Matters for Decision – Council Meeting Summary News August 26th, 2026
Kaikōura District Council Meeting, 26 August 2026
Below is a brief summary of the matters for decision from the Council meeting held on 26 August 2026. You can read the full report online in our agenda:
https://www.kaikoura.govt.nz/council/meetings-cale...
1. Audit Exemption from LGA 2002 for KHWS (Agenda page 15)
Council considered exempting Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Ltd (KHWS) from certain reporting requirements under the Local Government Act 2002.
The report outlined:
• KHWS was incorporated on 23 March 2026 and has had a limited number of transactions to date
• The organisation currently meets the criteria of a small organisation under the Local Government Act 2002
• An exemption would remove the requirement for KHWS to adopt an audited annual report by 30 September 2026 under Local Government Act requirements
• KHWS would still be required to complete and adopt an audited annual report by 30 November 2026 under the Companies Act and Financial Reporting Act
• Audit New Zealand indicated support for the exemption approach
• A similar exemption request was being considered by Hurunui District Council
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to exempt Kaikōura Hurunui Water Services Ltd (KHWS) pursuant to Section 7 of the Local Government Act 2002. The exemption will allow KHWS additional time to meet its reporting requirements while still requiring the company to complete an audited annual report in accordance with the Companies Act and Financial Reporting Act.
2. Economic Development Strategy for Consultation (Agenda page 25)
Council considered approval of the Draft Economic Development Strategy and supporting documents for public consultation through a Special Consultative Procedure.
The report outlined:
• A long-term vision for Kaikōura through to 2075
• A new Five-Year Action Plan covering the period 2026 to 2031
• Four strategic priorities focused on Housing and Community Wellbeing, A Diverse Year-Round Economy, A Resilient Economy, and Connected, Liveable and Environmentally Rich Places
• Increased emphasis on environmental stewardship, resilience, youth retention, housing, healthcare and economic diversification
• Potential anchor projects including the Kaikōura Research and Education Centre, Wakatu Quay, South Bay Harbour Development and Airport development
• Clarification that the strategy does not approve projects, funding or implementation commitments
• A proposed consultation period from 21 September to 26 October 2026, with hearings scheduled for 11 November 2026
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to approve the Draft Economic Development Strategy, Draft Five-Year Action Plan (2026-2031), Draft Implementation and Implications Statement, and associated consultation material for public consultation using a Special Consultative Procedure. Community feedback will be considered before a final strategy is presented to Council for adoption.
3. Local Alcohol Policy for Consultation (Agenda page 81)
Council considered approval of the Draft Local Alcohol Policy and Statement of Proposal for public consultation.
The report outlined:
• A statutory review of the current Local Alcohol Policy adopted in 2020
• Proposed retention of existing trading hours, including on-licences operating from 8.00am to 2.00am and off-licences from 8.00am to 10.00pm
• A proposed 100-metre separation requirement for new licensed premises near schools, marae, places of worship and other sensitive sites, except within the Commercial Zone
• Retention of the current discretionary one-way door approach from midnight for hotels and taverns
• Additional requirements for events with 400 attendees or more, including mandatory Alcohol Management Plans and crowd management measures, with certified crowd control officers at public entrances and exits as the default requirement unless an approved alternative is provided
• Feedback received from New Zealand Police, Health New Zealand and licensing officials during the review process
• A proposed consultation period from 31 August to 2 October 2026
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to approve the Draft Local Alcohol Policy, Statement of Proposal, and associated consultation material for public consultation using the Special Consultative Procedure. Community feedback will be considered before a final policy is presented to Council for adoption on 25 November 2026.
4. Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan (Agenda page 103)
Council considered participation in the proposed Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan and associated governance and funding arrangements.
The report outlined:
• The Regional Spatial Plan will be a legislative requirement under proposed planning reforms
• The plan will provide a strategic framework for urban development, infrastructure, environmental management and land use across Canterbury
• A proposed Regional Spatial Plan Committee consisting of representatives from Canterbury councils, mana whenua, the Crown and an independent chair
• An estimated establishment budget of $725,500 for the 2026/27 financial year
• Kaikōura District Council’s proposed share of the establishment cost being $18,137.50
• The possibility of delaying the funding contribution until the outcome of the Head Start proposal with Marlborough District Council is known
• The expectation that Kaikōura would contribute approximately 2.5% of future development and delivery costs if it remains part of the Canterbury process
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to approve, in principle, the establishment of the Waitaha Canterbury Regional Spatial Plan Committee, endorse the proposed Terms of Reference, and participate in the regional planning process. Council also agreed to withhold its 2026/27 funding contribution of $18,137.50 until the outcome of the Head Start proposal is known, while continuing to provide in-kind support in the interim.
5. Plan Change 6 Decision – Ocean Ridge Development Area (Agenda page 118)
Council considered the final decision on Plan Change 6 relating to the Ocean Ridge Development Area.
The report outlined:
• A proposal to provide for an integrated residential and mixed-use development area within Ocean Ridge
• A maximum yield of 486 residential units across the development area
• Increased housing diversity, including medium-density housing and retirement living opportunities
• New neighbourhood commercial and community facilities within a mixed-use hub
• Ecological restoration, wetland protection and native planting requirements
• Infrastructure provisions including transport, water, wastewater and stormwater servicing
• Extensive assessment of landscape, ecological, cultural, hazard and infrastructure effects
• Independent Hearings Panel recommendations supporting the Plan Change with amendments
• Findings that the proposal is generally consistent with the Resource Management Act, Canterbury Regional Policy Statement and relevant National Policy Statements
Decision and Next Steps
Council resolved to approve Plan Change 6 for the Ocean Ridge Development Area, including the recommended amendments arising from the Independent Hearings Panel process. The decision enables the development of up to 486 residential units together with supporting commercial, community, infrastructure and environmental restoration provisions. The statutory processes associated with notifying and implementing the decision will now proceed.
