The ePlan is an interactive electronic version of the Whakatāne District Plan.
You can use the ePlan either like a book by reading it in full or by viewing it section by section. You can also use the ePlan interactive map viewer. This allows you to search for a specific property or area of the district and see map layers on your property. It can also help direct you to the most relevant parts of the District Plan and produce a property report.
View the Whakatāne District ePlan »
ePlan 'quick tips'
Here are some 'quick tips' to help you get the most out of the ePlan.
- How to navigate the District Plan
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- How to search a section or word within the District Plan
To search for a word, type the word or term into the "search for a keyword" text box at the top right of the screen.
- Using definitions
- Using hyperlinks throughout the plan
- How to search a property
- How to print and create PDFs
- Navigating between the spatial data and District Plan
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- Use tools to measure, draw and add text to the map view
- Material incorporated by reference
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- How to interrupt the legend
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an ePlan?
The ePlan is Whakatāne District Council’s District Plan in a map-based, searchable, easy-to-use tool.
- How do I use the ePlan?
- Search for your property
- Click 'Property Specific District Plan Chapters'.
- Once you've found your property, you can see the District Rules that apply by using the 'Property Specific District Plan Chapters' that appears in the left side menu panel. A message will pop up that informs you that you are now viewing the District Plan for a specific property. Text that doesn’t apply to this property will be hidden.
- If you want to view the entire District Plan text use 'View District Plan' on the landing page.
- Where can I find the ePlan?
The ePlan is available on-line and is designed for use on desktop computers. It may not function correctly on mobile devices. You can access it from you own home, work place or you can come to the Civic Centre, Whakatane Library or service centre to access it.
The ePlan supports Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and MS Edge. It does not support Internet Explorer.
- Are there different ePlans?
There is only one Whakatāne District Council ePlan. But other Council’s in NZ will have their own ePlan too.
- Are plan changes / appeals part of the ePlan?
The ePlan replaces the previous paper version of the Operative District Plan (District Plan). Any change that has been approved and is included in the District Plan since it became Operative is also included in the ePlan. Plans changes that are yet to be adopted (approved) by Council are not included in the ePlan. Any plan change under appeal is not included in the ePlan.
- Was there consultation on making the District Plan digital?
These changes have been made as a mandatory direction under section 58I of the Resource Management Act 1991 to comply with the National Planning Standards.
- Why have you rearranged content?
The National Planning Standards detail the structure, form and electronic accessibility requirements for all District Plans. The Whakatāne District Plan has been rehoused to comply with the National Planning Standards (planning standards). What this practically means is that the District Plan has been reformatted and restructured and now has an online interactive format (an ePlan).
When are you next reviewing the District Plan? The Council has a legal requirement to review the District Plan every 10 years, due to the Resource Management Act 1991. The District Plan is due for review in 2027.