A Win for Farmers, Buyers, and Biodiversity
A Farmer’s Dilemma
Peter Foley is a lifelong Banks Peninsula farmer and a Bayleys real estate agent. His 400ha sheep and beef farm, perched above Akaroa Harbour, had been in his family for generations. But like many farmers in the region, he faced a tough reality: pastoral farming on the Peninsula has become less profitable, and even at 400ha, his farm couldn't sustain a full-time income.
Selling up and leaving wasn’t an option—his love and connection to the land ran too deep.
The upper portion of the property, adjacent to Summit Road, had become increasingly difficult to farm. Since removing sheep from the upper slopes eight years ago, native vegetation had rapidly regenerated, enhancing biodiversity and creating significant ecological value. Peter saw the ecological value in this natural regeneration, but from a farming perspective, these steep, overgrown slopes made traditional pastoral farming even less viable.
He needed a way to extract value from this land without compromising his farm, his family’s legacy, or the environment. That’s where Fox and Associates came in to explore innovative land-use opportunities.
The Challenge: Making the Land Work Again
Peter faced several challenges in making the best use of his land:
- Farming was no longer viable: The upper slopes were steep, overgrown, and unsuitable for profitable grazing.
- Subdivision Restrictions: The Christchurch District Plan required 100ha minimum lot sizes above 160m elevation, far larger than what Peter wanted to sell.
- Outstanding Natural Landscape Overlay: Due to its location near the Akaroa Harbour crater rim, any proposed dwelling site would undergo strict scrutiny, requiring costly assessments with uncertain approval outcomes.
- Limited Access & Services: With no formed access, steep terrain, and no power, water, or wastewater services, development would be costly and complex.
- Marketability Challenges: Selling large, steep land blocks without designated building sites would be a tough sell in a conventional market.
Peter needed an out-of-the-box solution—one that worked with the land, not against it.
Thinking Beyond Traditional Subdivision
Fox and Associates brought extensive experience in rural land development, subdivision planning, and conservation-focused land use. Our deep knowledge of the Christchurch District Plan, local conservation initiatives, and market trends allowed us to develop a groundbreaking subdivision approach tailored to Peter’s needs.
The Solution: Conservation Blocks
Drawing on our deep knowledge of the Christchurch District Plan, rural land use, and emerging market trends, we saw an opportunity - conservation blocks.
We recognised a growing number of urban buyers who weren’t looking for farmland or development opportunities—they were looking for land to protect and regenerate. These buyers wanted to invest in conservation, not capital gain. If we could shape a subdivision around their needs, we could unlock value for Peter without the typical barriers of rural development.
Essentially, instead of forcing the land to fit traditional subdivision models, we designed a subdivision that embraced what the land was already becoming - a thriving conservation area.
Key Features of the Subdivision:
- Four Conservation Blocks: Ranging from 13 to 56 hectares, these blocks encompassed the steep, regenerating land. Buyers were drawn to the established native vegetation, seeing it as a head start for their conservation efforts.
- No Identified Building Sites: This eliminated the need for costly assessments while keeping future options open. Buyers could apply for dwelling approval later if they chose, but the subdivision itself was not tied to residential development.
- Consent Notices for Protection: Each conservation block was subject to legally binding consent notices ensuring:
- Fenced boundaries remained stock-proof.
- Native vegetation could not be cleared except for necessary tracks or small structures.
- Retained Productive Farmland: Peter kept the most viable grazing land, maintaining his farming operation while unlocking equity from the retired portions.
Rather than trying to sell land as a blank slate for development, we sold it as an opportunity to contribute to conservation. This tapped into a niche yet passionate market of buyers willing to invest in the long-term health of the environment.
This innovative approach allowed Peter to subdivide the land in a way that met regulatory requirements, was attractive to a niche market, and supported long-term biodiversity restoration.
The Results
The Christchurch City Council accepted the proposal without requiring public notification, and subdivision consent was granted smoothly. Titles were issued in early 2024, and all four conservation blocks quickly sold to environmentally focused buyers.
What This Means:
- For Peter – He unlocked equity from land that was otherwise unproductive, without compromising his farm’s future.
- For the Buyers – They found a unique opportunity to own and restore a piece of the Banks Peninsula, without the pressure of farming or development.
- For the Environment – A significant portion of land is now permanently protected, supporting native biodiversity and long-term ecological health.
- For the Future - This subdivision sets a precedent for similar conservation-focused land developments on Banks Peninsula and beyond.
What Our Clients Say
"Being a multi-generation farmer on Banks Peninsula, I know how important it is for the farming community to be able to adapt as the climate and economy create change. The steeper parts of my property were uneconomic to farm, and the removal of grazing stock saw a resurgence of native vegetation. However, this retired farmland became very attractive to an emerging market of urban dwellers wanting a piece of land to nurture.”
— Peter Foley, Landowner
“We had searched for some time for a piece of retired farmland where we could support the return of native vegetation and biodiversity. This subdivision provided the perfect opportunity for us because we knew that our neighbours would also have the same focus, ensuring even greater impact for a whole catchment.
Our children are fully engaged in caring for the land, and we’re all excited to think there will be a flourishing tōtara forest for generations to come."
— David and Viv Linscott, One of the Lot Owners
Get In Touch
Fox and Associates is proud to have led this pioneering subdivision, proving that land development can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible. Whether you're looking to unlock value from your land, navigate complex planning regulations, or create a legacy project, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today to explore creative subdivision solutions that work for you—and for the future of your land.