Gore District Council — Property Due Diligence Guide
Gore District Council governs a small district in eastern Southland, with a population of approximately 12,500. Gore is known as the country music capital of New Zealand and the brown trout fishing capital, hosting the annual Gore Gold Guitar Awards and attracting anglers to the Mataura River.
Quick Facts
Useful Links
How to Order a LIM Report
Contact Gore District Council directly to order a LIM. Standard processing takes 10 working days.
Gore LIMs cover building consents, resource consents, rates, zoning, and natural hazard overlays. The straightforward property landscape means LIMs are generally uncomplicated.
Flood risk from the Mataura River is the key natural hazard to check on any LIM for Gore properties.
District Plan Zones
Gore's District Plan includes:
- Residential Zone: Town residential in Gore and Mataura
- Rural Zone: Farming and pastoral land
- Commercial Zone: Gore town centre
- Industrial Zone: Including the Mataura freezing works area
Planning rules are straightforward, with low development pressure and a focus on supporting the rural service town function.
Natural Hazards
Gore's natural hazard profile:
- Flooding: The Mataura River runs through Gore and creates significant flood risk. Gore has experienced major floods, including a severe event in February 2020.
- Earthquakes: Low to moderate seismic risk.
- Frost and cold: Harsh winters with severe frosts affect building design and maintenance.
Building Consent & Code Compliance
Building consent is processed by Gore District Council. Standard processing targets 20 working days.
Building conditions are generally straightforward in Gore's flat terrain. Good insulation and heating are essential for the cold Southland winters. Flood-level requirements may apply for properties near the Mataura River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gore really NZ's cheapest property market?
Gore consistently has some of the lowest median property prices in New Zealand. This reflects its remote location, small population, cold climate, and limited employment outside farming and related services. For buyers comfortable with small-town rural life, Gore offers very affordable housing and a functioning community.
What happened in the 2020 Gore floods?
In February 2020, the Mataura River flooded extensively through Gore, causing significant property damage and evacuations. The flood highlighted the risk of living near the river. If buying in Gore, check the LIM for flood hazard zones and consider the property's history of flooding. Some areas were significantly affected.
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