PROJECT
Helping a Banks Peninsula farmer unlock value from less productive land while supporting native regeneration.
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.
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.
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.
Fox Environmental brought extensive experience in rural land development, subdivision planning, and conservation-focused land use. Our deep knowledge of the Christchurch District Plan and local conservation initiatives allowed us to develop a groundbreaking subdivision approach tailored to Peter’s needs - conservation blocks.
In his role as a real estate agent Peter identified 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.
The key features of the subdivision are:
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 that fenced boundaries remained stock-proof and that 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 Christchurch City Council accepted the proposal without requiring public notification, and subdivision consent was granted smoothly. Subdivision consent was granted, titles were issued in early 2024, and all four conservation blocks were subsequently sold to buyers interested in environmental restoration. The project had a positive outcome for all stakeholders:
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.
We are 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.
