FAQs - proposed Plan Changes 3, 4, 5 and 6
Why is Council proposing these changes to the District Plan?
Responsible natural hazard planning by people working in councils includes helping communities manage the risk from hazards such as flooding – now and into the future. Flood hazard mapping is incorporated into the Porirua District Plan and on issued Land Information Memoranda (LIMs) for appropriate properties to ensure that any future developments are undertaken in an informed manner and do not increase the flood risk to surrounding properties.
We have been working with Tiaki Wai to update catchments in Porirua with up-to-date flood hazard information that now needs to be incorporated into the Porirua District Plan by the process of a plan change.
How do I know if these changes impact me and my property?
To see if your property is potentially impacted by flood hazards, search our interactive map at poriruacity.govt.nz/district-plan-proposed-changes using your property address.
What does it mean for these plan changes to have immediate legal effect?
These proposed changes to the District Plan to incorporate new and updated flood hazard mapping takes immediate legal effect from the date of the public notice (2 November 2026). This is a requirement under section 86B(3)(f) of the Resource Management Act 1991. These proposed changes to the District Plan are still required to follow the plan change process as set out in the Resource Management Act 1991, which gives you a chance to make a submission and have your say. These changes to the District Plan do apply from 2 November 2026 and will be used when assessing resource consent applications.
Isn't there a new planning legislation, why are you doing plan changes under the Resource Management Act?
These plan changes are proposed and notified in relation to the Porirua District Plan 2025 under the Resource Management Act 1991. While the transition period between the Resource Management Act 1991 to the new ‘Planning Act 2026’ and the ‘Natural Environment Act 2026’ begins on 30 October 2026, this transition will continue for some time, likely into at least 2030. For more information about Resource Management reform, please visit https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/reforms/resource-management-reform/
How can I get more information on the flood modelling and how the flood maps were made?
If you would like more information on the how the flood hazard maps were made and the flood modelling process, please visit https://poriruacity.govt.nz/your-council/city-planning-and-reporting/district-plan/responding-to-natural-hazards/porirua-flood-mapping/