The decision was made at the council’s community and regulatory committee meeting on Tuesday.
The consultation document for the long-term plan will be presented to council in late 2026, before a public consultation period opens in March 2027.
A report prepared by council parks and recreation manager Caroline Rain presented two recommendations to councillors to either not progress the revocation of 37ha of Donovan Park which is predominantly farm land or support the revocation so the land could be sold to enable future residential development.
During the discussion of the recommendations, Cr Darren Ludlow reminded councillors that in the late 1990s there had been public opposition to revoking the reserve status of the park.
“We didn't feel that there was the impetus to proceed.
“The city was also very different then as well and I think we recognise there are changing pressures.”
Cr Ian Pottinger said he would not support revoking the reserve status until other options to provide more housing had been explored.
Cr Marcus Lush said he believed Invercargill needed to be a city based around the central business area.
Allowing residential development of the area would add to the “north land drift” which “dilutes the vitality of the inner city”.
Cr Trish Boyle said the council was already looking at options to relieve the city’s housing shortage.
“Why would we agree to open another area when we’re not actually finished or gone through the process that we’re doing?”
Cr Alex Crackett said it was important to make the distinction between the 37ha farm land that was fenced off and the park which was an asset to the community.
“The reality of what’s being discussed here is whether or not there’s merit in beginning a statutory process to explore future options for a portion of that land that is largely fenced off . . . with limited public recreational use.”
Mayor Tom Campbell moved an amended recommendation that the revoking of the reserve status of the 37ha and 20ha areas of Donovan Park be added to the long-term plan discussion items.
During the public forum section, resident Boyd Wilson said Invercargill needed additional housing.
There has been housing pressure since 2016 and no real solution had been found, Mr Wilson said.
“I consider that Donovan Farm is a key opportunity to respond to this need.”
The Donovan farm land could be subdivided to between 400 and 500 lots and provide housing for 1500 people, he said.
