A submission is feedback given in response to something Council has out for consultation, such as a plan, policy, bylaw or strategy. There is normally a submission form to complete, but you can also simply send us an email with your feedback.

Anyone can make a submission. You can also make a submission on behalf of others, but the submission will be taken and processed as a single submission. If you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, it is important to ensure you have the right to do so, and that you are representing the organisation’s views correctly.

It is also good to remember that it is often not a ‘numbers game’ when the elected members are making a decision. One submission with a good idea backed up with good reasoning and explanations can have more effect than multiple submissions providing little or no explanation for the view.

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When you submit a written submission, you also have the option to appear in front of Council and present your submission at the hearing. You need to indicate this on your written submission. Once consultation has closed, staff will get in touch with the date and time you have been scheduled to speak.

The Elected Members will have read your written submission before the hearing, so it is best to use this time to provide more context or additional information. You cannot ask questions of the Elected Members during this time.

You will be given 10 minutes in total – we recommend you use 5 minutes of this for presenting your submission and leave 5 minutes for the Elected Members to ask any questions of clarification. If you submit more than one submission, you will still only be given the one time slot to cover all of the points in your submissions.

The hearing will be live streamed on Facebook and Youtube and is also open to the public to attend in person.

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All submissions that we receive are published on our website. Once consultation closes, staff process all submissions and summarise the feedback. This, along with staff comments, goes to the Elected Members for use during deliberations. The deliberations are livestreamed on Facebook and Youtube, and are also open for the public to attend in person.

During the deliberations, the Elected Members discuss the feedback received – both written and verbal. They then indicate to staff if they wish for any changes to be made to the draft documents that were consulted on.

Following the conclusion of the deliberations, staff will then go on to make any changes requested by the Elected Members during deliberations. The updated version will then be presented at a Council meeting for adoption at a later date. Once the final version is adopted, all submitters will receive an email or letter explaining any changes.

In 2023 Council reviewed the Local Alcohol Policy. The review process started earlier in the year and resulted in two rounds of community consultation.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains what we were proposing.

In the first consultation round, when Council consulted on the policy without any changes,  42 submissions were received and seven submitters spoke at the public hearing on 3 August 2023.  You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

Following this, Council consulted on amended policy with 32 submissions received and three submitters spoke at the public hearing on 9 November 2023.
You can view the summary of feedback we received in the second round here. 

After considering all the feedback received, Council approved the changes proposed to the policy.

A public notice of the Final Local Alcohol Policy was given on 14 December 2023 and the policy is adopted 30 days after that (13 January 2024).
Following adoption, there is a required 3-month period before the new policy comes into effect, to give the affected licensed premises the time to arrange the necessary updates. This means that the new trading hours and the districtwide one-way door restriction will come in effect on the 14th of March 2024.

Submissions on the Draft Transportation and Parking Bylaw closed on 7 May 2023.

In 2023, Council reviewed the Transportation and Parking Bylaw.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains what we were proposing.

We received 17 submissions in response to our consultation, with two submitters presenting at the hearing held 31 May 2023. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council made some changes to the final document in response to the submissions received.  Council also identified a number of proposals for changes to traffic restrictions that it has directed to Officers to investigate and report back on.

The Final Transportation and Parking Bylaw was adopted on 28 June 2023.

Submissions on the Draft Revenue and Financing Policy - Drinking Water closed on 7 May 2023.

In 2023, Council reviewed the Revenue and Financing Policy - Drinking Water, seeking a fair and affordable solution for the future funding of the Methven-Springfield water supply.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains what we were proposing.

We received 30 submissions in response to our consultation, with one submitter presenting at the hearing held 31 May 2023. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council made some changes to the final document in response to the submissions received and also confirmed its intention that Methven-Springfield water meters be read quarterly and billed annually.

The Final Revenue and Financing Policy - Drinking Water was adopted on 28 June 2023.

Submissions on the Draft Alcohol Control Bylaw closed on 16 April 2023.

In 2023, Council reviewed the Alcohol Control Bylaw.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains what we were proposing.

We received 28 submissions in response to our consultation, with two submitters presenting at the hearing held 4 May 2023. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council made some changes to the final document in response to the submissions received.

The Final Alcohol Control Bylaw was adopted on 17 May 2023.

The Draft Use of Footpath for Alfresco Dining Policy consultation closed 23 October 2022.

In 2022 we undertook a review of our Use of Footpath for Alfresco Dining Policy. The policy sets out the conditions that are to be met when a business within the Ashburton District wishes to make use of the footpath area in front of their premises to allow patrons to dine. It aims to ensure pedestrian and motorist safety, as well as providing a pleasant environment for businesses and the community.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received 34 submissions in response to our consultation, with three submitters presenting at the hearing held 23 November 2022. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council decided that further changes were required to be made to the draft policy in response to the submissions received. You can see the final policy here. The policy was adopted at the Council meeting held 21 December 2022.

The Draft Interim Speed Management Plan consultation closed 16 October 2022.

In 2022 we asked feedback from the community on three important principles for speed management to be established in the Interim Speed Management Plan.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the principles and includes the maps that show the proposed speed management zones for schools and urban fringes.

We received 82 submissions in response to our consultation, with seven submitters presenting at the hearing held 23 November 2022. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council adopted the principles at the Council meeting held 21 December 2022:

Principle 1 – School Speed Limits:
* Council adopted lowering the speed limits around schools.
* Council adopted lowering the speed limits to 30km/h around urban and rural schools.|
* Council adopted a variable speed limit for rural schools and a permanent speed limit for urban schools.

Principle 2 – Speed management for Urban Fringes:
* Council adopted the principle on introducing speed management for urban fringes with a 1km radius from a township’s boundary to respond to future growth in the district.

Principle 3 – Speed reduction in developed Urban Areas with a high number of users:
* Council adopted the principle on speed reduction in developed urban areas with a high number of users.

Following the 21 December Council Meeting the final Interim Speed Management Plan will be sent to Waka Kotahi for approval. Once approved you will be able to find it here: https://www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/ashburton-district/Plans-Reports-and-Strategies/other-council-plans

Submissions on the Draft Stormwater Bylaw closed on 18 September 2022.

In 2022, Council developed a draft Stormwater Bylaw.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains what we were proposing.

We received seven submissions in response to our consultation, with two submitters presenting at the hearing held 29 September 2022. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council made some changes to the final document in response to the submissions received.

The Final Stormwater Bylaw was adopted on 5 October 2022.

Submissions on the Draft Ashburton Airport Development Plan closed on 30 August 2022.

In 2022, Council undertook early engagement with airport users and neighbours, to determine what they would like to see in the development plan.

Following the feedback from the early engagement, Council developed a draft Ashburton Airport Development Plan. You can see our consultation document here, which explains what we were proposing.

We received 109 submissions in response to our consultation, with nine submitters presenting at the hearing held 14 September 2022. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council made some changes to the final document in response to the submissions received.

The Final Ashburton Airport Development Plan was adopted on 5 October 2022.

Submissions from the public on the Future of Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater closed on 13 March 2022.

Recent reports have shown that Te Puna a Taka (Lake Clearwater) is in a fragile state and its water quality is declining, meaning the lake is at risk of ‘flipping’. This means it could reach a point of degradation that could have sever impacts on biodiversity and the overall health of the area, which would be very difficult to reverse.

We asked the public what they would like to see for the future of the area, from 2 February to 13 March 2022. You can view the consultation document here.

We received 153 submissions in response to this consultation, with 13 submitters presenting at the hearing held on 13 April. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

The feedback we received helped us to develop a draft 30 year plan for the area. This plan was then sent to our key partners and stakeholders for their feedback. You can view a summary of the feedback we received on the draft plan here.

The feedback received from key partners and stakeholders informed a number of changes to the draft plan. The updated draft was then taken to Council for adoption.

The Final Future of Lake Camp (Ōtautari) & Lake Clearwater (Te Puna a Taka) 30 Year Plan was adopted on 17 August 2022.

(Formerly the Mobile Shops, Stalls and Hawkers Bylaw)

Submissions on the Draft Trading in Public Places Bylaw closed on 23 June 2022.

In 2022 we undertook a review of our Mobile Shops, Stalls and Hawkers Bylaw.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed, including the name change to ‘Trading in Public Places Bylaw’.

We received 29 submissions in response to our consultation, with 4 submitters presenting at the hearing held 6 July 2022. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council made some changes to the final document in response to the submissions received.

The Final Trading in Public Places Bylaw was adopted on 27 July 2022.

Submissions on the Draft Waste Minimisation and Management Plan closed on 23 June 2022.

In 2022 we undertook a review of our Waste Minimisation and Management Plan.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received 129 submissions in response to our consultation, with 4 submitters presenting at the hearing held 6 July 2022. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council made one small change to the final document in response to the submissions received (the change was the inclusion of a date for the working group to be initiated by).

The Final Waste Minimisation and Management Plan was adopted on 27 July 2022.

Submissions on the Draft Play, Active Recreation & Sport Strategy closed on 20 May 2022.

In 2022 we undertook a review of our Sport and Recreation Strategy.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received 40 submissions in response to our consultation, with 11 submitters presenting at the hearing held 8 June 2022. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council made some small changes to the document in response to the submissions received.

The Final Play, Active Recreation and Sport Strategy was adopted on 27 July 2022.

The Annual Plan is our budget for the coming financial year, it explains what we’ll be doing, how much it will cost and how we’re planning to pay for it. We develop an Annual Plan in the years between our Long-Term Plans.

Submissions were open on the Draft Annual Plan from 6 April – 6 May 2022, with hearings and deliberations held on 24/25 May.

You can find information on what we were proposing on itsourplace.nz. A total of 131 submissions were received on the Draft Annual Plan. You can view these, along with a summary of feedback here.

The Final Annual Plan 2022/23 was adopted on 29 June 2022.

Consultation closed 6 October 2021.

Our parking strategy aims to provide a framework for managing parking across our district. At the same time, we consulted on a parking mangement plan for the Ashburton town centre - which sets out the specific measures that will be used to manage parking in this area.

Between the 6 September and 6 October 2021, we asked for your feedback on these two documents. We received 33 submissions, with 3 choosing to attend the hearing and present their submission to the Elected Members. You can read a summary of the feedback we received here.

In response to the feedback we received, Council made a number of changes, listed below. The final documents were adopted at the Council meeting on 17 November 2021.

Ashburton District Parking Strategy - page 25:

• Action C2: Provide bicycle and motorcycle parking on streets and in Council car parks.
• Action D1: Provide bicycle parking on streets and secure bicycle cages in Council car parks.
• Action E3: Support any new Council off-street parking with assessments of demand / need and cost analysis.

Ashburton Town Centre Parking Management Plan - page 15:

SHORT TERM, Before Library and Civic Centre relocation:

• ADC promote travel planning and develop a Council employee Travel Plan as an example for other organisations that may wish to develop a plan.
• ADC consider car pooling parking space allocation for their staff and investigate the potential for carpooling spaces in public car parks.

SHORT TERM, General:

• ADC to facilitate EV charging with providers to determine the optimum commercial opportunity and number of spaces required, and the most appropriate locations.

SHORT TERM, General:

• Allocate spaces in public car parks as ‘campervan / over-sized vehicle spaces’ to encourage visitors to the town centre.

New action added to MEDIUM TERM actions:

• Consider the addition of bike cages for all-day parking in public car parks.

You can view the final documents below.

Ashburton District Parking Strategy

Ashburton Town Centre Parking Management Plan and the background technical report

The Draft Dog Control Bylaw and Policy consultation closed 11 July 2021.

In 2021 we undertook a review of our Dog Control Bylaw and Policy. These documents aim to find a balance between maintaining a safe and healthy community, with providing for the recreational needs of dogs and their owners.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received 29 submissions in response to our consultation, with two submitters presenting at the hearing held 29 July 2021. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the feedback, Council decided that no changes were required to be made to the documents in response to the submissions received. You can see the final bylaw here and the final policy here. These were adopted at the Council meeting held 20 October 2021.

In 2021, the Government gave councils until the end of September to provide feedback on the proposed three waters reform. At that stage, Councils were not being asked to confirm whether they were opting in or out of the reform, rather to give feedback on the potential impacts of the proposed reform and how it could be improved.

We went out to the community with a survey to ask your view on the proposed reforms. This helped us to compile comments, matters for clarification, concerns and issues with the reforms which we fed back to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) at the end of September 2021.

We received 504 responses to the survey.

• View the engagement information here
• View the feedback we received here
• View a copy of our submission to the DIA here

In October 2021, the Government announced that the three waters reform programme will become effective 1 July 2024.

For more information on the three water reforms, have a look at our webpage.

The Future of Grove Street Park consultation closed 14 September 2021.

In 2021 Council was asked to dispose of Grove Street Park, a neighbourhood park at 187 Grove Street, Tinwald.

The request came from a developer, who hoped to use the site for road access to a proposed subdivision east of the park, bounded by Grove Street and Grahams Road. The subdivider had plans for a larger and better neighbourhood park in the proposed subdivision, about 150 metres from the current park.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the proposal.

We received 45 submissions in response to our consultation, with two submitters presenting at the hearing held 29 September 2021. You can see the summary of feedback here. On 6 October 2021, Council approved the disposal of the park and resolved to negotiate a fair price for the land.

The Draft Open Spaces Bylaw consultation closed 11 July 2021.

In 2021 we undertook a review of our Open Spaces Bylaw. The bylaw aims to protect Council’s Open Spaces from damage or misuse and to allow for their effective management for the benefit and enjoyment of all users.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received five submissions in response to our consultation, with one submitter presenting at the hearing held 29 July 2021. You can view the summary of feedback we received here.

After considering the submissions received, Council made two small changes to the bylaw - the definition of open spaces and the aircraft section were slightly amended, to provide greater clarity and to incorporate the no-fly zone in the domain. You can see the final bylaw here.

The Long-Term Plan 2021-31 consultation closed 19 April 2021.

Every three years we develop a 10 year plan which sets out our direction. It lets you know what we will be doing, how much it costs, and how we intend to pay for it - it's our commitment to our community to deliver the services and infrastructure our district needs to thrive.

You can view the results from our pre-engagement survey here.

We received 431 submissions in response to our consultation. These, along with a summary of the feedback and the changes made, can be viewed at itsourplace.nz.

View the Long-Term Plan 2021-31 here.

The Draft Community Engagement Policy consultation closed 19 April 2021.

In early 2021 we undertook a review of our Significance and Engagement Policy, which sets out when we will consult with the community, and how.

One of the changes we made to this policy was re-naming it to our ‘Community Engagement Policy’.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received three submissions in response to our consultation, with one submitter presenting at the hearing held 11 May 2021. You can see the summary of feedback here and the final policy here.

The Draft Rates Remissions Policy consultation closed 19 April 2021.

In early 2021 we undertook a review of our Rates Remissions Policy, which sets out the conditions and criteria to be met in order for rates to be remitted.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received two submissions in response to our consultation. You can see the summary of feedback here and the final policy here.

The Draft Development and Financial Contributions Policy consultation closed 19 April 2021.

In early 2021 we undertook a review of our Development and Financial Contributions Policy, which sets out how we will plan for and fund infrastructure and facilities to meet the anticipated growth requirements of the district.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received five submissions from a total of 69 submitters, two of which presented at the hearing held 11 May 2021. You can see the summary of feedback here and the final policy here.

You can learn more about development contributions here.

Consultation on the Draft Walking & Cycling Strategy closed 30 November 2020.

The four main goals of the Strategy are:

1. A coherent, safe and connected urban walking and cycling environment.
2. A quality, fit for purpose recreational walking and cycling network that connects to key destinations.
3. Ensuring the urban and rural walking and cycling networks integrate to create an accessible district.
4. A district committed to walking and cycling for health, well-being, safety, environment and economic reasons.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains what we proposed.

We received 68 submissions in response to consultation, with 145 submitters presenting in person at the hearing.

Final Walking & Cycling Strategy

Summary of feedback

The following changes were made to the strategy, following feedback.

1. Acknowledgement of the mountain bike trails and clubs has been included in Appendix D of the strategy.
2. Additional safe crossing projects on State Highways have been included in the action plan - objective 1.5 (page 14). Priority and timeframe have been changed to high priority and short term.
3. Investigation of a learn-to-ride cycling space on Council property (similar to the bike skills park at Caroline Bay) has been included (objective 4.1D, page 16).
4. Proposed footpath locations from the forward works programme have been included in the Ashburton & Tinwald maps (pages 21 – 23). These shared paths include sections on Racecourse Rd between Charlesworth Dr and Allens Rd, Albert St extension to Ashburton Christian School, Tarbottons Rd extension to Cawton Grove subdivision etc.
5. The 'Our cycling network' paragraph (page 5) have been revised to better reflect cycling in the purpose of the strategy.

Consultation on the Baring Square East Project closed 14 September 2020.

With the new Library & Civic Centre being built next to Baring Square East, plans have been developed to upgrade the Square.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains what we proposed.

We received 26 submissions, and the following changes have been made to the design brief for Baring Square East.

• Three concrete arbours will be removed from the site with the remaining retained as a key vertical feature of the square.
• The John Grigg statue and Llew Summers ‘Love’ sculpture will be retained within Baring Square East.
• The Legion of Frontiersmen and Boer War memorials will be retained in the current locations on Baring Square East.
• Continue with lifting the water feature pavers, the basalt paving and seating as per the concept plan, and include shaded areas for some seats.
• Continue with the concept plan proposal for a one-way traffic flow along Baring Square East, with entry from Cameron Street and exit onto Havelock Street.  The final design must include 45^o angle parking and an allowance for bollards at the Baring Square East and Cameron Street / Havelock Street intersections.
• The final design retains the current layout of Baring Square East and uses the existing established exotic plants for structure and natives in the lower-lying plant form to reflect the district well and simplify the design.
• The final design reflects the concept plan for the civic plaza and allows for future use with power and lighting in relevant locations
• The final design reflects the concept plan for the civic plaza and allows for future use with input sought from Council’s Events team and the Ashburton Trust Event Centre team on power and lighting needs.
• Council officers have also been directed to undertake a condition assessment of the John Grigg statue and incorporate remedial work, if required, into future budgets, and to bring forward the review of the Mobile Shops and Hawkers Bylaw to 2022.

The Draft Revenue and Financing Policy consultation closed 26 July 2020.

In 2020 we undertook a review of our Revenue and Financing Policy, which provides a framework of how we charge rates for the services that Council provides.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received five submissions from a total of 135 submitters, 28 of which presented at the hearing held 18 and 19 August 2021. You can see the summary of feedback here and the final policy here.

The Draft Ashburton Domain Development Plan consultation closed 5 July 2020.

The Ashburton Domain Development Plan (ADDP) was designed to:

• provide strategic direction and coordination of future expenditure in the Ashburton Domain over the next 30 years;
• maximise the value of the domain'
• capture the public thoughts, wishes and ideas about the future direction of the domain.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains what we proposed.

We received 164 submissions with 23 submitters presenting in person at the hearing.

Summary of feedback received

Final Ashburton Domain Development Pan

In response to feedback from submitters, the following changes to the draft plan were made:

Central Hub

The plan recognises that the domain lacks a central focal point for activity and information. Instead of locating it where the bowling club is, the plan now shows the central hub located  on the northern side of the carpark adjacent playground and waterplay area. This hub would contain a small pavilion sitting within a broad overhead canopy structure. This will be a starting point for people visiting the domain with the area providing a place for information, refreshments, community activities, education and display.

Aviary

The plan now shows immediate removal of the existing aviary structure and the expansion of the wildlife garden into this area. In the longer term a new modern walkthrough aviary could be incorporated into the wildlife garden.

New entry and access

The draft plan recommends a new entry and access road into the domain from Walnut Avenue. This project has been brought forward because of the impending changes to the Walnut Ave and West Street intersection.

Other changes

Other changes include an expanded pump track, inclusion of sensory and edible gardens, and the removal of potential alternative uses for the curators house. The band rotunda on the southern corner has been scaled back to a waterside shelter and the plan also includes a 5 year review period.

Timeline

The proposed timelines for the each of the projects are shown on page 42 of the plan. They have been amended to incorporate feedback from Council hearings and deliberations. If the ADDP is adopted by Council and the preferred timing of projects are confirmed, each of the projects will be price checked for consideration in the LTP 2021-31 process.

The Draft Speed Limit Review consultation closed 8 March 2020.

Early 2020 we undertook a review of the speed limits on our local roads throughout the district to ensure the limits on our roads are safe and appropriate.

You can see our consultation document here, which explains the changes we proposed.

We received 204 submissions in response to our consultation, with 14 submitters presenting in person at the hearing held 22 June 2020.

Summary of feedback

Speed Limit Maps

In response to the feedback we received from the community, we made a number of changes to the original proposal. The main decisions are described below.

Ashburton East

A number of roads in Ashburton East, including Taits, Northpark, Glassworks, Southpark, Seafield, Keenans, Grayburn, McGrath, Milton Road South, and Smithfield Roads are to remain unchanged, at their current speed limit of 70 km/h.

Mt Somers

We had proposed sections of Ashburton Gorge Road and Hoods Road to be 60 km/h, these will now be 50 km/h, with the 50 km/h speed limit zone on Ashburton Gorge Road extending to the water station.

A request was made by a number of submitters for a reduction in speed along Arundel Rakaia Gorge Road, adjacent to the township entrances. While we have not reduced the speed along this section of road, Council officers will work with the Mt Somers Citizen Association to investigate alternative options to encourage reduced speeds.

Subdivisions

A 40 km/h speed limit in subdivisions was agreed rather than the proposed 30 km/h.

School zone speed limits

We agreed to reduce the speed limits around all schools: 40 km/h urban schools and 60 km/h rural schools. The placement of the school zone speed limits will be discussed with the schools and affected stakeholders, with variable signs installed once the placements of the zones are confirmed.

Feedback on this project closed 7 February 2020, and we received 41 responses to this consultation,

You can view our consultation document here which explains what we were proposing and why.

Feedback on this project closed 4 October 2019.

You can view our consultation document here which explains what we were proposing and why.

We received 106 responses, and you can see a summary of the feedback here.