Proposed Plan Change 3 – Urban Growth

What is being proposed?

1. Opportunity for more intense housing options close to town centres

Through the proposed introduction of 'Residential Intensification Areas' in parts of Marton, Bulls and Taihape.

• These areas are within existing residential areas and are an easy walking distance of town centres and local amenities.
• This would allow more intensive housing within these areas (for example, smaller sections, townhouses, or multi-unit developments).
• Rangitīkei has an abundance of 3 and 4 bedroom family homes on larger sections but limited 1 and 2 bedroom or smaller section options. These areas aim to provide more choice for residents – including homes for ageing residents, smaller households, and first-home buyers.

2. Rezoning land on the edge of Marton and Bulls

Some land currently zoned as General Rural Zone or Rural Lifestyle Zone is proposed to be rezoned to General Residential Zone.

• Through the preparation of Pae Tawhiti Rangitīkei Beyond, Council identified that Bulls and Marton have a shortfall of suitable and zoned land to meet projected residential growth in the medium and long term. Potential growth areas were identified and subsequently assessed for suitability for residential development. Some of these growth areas are being proposed to be rezoned.
• Rezoning would enable these properties to be redeveloped for residential purposes over time - inline the rules and standards of the Rangitīkei District Plan.
• This helps ensure there is enough land available to meet projected population growth to 2050+.

3. A Structure Plan for the Marton Northwest Development Area

A Structure Plan Area is proposed for a large growth area on the north-west edge of Marton (identified as the Marton Northwest Development Area).

• The structure plan would guide how this area develops over time.
• It helps ensure development happens in a more coordinated and connected way.

4. Proposed amendments to the General Residential Zone, Rural Lifestyle Zone and Subdivision provisions of the District Plan

The plan change also proposes changes to some rules in the:

• General Residential Zone
• Rural Lifestyle Zone
• Subdivision chapter

These updates aim to:

• Remove unnecessary barriers to future residential and rural lifestyle development
• Enable more efficient land use
• Provide clearer standards
• Support appropriate urban intensification

These proposed changes have been informed by Council undertaking monitoring of the current District Plan provisions (which identified some rules/standards are no longer fit for purpose), and to enable the implementation of the proposed Structure Plan and Residential Intensification Area.

Why is this proposed Urban Growth Plan Change important?

Rangitīkei is growing and we need to prepare for what our district looks like in the future. Without changes to the Rangitīkei District Plan.

• There may not be enough residential land to meet future demand
• Housing affordability and availability may be impacted
• Any growth and development could occur in a way that is uncoordinated and not well integrated with our existing urban environments.

Supporting Information

• Urban Growth: Section 32 Evaluation Report
• 1.1 Proposed amendments to SUB – Subdivision
• 1.2 Proposed amendments to GRZ – General Residential Zone
• 1.3 Proposed amendments to RLZ – Rural Lifestyle Zone
• 2 Planning Maps - Marton North-West Structure Plan Area
• 3 Planning Maps - Residential Intensification Area Overlay
• 4 Planning Maps – Rezoning
• 5 Community Spatial Plan | Pae Tawhiti Rangitīkei Beyond
• 6 Efficiency and Effectiveness Monitoring Report for the Residential and Rural Living Zones
• 7 An Archaeological Scoping Assessment of Potential Growth Areas for Marton, in the Rangitīkei District
• 8 An Archaeological Scoping Assessment of Potential Growth Areas for Bulls, in the Rangitīkei District
• 9 Integrated Transport Assessment
• 10 Potential Urban Growth Areas Ecological Constraint Study
• 11 Geotechnical Assessment Report for Residential Land-Use Changes Bulls, Marton & Mangaweka High Level Planning
• 12 RDC 3 Waters Growth Strategy Growth Assessment
  • 12 RDC 3 Waters Growth Strategy Growth Assessment (Appendix A)
  • 12 RDC 3 Waters Growth Strategy Growth Assessment (Appendix B)
  • 12 RDC 3 Waters Growth Strategy Growth Assessment (Appendix C)
  • 12 RDC 3 Waters Growth Strategy Growth Assessment (Appendix D - 1-17)
  • 12 RDC 3 Waters Growth Strategy Growth Assessment (Appendix D - 18-36)
  • 12 RDC 3 Waters Growth Strategy Growth Assessment (Appendix E)
• 13 Marton, Bulls and Taihape Wastewater Treatment
• 14 BUL03 Growth Area Flood Risk Assessment

Kōrero mai, have your say

Rangitīkei District Council is planning ahead to make sure Rangitīkei has enough appropriately sized, well-located, and well-planned housing to support our growing communities – and we want your input on how we do it.

Please share your thoughts on the Proposed Plan Change 3 - Urban Growth. Public submissions are open from Thursday 12 March to Monday 13 April 2026.

Submissions close on Monday, 13 April 2026 at 5pm.

Make an online submission

Print a submission form

Submissions can be:

• Delivered to: Rangitīkei District Council's head office: 46 High Street, Marton
• Posted to: Rangitīkei District Council, Attention: Strategy Manager, Private Bag 1102, Marton 4742
• Emailed to: districtplan@rangitikei.govt.nz

Need more information

Drop-in sessions:

If you have any questions about the proposal, please contact Rangitīkei District Council’s Strategy Manager, Tiffany Gower on: 0800 422 522 or via email: districtplan@rangitikei.govt.nz