INTRODUCTION / KUPU WHAKATAKI

What's happening?

We are reviewing the geothermal provisions in both Regional Natural Resources Plan and the Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan and will then combine these through Plan Change 11 (PC11) into a single geothermal chapter in the Regional Natural Resources Plan.

We are in the early stages of the plan change process and want to know what you think is important, where changes are required and whether we are heading in the right direction.


Why are we proposing some changes?

Regional Plans are regularly reviewed to ensure the objectives, policies and rules are fit for purpose and address the current management challenges we face when it comes to natural resources across the region. Both the existing Geothermal chapter of the RNRP and the RGRP are well overdue for review.


What's changing?

Many of the changes proposed are to tidy up and streamline existing provisions.

Some bigger changes include:

  • The integration of the Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan into the Regional Natural Resources Plan.
  • Amendments to guiding policy for geothermal management groups to incorporate the existing Regional Policy Statement direction and provide clear guidance to plan users and decision-makers.
  • A new rule for the protection of Significant Geothermal Features (SGF).
  • A new policy on the use of bonds for some geothermal wells.
  • Changes to implement Ngā Wai Ariki o Rotorua He Mahere Whakahaere Pūnaha - Rotorua Geothermal System Management Plan. Specifically, the inclusion of allocation limits, identification of values-based allocation priorities and establishment of sensitive management areas.
  • The adoption of an integrated approach for low temperature geothermal systems and freshwater policies and rules.

The Tauranga Geothermal System Management Plan is also being updated at the same time – this can be viewed and feedback provided here

Interactive maps

Click on the various spots on the map below to learn more about each geothermal system. Or view the online draft planning map (RNRP Geothermal Spatial Overlay) to support Draft Plan Change 11 – Geothermal here.

HAVE YOUR SAY / TUKUA TŌ KŌRERO

Your feedback

We are seeking your feedback on the Draft Plan Change 11 Geothermal Chapter. Releasing this draft is a critical step in the process to enable tangata whenua, key stakeholders, and the wider community to provide initial feedback prior to the notification of a Proposed Plan through the more formal RMA Schedule 1 process (currently scheduled for mid-2025).

As this is just a draft and not a formal RMA Schedule 1 process, no public hearings will be held – but we are happy to meet with you to hear your feedback and discuss the draft plan change at any time.

Ways you can give feedback

Option 1

Complete the online form here.

Option 2

Arrange a one on one meeting with one of our staff to discuss, or if you need help with your submission. Please complete the appointment request form and a staff member will be in contact with you.