo / Jason Dorday

Gisborne District Council says it is moving forward to give residents more choices when it comes to what homes can be built in the future.

The council has received a government exemption from the Minister Responsible for Resource Management Reform, Chris Bishop, to update Gisborne’s building zones and urban planning rules.

Potential home types include two and three-storey houses, terraced houses and low-rise apartments.

Bishop approved an exemption for the council’s Urban Plan Change (Plan Change 6 of the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan).

In a press release, council director of sustainable futures Jocelyne Allan said: “The changes are designed to give people more housing choices on the existing land that’s available for housing, while at the same time building connected communities.

“The plan change aligns with the Government’s policy priorities for housing, intensification and urban development, so getting the green light is recognition of the commitment and resilience shown by the council team.

“We’re really excited about showing this plan to the community.

“The plan change enables two and three-storey houses, terraced houses and low-rise apartment buildings. It introduces rules that enable medium-density residential developments in the most accessible areas of Gisborne and provides for expansion of the existing urban area while avoiding urban sprawl on to productive land.”

Land use in the region is managed by different zones that help to identify the nature of the area and what activities may be appropriate there. Each zone has specific rules appropriate to the activity, such as business, industry or housing.

“Zoning rules keep Gisborne organised, safe and pleasant to live in,” the press release said.

“These rules sit in the urban chapters of our combined Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan. However, they’re out of date and don’t give residents the choices they want for modern living.

“In August 2025, central Government introduced a Plan Stop policy. This paused all work on RMA plans in anticipation of a new resource management system.

“Council applied for an exemption from this policy for its Urban Plan Change in September 2025. That exemption has now been granted, allowing council to move to formal notification and consultation on this plan change.”

The proposed Urban Plan Change 6 will be open for public submission from March 25.