Have your say on planning updates to protect city infrastructure
Published on 23 April 2026
Palmerston North City Council is inviting the community to have their say on Proposed Plan Change Tahi, which reviews how important public infrastructure is identified and protected in the District Plan.
The update focuses on designations – the planning tool used to specify land for essential public services like roads, rail, schools, utilities, and stopbanks. These services are managed by councils, central government, and utility providers, known as Requiring Authorities.
General Manager of Strategic Planning, David Murphy says the changes are about keeping the city’s planning up to date and fit for the future.
“Designations play a key role in making sure our essential services can operate safely, be maintained properly, and grow alongside our city. We’re updating this part of the District Plan to make it clearer, more accurate, and easier to use both for infrastructure providers and the community.
“For most residents, the changes won’t affect day-to-day life, but they will make planning information clearer and help ensure the city’s infrastructure can keep pace with Palmy’s future needs.”
The proposed changes include removing designations that are no longer needed, updating unclear wording, fixing mapping errors, adding a small number of new designations, and ensuring the District Plan aligns with national planning standards.
One of the proposed changes is to update the city’s designation mapping to include all of the existing city-wide network of stopbanks. Horizons Regional Council is seeking these updates to help ensure better access for maintenance and upgrades.
Mr Murphy says community and landowner feedback is an important part of the process.
“Before any changes are made, we want to hear from our community affected landowners. Your feedback will ensure all relevant views are considered in the review and updating of our local designations.”
You can view the proposal and make a submission online.
Make a submission online today
Paper copies and submission forms are also available at the Council Customer Service Centre and Palmerston North community libraries.
Consultation closes at 4pm on Thursday 28 May 2026.