Private Plan Change 22 - Upper Styx
What is Private Plan Change 22?
Christchurch City Council is consulting on a proposed private plan change that would rezone 18.5ha. of land behind Willowbank from Rural Urban Fringe to Resedential New Neighbourhood.
This is for approximately 230 houses that would be developed directly on Willowbank’s southern boundary.
Willowbank is a family owned reserve and has been around for 52 years - initially the area was all farmland and protected against development from a flight path. That flight path has now been removed and opens the way forward for Plan Change 22.
Potential Impact
We believe this proposed development will have negative impacts on the welfare of the animals in our care, reserve operations and threatens to undermine our conservation efforts including our work protecting New Zealand's "Big 5" - the kea, tuatara, kākā, takahē and kiwi.
Our concerns are wide-rangingtarting at the construction phase and extending to impacts from vibration, light pollution and increased human activity.
Our kiwi and takahē breeding centres are close to the boundary where noise, vibrations, increased domestic predators could impact the saftey and wellbeing of the highly sensitive and vulnerable taonga in our care.
We are concerned about the impacts of residential development on important waterways, specifically the Pūharakekenui / Styx River running through the PC22 site.
Willowbank currently uses the boundary of the reserve to house off display animals, a composting facility and a quarantine facility, as well as other areas that can create some noise and smell that may not sit well alongside residential development.
Further development may compromise Willowbank's overall visitor experience.
Learn more about this proposal on the Christchurch City Council website.
Learn MoreWe would like council to make the below decsion
While we acknowledge the need for development in Christchurch, we would like to see the council make one of the below decisions:
No change in zoning from rural to residential on the proposed development site.
No residential development or associated infrastructure between Pūharakekenui / Styx River and Willowbank's southern boundary.
Willowbank to be protected by a special purpose zoning that considers appropriate buffers and provides long term protection.
How can you help?
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community as we work to protect Willowbank, our animals and our important conservation work.
Talk to your friends and family about what this means for Willowbank and help spread the word.
Plan 22 is in the submission period at the moment and this is one of the most impactful steps you can take to let Council know how you feel. We will be making a submission and if you share our concerns, we encourage you to make your voice heard too.
Your support could make a real difference.
Submissions Due By:
Friday 21 August 2026
Submissions
To oppose a proposed plan change with Council, you must submit a formal written objection specifying the provisions you disagree with, your reasons, and the outcome you want.