A controversial change to crop protection structures and shelterbelts in Waipā will have its own District Plan consultation following a flurry of complaints about kiwifruit shelters.
Black side netting waiting to be added to the kiwifruit structures on the eastern boundary less than eight metres from the Jennings’ boundary. Photo: Supplied.
Lobbying from landowners, industry groups and an appeal by Ōhaupō landowners Nick and Vanessa Jennings in the Environment Court over the council’s decision to allow a kiwifruit orchard to go ahead next door to them, has prompted the decision.
The plan change was workshopped by councillors this week – after The News’ deadline – and will be released to stakeholders for their initial comments.
Shelters have cropped up throughout the district as kiwifruit growers have discovered growth conditions are ideal in the district for a type of kiwifruit which flourishes under 10-metre-high canopies.
But they block out cherished Waipā rural views for neighbours.
Nick Jennings
Kiwifruit Investments Ltd applied for a retrospective resource consent last year to establish vertical and horizontal artificial kiwifruit shelters on three sides of the Jennings’ property in Parallel Road.
The resource consent application went to an independent hearing before commissioner Alan Withy who granted the consent with conditions. The Jennings appealed the decision. Unsuccessful mediation took place to avoid an Environment Court hearing but subsequent discussions between Kiwifruit Investments and the Jennings has resolved the appeal.
Meanwhile an application to rezone land at 2025 Ōhaupō Road, north of Te Awamutu, from rural to residential is on hold while another plan change on residential zone intensification is finalised.
An amendment to the Resource Management Act required Waipā to increase housing density in Cambridge, Kihikihi and Te Awamutu. Because it would require a significant change to its District Plan, the council sought an extension from Housing minister Chris Bishop but were unsuccessful and must now let him know by later this month on Waipā’s changes to its plan.
Housing intensification.
