South Wairarapa District Council — Property Due Diligence Guide
South Wairarapa District Council serves the southern Wairarapa, including the picturesque towns of Martinborough, Greytown, and Featherston. With a population of approximately 11,000, the district is renowned for its wine industry, particularly Martinborough's pinot noir, and its charming village character.
Quick Facts
Useful Links
How to Order a LIM Report
Contact South Wairarapa District Council directly to order a LIM. Standard processing takes 10 working days.
South Wairarapa LIMs cover building consents, resource consents, rates, zoning, and natural hazards. Heritage considerations are important in Greytown and Martinborough, where many buildings are listed or are in heritage precincts.
For vineyard or lifestyle properties, check the LIM for water take consents, on-site wastewater systems, and any Greater Wellington Regional Council environmental consents. Wine-growing properties may have specific resource consent conditions.
District Plan Zones
South Wairarapa's District Plan includes these key zones:
- Residential Zone: Martinborough, Greytown, and Featherston
- Commercial Zone: Village centres
- Rural Zone: Farming, viticulture, and pastoral land
- Rural Lifestyle Zone: Lifestyle blocks and hobby farms
- Heritage Precinct: Protected areas in Greytown and Martinborough
The district plan includes specific provisions to protect the character of the heritage towns and manage rural subdivision.
Natural Hazards
South Wairarapa's natural hazard profile includes:
- Seismic activity: The Wairarapa Fault runs through the district. The 1855 Wairarapa earthquake was one of New Zealand's largest recorded earthquakes.
- Flooding: The Ruamahanga River and tributaries create flood risk on the plains. Lake Wairarapa can also flood surrounding areas.
- Land instability: The Rimutaka Range foothills and hill country areas are prone to slips.
- Drought: The Wairarapa can experience dry summers, affecting rural water supplies and property.
Building Consent & Code Compliance
Building consent is processed by South Wairarapa District Council with a standard 20 working day target.
Heritage buildings in Martinborough and Greytown may require additional consents for alterations. New rural builds need to address water supply and wastewater disposal. Vineyard-related buildings may have specific requirements under the Resource Management Act.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about buying in Martinborough?
Martinborough is a premium wine-country village with limited housing stock and strong demand. Check heritage precinct rules if the property is in the town centre. For vineyard properties, verify water rights, planting rights, and any resource consent conditions. The village has limited services compared to a town.
How accessible is South Wairarapa from Wellington?
The Rimutaka Hill Road takes approximately 60-75 minutes from Featherston to Lower Hutt. A rail service connects Featherston to Wellington via the Rimutaka Tunnel. The road can be challenging in poor weather and occasionally closes. Consider this if planning to commute regularly.
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