Why we need it

Decision makers (councils, government agencies, iwi partners) use spatial plans to come up with options for the future of spaces and places – for example, how towns might spread out (or up), where to build papakāinga, where schools need to be built, where to build on the coast (and where not to), and what pipes and roads might be needed to support growing communities.

The Our Places – Eastern Bay Spatial Plan will provide guidance to government agencies that deliver infrastructure, housing development and other critical services (such as health and education) to meet the growth needs across the Eastern Bay of Plenty and deliver on partner aspirations. It will help us work better together.

The spatial plan is developed collaboratively so that all relevant agencies have a realistic understanding about future resourcing and funding needs. Government agencies are directly involved in the process, such as Waka Kotahi, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MHUD), Kāinga Ora, Ministry of Education, and others. More will be involved along the way.

The spatial plan will reflect the collective aspirations for the rohe, inform council Long Term Plan processes and government infrastructure investment decisions.

The Natural and Built Environment Act and the Spatial Planning Act are now in place, and will be phased in over the coming years as part of resource management reform. This work will represent Eastern Bay priorities into a future Bay of Plenty Regional Spatial Strategy.

The Our Places – Eastern Bay Spatial Plan will provide a pathway towards 2060.