Rangitikei District Council — Property Due Diligence Guide
Rangitikei District Council manages a large rural district in the Manawatu-Whanganui region, with a population of around 15,000. The main towns are Marton, Bulls, Taihape, and Hunterville. The district is named after the Rangitikei River, which carves dramatic gorges through the landscape and is famous for whitewater kayaking and bungy jumping.
Quick Facts
Useful Links
How to Order a LIM Report
Contact Rangitikei District Council directly to order a LIM. Standard processing takes 10 working days.
Rangitikei LIMs include standard information about building consents, rates, zoning, and known hazards. Given the rural nature of the district, many properties have on-site wastewater systems and private water supplies that will be noted in the LIM.
Older properties in towns like Marton may have limited building consent records dating back before council amalgamation. If buying an older home, consider getting a building inspection in addition to the LIM.
District Plan Zones
Rangitikei's District Plan includes these key zones:
- Residential Zone: Township areas in Marton, Bulls, Taihape, and Hunterville
- Commercial Zone: Town centres
- Rural Zone: The vast majority of the district, covering farming and forestry land
- Rural Lifestyle Zone: Smaller rural lots near towns
- Industrial Zone: Limited industrial areas in Marton and Bulls
The district plan is relatively straightforward, reflecting the area's predominantly rural character.
Natural Hazards
Rangitikei's natural hazard profile includes:
- Flooding: The Rangitikei River and its tributaries can flood significantly. Low-lying areas in Marton and Bulls are also susceptible to surface flooding.
- Land instability: Hill country areas are prone to slips, particularly during prolonged wet weather. The Rangitikei gorge terrain is naturally unstable.
- Seismic activity: Moderate earthquake risk consistent with the lower North Island.
- Drought: The eastern hill country is susceptible to drought, which affects rural property productivity.
Building Consent & Code Compliance
Building consent is processed by Rangitikei District Council with a standard 20 working day target. The council handles a relatively low volume of consents.
Rural building consents often involve considerations for on-site services (water, wastewater) and farm buildings. The council can provide pre-application advice for unusual or complex projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rangitikei a good area for affordable property?
Rangitikei offers some of New Zealand's most affordable property. Marton and Bulls are the most accessible towns, being on SH1 with reasonable commuting distance to Palmerston North. However, check the property's condition carefully — very low-priced homes may need significant work.
What should I check for a rural lifestyle block in Rangitikei?
Check the LIM for water supply, wastewater disposal, and any resource consent conditions. Verify road access (some rural properties have limited access). Check Horizons Regional Council for any environmental consents. Also consider distance to services and school zones.
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