The Government has announced proposed changes to the National Policy Statement for Highly Productive Land (NPSHPL). Under the current NPSHPL, land classified as LUC 1, 2, and 3 is considered “highly productive” and is generally protected from urban development however, the government is now proposing to remove LUC 3 from the national definition of highly productive land. This will happen under regional and district plan changes. LUC 3 in Northland is extensive as these maps show.
To balance this, the government is also proposing to introduce “Special Agricultural Areas”. These would apply in key growing regions and would retain full protection for productive land, including LUC 3, even after the national definition changes.
What this means for growers:
- Outside a Special Agricultural Area: LUC 3 land will no longer be protected from development under the NPSHPL and subdivision and development can occur subject to district plan rules
- Inside a Special Agricultural Area: All key growing land — including LUC 3 — will still be protected under the NPSHPL
HortNZ has scheduled a meeting on Friday 18 July, 8.30am to discuss further and get your views on the proposed changes. Alternatively if you are unable to attend the meeting, please complete the survey.
Consultation Details:
Date: 18 July
Time: 8:30am- 9:30am, online
Microsoft Teams LINK HERE
Meeting ID: 445 201 069 012
Passcode: C2Pm2DF3
Events/Workshops
