What is being proposed?
Plan Change 65 Minor Matters (PC65) aims to rectify issues with the Operative Matamata-Piako District Plan (MPDP’) that have led to inefficiencies, unintended consequences or proved unworkable, as outlined in the Government’s Plan Stop Policy exemption criteria 80W(2)(b).
On 8 October 2025, Council resolved to endorse the preparation and lodgement of an exemption application for Plan Change 65 to the Minister responsible for Resource Management Reform.
On 19 December 2025, Council lodged the exemption application for Plan Change 65 to the Minister responsible for RMA reform, Chris Bishop. The application included 11 minor matters that approval was sought to rectify and improve the effectiveness of the MPDP.
On 13 March 2026, Council received the Minister’s decision to approve the exemption application in full.
You can read the application below for full details of these matters:
Summary of proposed changes to the District Plan and/or Planning Maps:
- Removal of the reference to speed of motorised vessels and structures over water in the District Plan.
- Removal of Development Concept Plans (DCP) on former NZ Mushroom sites in Morrinsville.
- Amendments to align the subdivision standards for terrace housing in the Lockerbie Precinct.
- Removal of Heritage Site-16 McDonald Cottage, Heritage Site-19 Thames Valley Electric Power Board Building, and Heritage Site-ID 23 Former Borough Council Office from the District Plan Schedule and Planning Maps.
- Amendments to Development Controls 3.1.4(ii) which relates to size of living courts for accommodation facilities in the Residential Zone.
- Inserting an advice note related to General Access Standards 9.1.2(ix)(b) in the Rural and Rural-Residential Zone, Industrial Zone and Business Zone.
- Amendments to rules related to Dwelling and Dwelling Based Activities 3.1 to 3.4 in the Activity Table.
- Removal of the reserve layer on former Ngarua Recreation Reserve, Ngarua.
- Removal of the reserve layer on sites at Okauia Springs Road and 639 Mowbray Road in Matamata that are identified for cultural redress through the Ngāti Hinerangi Claims Settlement Act 2021.
- Removal of the reserve layer on site at 26 Ward Street, Waharoa.
- Removal of the reserve layer on site at Taihoa South Road, Matamata.
Next Steps
- Provide iwi authorities with the Plan Change 65 material for their review and comment as required by Clause 4A of Schedule 1 of the RMA – in progress
- Notify Plan Change 65 for public submissions as required by Clause 5 of Schedule 1 of the RMA – anticipated to begin in June 2026
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