The decision was a bold one and was made prior to Auckland Council undertaking a structure plan for Warkworth. The decision was made on the back of signaled growth for the area identified in the Auckland Plan 2011 and the Unitary Plan. The latter document also signaled a more enabling process for structure plans and plan changes to be prepared by developers, individuals or community. Prior to this plan changes were seen largely as the domain of the Council.

Turnstone was of the view that if they did not pursue some rezoning of land Warkworth would be swamped and significantly adversely affected by ad hoc planning decisions that would be sure to result from increased demand for land and development associated with the completion of the northern motorway extension from Puhoi to Warkworth. 

Extensive research, preparation of technical reports and public consultation with neighbouring property owners, business owners and community groups was undertaken to inform the plan change. 

Turnstone facilitated engagement directly with key agencies such as Auckland Transport and Watercare. The Agencies were not opposed to the proposal when the application was lodged with Auckland Council in March 2018.

Auckland Council had a predetermined view that the land should be zoned Business – Light Industry due to a perceived shortage of business land for Light Industrial land uses in the region. Turnstone had to procure detailed GIS mapping and other technical assessments such as detailed economic assessment to prove that the best use of the land was not for Business – Light Industry land uses.

Turnstone progressed the proposal; against persistent opposition from Auckland Council that was latterly backed by Auckland Transport and the New Zealand Transport Agency; knowing that its plan was well founded and substantiated with robust factual technical assessments prepared by the expert project team.

Ultimately Turnstones’ proposal was successful with Independent Planning Commissioners granting the Request in March 2019 to all aspects other than zoning affecting two defined areas of land. The zoning of one area was swiftly resolved by agreement between the parties and a Consent Order has now issued by the Environment Court. There is a current appeal before the Environment Court now that is not related to land that had been owned by Turnstone. In nearly all respects the Commissioners favoured the evidence of Turnstone experts.