Private Plan Change 21 - Status
Private Plan Change 21 (PPC21) is now open for public submissions.
Tainui Group Holdings Limited (TGH) has requested a private plan change relating to noise controls for the future operation of the Ruakura Inland Port. Hamilton City Council has accepted the request for processing under the Resource Management Act 1991.
PPC21 is being publicly notified. This means anyone can make a submission on the proposed plan change.
Submissions are open from 29 September to 30 October 2026.
You can read the proposal and supporting documents below and make a submission through Have Your Say.
What is Private Plan Change 21?
Tainui Group Holdings Limited have requested a change to Hamilton’s District Plan to optimise port operations by replacing restrictive noise rules to enable 24/7 operation.
The proposed changes would:
- allow the inland port to change the operating conditions of the inland port to allow it to operate as a 24-hours a day, seven days a week by replacing the current noise provisions
- introduce noise boundaries that expand as different stages of the port are developed, with compliance with noise limits measured at these boundaries
- allow noise barriers to be constructed as permitted activity
- provide additional mitigation measures for the most affected properties in the Percival/Ryburn Enclave
Timeline
Public notification and submissions open
Submission closes
Summary of submissions available and call for further submissions
Hearings
Decision
Plan change documents
Planning documentation
This includes all the documents and reports that are part of the planning process, such proposed changes, policies, maps, and technical studies.
Ruakura Inland Port Optimisation - Request for Private Plan Change
Appendix 1_Plan Change Provisions
Appendix 2_Plan Change Mapping
Appendix 3_Legal descriptions and ownership
Appendix 4_Acoustic Assessment
Appendix 7_NPSI_Planning Policy Assessment
Appendix 8_Section 32 Evaluation
Frequently asked questions
What's a private plan change?
Private plan changes can be used to change or introduce new rules into the District Plan to do things like rezone land or list heritage buildings. Anyone can request a private plan change.
All private plan changes are required to go through notification, submissions and hearings processes, including the right of appeal to the Environment Court. Council manages the administration of this.
Did Council initiate this plan change?
No, Tainui Group Holdings has requested this private plan change. Council’s role is to evaluate the plan change, carry out notification and make a decision based on the recommendation of the independent commissioner(s) at the hearing.
How can I find out more?
We're here to help so if you've got any questions, please email planchange@hcc.govt.nz.
Why is PPC21 being publicly notified?
PPC21 is being publicly notified under the Resource Management Act. TGH has requested that the proposed plan change process through a public notification process. Public notification means the proposal is available to anyone to view and anyone can make a submission.