Upcoming Engagement and Consultation Opportunities

Council has a range of engagement and consultation activities planned for 2022/23 where there will be an opportunity for you to have your say. Register your interest using the form below to stay up to date.

Featherston Master Plan
An over-arching plan that shows where and how development might occur in Featherston over time.

Representation Review
Council is reviewing the district’s representation arrangements ahead of the 2025 elections. The review will be completed in a phased approach and consider matters such as Māori representation, the number of elected members, and the boundaries and names of each Ward.

Featherston Wastewater Project
Wellington Water is seeking a new consent for the Featherston wastewater treatment plant on behalf of the South Wairarapa District Council as outlined here.

Policies and Bylaws

Our policies and bylaws are regularly reviewed to make sure they are fit for purpose. Below are the reviews planned for 2023/24.

Revenue and Financing Policy (Rating Review)
Sets out how Council activities are funded including details of the types of rates to be used. See the Rating Review project page for more information.

Wairarapa Local Alcohol Policy
Applies to the sale and supply of alcohol in Wairarapa and provides a policy framework to guide licencing decisions.

The Wairarapa Local Alcohol Policy is currently being reviewed.  The review is anticipated to be completed in late 2023/early 2024.   

Psychoactive Substances Local Approved Products Policy
Sets criteria for the location and density of points of sale for products approved under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2013.

Control of Dogs Policy and Bylaw
Provides guidance and consistency for Council, staff and members of the public on the approach to dog control in the District.

Wairarapa Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy
Sets out the Council’s approach to managing Class 4 Gambling venues (non-casino venues with gaming machines commonly known as “pokie machines”) and Standalone TAB venues (those owned/leased by the NZ Racing Board whose main activity is providing racing or sports betting services under the Racing Act 2003) in the District.

The Wairarapa Class 4 Gambling and Standalone TAB Venues Policy is currently being reviewed.  The review is anticipated to be completed in late 2023.  

Freedom Camping Bylaw
SWDC does not currently have a bylaw made in accordance with section 11 of the Freedom Camping Act 2011 (the Act). Rather, SWDC must currently rely on other mechanisms to regulate freedom camping, such as section 44 of the Reserves Act 1977 which prohibits unauthorised use of reserves for permanent or temporary accommodation, and historically a bylaw made in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA) (s45/46) which applied to our coastal areas. With freedom camping becoming more popular, and the associated impacts increasing, SWDC seeks to develop a freedom camping bylaw under section 11 of the Act.