Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) new 2025 Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice has now launched.

The code sets out the minimum standards that must be met for civil works and infrastructure constructed within new developments and it has been updated following a review and public consultation late last year.

The latest code continues to ensure infrastructure across subdivisions and developments is functional, consistent, able to be operated and maintained safely, and built using best practice, QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Tony said.

“Given a significant portion of the infrastructure council owns and manages is installed by developers and their contractors, the code provides clear guidelines and standards to be met to ensure this infrastructure meets local conditions and our community’s expectations,” he said.

The new code has a particular focus on stormwater management to lessen environmental effects and ensure stormwater systems built today are “suitable for the future”, Tony said.

Two hundred and ten submission items were received from a range of submitters on proposed updates to the code, providing insight and technical feedback from practitioners working with the code regularly.

The code now incorporates revised design and testing requirements for soakage devices, clarified definitions for catchment types, and updated guidance on blockage factors, among other changes resulting from feedback received through the submission process. 

Tony thanked those who made a submission, noting feedback received helped the new code to reflect practical issues encountered while subdividing or developing land in the district.

“We’ve also identified significant demand for the code’s roading and transport section to be updated, which we now plan to review at a date to be determined in 2026,” he said.

The 2025 Land Development and Subdivision Code of Practice was approved for adoption at the full council meeting on April 17.

Resource consent applications submitted will now be subject to this version of the code, Tony said.

PHOTO: Supplied