South Taranaki District Council — Property Due Diligence Guide
South Taranaki District Council serves the southern portion of the Taranaki region, including the main town of Hawera and smaller communities such as Eltham, Patea, Opunake, and Manaia. With a population of around 28,000, the district's economy is heavily driven by dairy farming, making it one of New Zealand's most productive agricultural areas.
Quick Facts
Useful Links
How to Order a LIM Report
Contact South Taranaki District Council directly to order a LIM. Standard processing takes 10 working days.
South Taranaki LIMs cover building consents, resource consents, rates, zoning, and known hazards. Given the district's rural character, many properties are on larger lots with on-site wastewater systems, which will be noted in the LIM.
For dairy farm properties or rural lifestyle blocks, pay particular attention to any notes about effluent disposal, water supply consents, and Taranaki Regional Council environmental requirements.
District Plan Zones
South Taranaki's District Plan includes these key zones:
- Residential Zone: Standard residential in Hawera, Eltham, Opunake, and other towns
- Commercial Zone: Town centre areas
- Rural Zone: The majority of the district, covering farmland
- Rural Lifestyle Zone: Smaller rural lots for lifestyle properties
- Coastal Zone: Special provisions for coastal areas
The district plan is relatively straightforward given the rural nature of the area, but rules around rural subdivision and land use can vary.
Natural Hazards
South Taranaki's natural hazard profile includes:
- Volcanic activity: The district sits on the ring plain of Mount Taranaki, an active volcano. Lahar paths and volcanic ash fall zones are mapped.
- Flooding: River systems including the Patea River and Waingongoro River create flood risk in low-lying areas.
- Coastal erosion: Particularly relevant for properties along the South Taranaki coast.
- Land instability: Some hill country areas have slip-prone terrain, especially in wet conditions.
Building Consent & Code Compliance
Building consent is processed by South Taranaki District Council. Standard processing time is 20 working days.
Many rural properties use on-site wastewater systems and private water supplies. Building consents for new rural dwellings will need to address these services. The council also administers building consents for farm buildings and dairy sheds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check when buying a dairy farm in South Taranaki?
Beyond the LIM, check the Taranaki Regional Council for any resource consent conditions related to effluent discharge, water takes, and environmental compliance. Also confirm the dairy shed meets current Fonterra and MPI standards, and check for any outstanding compliance notices.
Is South Taranaki affected by volcanic risk?
Yes, the district sits on Mount Taranaki's ring plain. While the probability of a major eruption in any given year is low, lahar (volcanic mudflow) paths are mapped, particularly along river valleys. Check the LIM and Taranaki Regional Council hazard maps for your specific property.
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