Investigation into Christchurch City Council’s non-notification of an intensification planning instrument

In November 2022 John Hardie was appointed to lead the investigation into Christchurch City Council’s decision not to notify an intensification planning instrument.

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Requirement to notify an intensification planning instrument

The Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) required specified territorial authorities to notify an intensification planning instrument on or before 20 August 2022. This was to incorporate the Medium Density Residential Standards and give effect to the intensification policies of the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020.  

Sequence of events leading up to the investigation

  • On 13 September 2022, Christchurch City Council voted not to notify an intensification planning instrument.  
  • On 27 October 2022, the Minister for the Environment, Hon David Parker initiated an investigation under section 24A of the RMA into Christchurch City Council’s decision not to notify an intensification planning instrument.
  • In November 2022 John Hardie was appointed to lead the investigation.  
  • On 17 March 2023 Christchurch City Council notified an intensification planning instrument.
  • On 13 April 2023 the Investigation Report was submitted to the Minister for the Environment.

About the investigation

The purpose of the investigation was to consider the performance by Christchurch City Council of its functions, powers or duties in relation to notifying an intensification planning instrument, as required by section 80F of the RMA. 

The investigation was focused on identifying and understanding the issues, and the Council’s perspectives and decision-making process in relation to the notification of an intensification planning instrument.

Terms of reference of investigation [PDF 44 KB]

Investigation report [PDF, 129 KB]