FAQs

A Spatial Plan is a long-term plan for how Invercargill, Bluff and the surrounding areas could grow and change over the next 30 years. It brings together housing, business, transport, infrastructure, parks, community facilities and the natural environment into one shared vision for the future. Rather than looking at each issue separately, it considers how everything works together so future decisions are better coordinated and support the long-term wellbeing of the District. 

Invercargill is preparing for change. Housing needs are evolving, infrastructure is ageing and new investment is creating opportunities across the city and wider region. At the same time, central government is changing New Zealand’s planning system and the structure of local government. Preparing a Spatial Plan now will help identify local priorities, provide a clear direction for future growth and investment, and help inform the future Murihiku Southland Regional Spatial Plan. 

Changes to legislation are likely to result in a new planning system for New Zealand soon. When this happens, all councils in a region will need to prepare a new Regional Combined Plan in the future. This will start with the preparation of a Murihiku Regional Spatial Plan, followed by land use rules - similar to our current District Plan, but at a regional-scale, and in accordance with new national direction that will be set in 2027. Southland’s Community Spatial plans, and Invercargill’s Spatial Plan will both inform the Murihiku Regional Spatial Plan. 

The Spatial Plan focuses on the Invercargill City Council district, including Invercargill, Otatara, Bluff, Omaui, Tiwai Point and the surrounding rural area. It will also consider how the District connects with neighbouring communities and the wider Southland region, recognising that people, businesses, transport networks and infrastructure extend beyond district boundaries. 

The Spatial Plan will consider the things that influence how people live, work and move around the District. This includes housing, business land, transport, infrastructure, parks and open spaces, the city centre, heritage, community facilities and the natural environment. It will set out how these elements work together to support a successful, resilient and well-connected community. 

Not always, the Spatial Plan identifies a long-term direction for the District and may highlight areas where future investment is needed. Individual projects will still require further planning, design, funding decisions and approvals before they can proceed. The plan guides future decision-making but does not commit Council to delivering every project it identifies. 

The Spatial Plan is being developed in stages using technical evidence, existing Council strategies, stakeholder input and community feedback. The project begins by understanding the issues, opportunities and aspirations of the community before developing and assessing a range of possible options. Those options will then be shared with the community for input before a preferred direction is identified. 

The best time to involve the community is before decisions have been made. Early engagement helps the project team understand what people value, what challenges they see and what they want the future of Waihopai Invercargill to look like. This feedback will help shape the options that are developed, rather than asking people to comment on a completed plan. 

Community feedback is one of the most important sources of information to inform the project. It will be considered alongside technical studies, existing strategies and other evidence when developing and assessing Spatial Plan options. While not every suggestion can be included, Council will report back on what it heard and explain how community feedback has influenced the next stage of the project. 

The project is led by Invercargill City Council and is being developed in partnership with mana whenua, and with input from neighbouring councils, government agencies, infrastructure providers, technical specialists, and the community. Bringing together a broad range of knowledge and experience will help create a plan that reflects both community aspirations and the best available evidence. 

The Invercargill City Council Spatial Plan Subcommittee oversees the development of the project and provides direction at key milestones. Once the work is complete, the final Spatial Plan will be considered and adopted by the full Invercargill City Council. 

Once adopted, the Spatial Plan will help guide future Council decision-making. It will inform future Long-term Plans, infrastructure planning, District Plan (or Regional-Combined Plan) reviews and investment decisions by Council and its partners. It provides a long-term direction for the District but does not replace future planning, funding or consultation processes. 

There will be several opportunities to participate as the project progresses. Community engagement will occur at key stages, including on future Spatial Plan options before a preferred direction is identified. The project website will be updated with reports, project milestones, engagement opportunities and ways to provide feedback.