Traditionally New Zealand residential communities have segregated residences and workplaces. As a result, there has been ongoing community concern about non-residential activities establishing within, or encroaching into, residential areas. The degree to which non-residential activities are tolerated is influenced by the sensitivity, character and status of the host community.

However, in recent years there has been a trend to encourage mixed use in some modern suburban developments (the 'new urbanist' model), and within existing residential areas close to public transport. This allows for redevelopment at higher densities and a more compact urban form. Given these changes and ongoing development pressures, non-residential activities need to be appropriately managed by plan provisions to guide the location of activities in appropriate areas and through the resource consent process.

Non-residential activities may seek to establish in residential environments under the following scenarios:

• establishment of a new activity within a residential area
• expansion from a business zone into a residential area
• intensification of an existing non-residential activity within a residential area
• a change in use from one non-residential activity to another within a residential area.