Manawatu District Council — Property Due Diligence Guide
Manawatu District Council serves the district surrounding Palmerston North, with Feilding as its main town and a population of approximately 32,000. Feilding has repeatedly won New Zealand's Most Beautiful Town award and is known for its well-maintained heritage streetscape, Friday livestock sale, and strong rural service economy.
Quick Facts
Useful Links
How to Order a LIM Report
Contact Manawatu District Council directly to order a LIM. Standard processing takes 10 working days.
Manawatu LIMs cover building consents, resource consents, rates, zoning, and hazards. The district's flat terrain means fewer land stability issues than many NZ councils, but flood risk along the Oroua and Manawatu rivers is an important consideration.
For rural properties, the LIM will note any on-site services (wastewater, water) and relevant resource consents. Check Horizons Regional Council for any additional environmental consents applying to the property.
District Plan Zones
Manawatu's District Plan includes these key zones:
- Residential Zone: Feilding and smaller settlements
- Commercial Zone: Feilding town centre and local shops
- Rural Zone: Farming and rural production land
- Rural Lifestyle Zone: Properties typically 2-4 hectares near townships
- Village Zone: Small rural settlements like Sanson, Rongotea, and Halcombe
The district has seen increasing demand for rural lifestyle properties within commuting distance of Palmerston North.
Natural Hazards
Manawatu district's natural hazard profile includes:
- Flooding: The Oroua River, Manawatu River, and Kiwitea Stream create flood risk. Several areas have flood protection schemes in place.
- Land instability: Generally low risk on the plains, but the Ruahine Range foothills have steeper, slip-prone terrain.
- Seismic activity: Moderate earthquake risk consistent with the lower North Island.
- Drought: Eastern areas can experience dry conditions that affect rural productivity.
Building Consent & Code Compliance
Building consent is processed by Manawatu District Council with a standard 20 working day target.
Feilding's heritage character is protected through the District Plan, and building work in the town centre heritage area may require additional consideration for heritage values. Rural building consents typically involve on-site service design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Feilding compare to Palmerston North for property?
Feilding offers a quieter small-town lifestyle while being only a 15-minute drive from Palmerston North. Property can be slightly more affordable, and the town has its own schools, shops, and amenities. The trade-off is less access to city-level services and a more limited property market.
What should I check for a lifestyle block in the Manawatu?
Check the LIM for water supply and wastewater disposal arrangements. Verify the property's zoning allows your intended use. Check Horizons Regional Council for any waterway or land-use consents. Consider flood risk if the property is near the Oroua or Manawatu rivers.
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