Havelock North housing: Developer in fast-track bid for over 300 homes amid council opposition
A large Havelock North subdivision proposal for more than 300 new homes could receive fast-track consent, despite Hastings District Council opposing large-scale housing on the land.
Major developer CDL Land New Zealand has announced a “positive step” in its bid to turn a roughly 30-hectare section between Middle and Te Aute Rds into a subdivision for 300-350 new homes.
The developer recently succeeded in having the project referred to the Government’s fast-track consent process, after meeting a list of criteria.
Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop was satisfied it would create regional benefits such as improved housing and jobs.
That means an independent expert panel will assess and decide whether to approve the subdivision, rather than the district council, with the latter having taken a stance over the land.
Last July, following much debate, Hastings District Council voted (eight votes to five) to exclude that site from a key planning document for future housing, known as the Future Development Strategy.
The decision meant the council did not support the land being earmarked for future housing on a large scale.
A key concern raised by councillors was protection of the region’s productive land and soil from development.
However, given the project is now being considered for fast-tracking, it may go ahead without the council’s blessing.
The land is currently used for pastoral grazing and rural residential purposes across five titles and is largely undeveloped.
It is sandwiched between the relatively new James Wattie Retirement Village to the north and another subdivision project to the south, called Iona, which is also being led by CDL Land.
CDL Land chief executive Jason Adams, in CDL Land’s latest announcement to the NZX, said the fast-track referral was a positive step.
“We are pleased the Minister has accepted the referral application and recognised the regional benefits of the Middle Rd project, which will increase the supply of well-planned residential land, support future housing choice in Havelock North and contribute to regional economic activity over time,” Adams said.
“Our focus is now on preparing the substantive application and continuing to engage collaboratively with councils, iwi, technical experts and other stakeholders as the project moves through the next stage of the fast-track process.”
He declined to comment further on the project at this stage.
In CDL’s annual report last year, the company stated it was “disappointed” by the council’s stance, particularly given an independent hearing panel had found the land suitable for future housing.
“We continue to see strong long-term potential for this land,” the 2025 report read.
“On that basis, we have commenced the urban zoning process through the fast-track framework to progress its future development.”
If approved, the project will include “a mix of lot sizes to support both standard housing and medium-density development”, a report read.
Havelock North has a population of about 15,000 people, according to Stats NZ.
A long list of housing developments is currently proposed or in the pipeline for the settlement, to grow it further.
That includes a handful of subdivision projects for another part of Havelock North, along the northeast boundary.