Council has approved Plan Change 54 - Papakāinga following a hearing held on 17 and 18 April 2024. The decision includes new rules that enable quality papakāinga development that supports the social, cultural and economic wellbeing of tangata whenua.

Papakāinga is communal housing on Māori ancestral land. These developments often adjoin marae – a natural community hub, and can include other activities to support the community to thrive, such as communal gardens, kohanga reo (early childhood education centres) or hauora (health clinics).

The new rules would mean land owners have the option to develop Papakāinga on their land, and will carry any costs associated with that - i.e. the landowners would pay for development, not ratepayers.

A copy of the decision stating the reasons for accepting or rejecting the submissions received is available on our website at mpdc.nz/papakainga or can be viewed electronically during business hours at all Council offices and libraries. If you have made a submission to the plan change you may have the right to appeal the decision above by lodging an appeal with the Environment Court by 5pm Thursday 22 August 2024.