FAQs
- Where new homes, businesses, recreation, & infrastructure could go
- How people will get around
- What needs protection
- How we make sure growth reflects the identity, needs and aspirations of our people and places.
- Up to 200,000 people may call this area home
- Approximately 43,000 new homes will be needed.
- Smartgrowth Strategy – a long-term vision for the Western Bay of Plenty sub-region
- The Future Development Strategy – identifying where homes and businesses could go over the next 30 years
- The Urban Form & Transport Initiative – connecting housing and transport to ensure new development comes with the right infrastructure.
What is a spatial plan?
A spatial plan is a long-term, big-picture plan that helps us decide how and where certain towns and communities grow over the next 30 to 50 years. In short, it’s a plan for your space.
A spatial plan shows:
Why do we need a spatial plan?
Over the next 50 years across the Western Bay sub-region (Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City):
This growth brings challenges: pressure on housing, roads, infrastructure, the environment, and affordability.
But spatial planning helps us prepare, by making sure our communities grow in ways that are well thought out, sustainable, and reflect what matters to us most.
For a more in-depth look at what we know about your community, view our baseline report.
How are Iwi/Hapū involved in the spatial plan?
Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi means working in genuine partnership with iwi and hapū as we create this spatial plan, ensuring their aspirations are built in from the start.
Tangata whenua have responsibilities as kaitiaki (caretakers) of their rohe (tribal areas) and the environment and people within it.
Working in partnership strengthens decision-making and supports outcomes that reflect the whole community.
What is the Community Ideas Forum?
We established a Community Ideas Forum to capture local voices, ideas and lived experiences on some of the key issues and topics – such as growth, housing, and infrastructure – from the very beginning.
Community member applications were reviewed by an internal Council panel and assessed against criteria including diversity of voices, relevant local knowledge or experience, and motivation and interest in the Forum topics, with oversight from an independent facilitator to ensure a fair and balanced selection.
Those selected sit alongside directly appointed elected members and hapū representatives.
Note: The Community Ideas Forum is advisory only. It does not have formal decision-making powers, but its input plays a critical role in shaping outcomes for the Spatial Plan.
Are there other ways I can get involved?
Yes! As a key player, we need your input! Over the next two years there will be several events and opportunities where you can get involved and share your ideas. Check out the levels guide on our main page.
How does the spatial plan relate to other planning work?
Spatial planning doesn’t start from scratch. It builds on a lot of work already completed, including:
These sub-regional strategies set the wider scene. Our spatial plans will add the local voice, detail and direction for each space.
On 24 March 2025, the Government also announced the Blueprint for Resource Management Reform, aiming to replace the Resource Management Act 1991. In the Blueprint, spatial planning is given a vital role in the new planning system to provide long-term, strategic direction to simplify and streamline the system. This will allow development within constraints, and better align land use, infrastructure planning, and investment.
There is a pothole in my street - will a spatial plan fix this?
A spatial plan is a tool for guiding your community's long-term growth. For local issues like a pothole in your street, reach out and we can help address maintenance and immediate concerns. Email info@westernbay.govt.nz, phone 0800 926 732, or use our online service request system.
Does a spatial plan mean that my property will be rezoned?
A spatial plan can influence zoning decisions in the long run. However, it doesn't automatically change your property’s zoning. Actual rezoning involves a more specific plan change process.
Are there more spatial plans in the District?
Spatial plans are being developed for:
These areas were chosen due to increasing growth pressures and the need for more up to date local planning. They align with the key growth areas for our District within our sub-regional SmartGrowth Strategy.