Woodhill Sands Trust Update - Resource Consent Final Decision released & Financial Update
Dear Riders and Supporters
We are pleased to share that, after a long and challenging process, the Environment Court has now issued its final decision on our Resource Consent application. This journey began with the initial hearing in May 2022, followed by an interim decision in February 2024, and now, in March 2025, we have a final ruling.
This decision provides the Trust and our wider community with much-needed certainty about the conditions under which Woodhill Sands can operate moving forward. While there is a 15-working-day appeal window before the commencement of the consent, any appeal can only be made on a point of law. We are currently reviewing the 81-page decision to fully understand its implications.
While a key outcome is that the Court has accepted our definition of equestrian activities and events (which is a positive step), one of the most immediate impacts is that all winter activity at Woodhill Sands will be limited to 50 horses on site per day. This means event entries will be capped accordingly. We are currently working with our venue team and our user groups who hire the venue to explore ways to adapt to these new conditions. More details will be shared as schedules and entries become available.
The full decision of the Environment Court can be viewed here:
NZ Environment Court Decision – Woodhill Sands
The final decision can be viewed here.
What this means for entering shows:
Please note that moving forward, all winter events at Woodhill Sands will be limited to the π³πΆπΏππ π±π¬ π²π»ππΏπΆπ²π. This means some events may sell out quickly, so we strongly encourage you to enter as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute may result in disappointment, as we will no longer be able to accommodate entries beyond the limit. Once the 50-entry cap is reached, a waiting list will be created via email.
Regarding failed entries:
We frequently receive failed entries, and unfortunately, many riders do not respond when we attempt to contact them. Going forward, any failed entries that are not confirmed by the closing date (or before reaching the 50-entry limit) will be deleted. Entries will not be processed, and slots will not be secured without proof of payment. It's a first-come, first-served system.
If you've had trouble entering, please email us immediately to confirm your entry. 
info@woodhilldsands.co.nz
Please make sure your email address in EVO is current. We contact you regularly regarding shows you may have entered and its important you are able to receive these emails. Also make sure you are checking your spam folder.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! Please spread the word!
Financial Update 
At the community meeting last October, we discussed extending the mortgage term to reduce monthly repayments. However, after further discussions with Auckland Council (who guarantee our loan), it became clear that even after restructuring, the payments would still be unaffordable. We are continuing to explore options with the Council regarding both our short-term financial situation and longer-term solutions.
How You Can Help 
Woodhill Sands is more than just ‘a’ venue, it’s your venue. It’s a place where riders create lifelong memories—where we experience achievement, learning, laughter, and social connection. It’s a place for family, Grandparents, Mums, Dads and children, and hopefully future generations, to ride or support riders, just as past generations have. From grassroots riders to top-level competitors, Woodhill Sands nurtures and supports equestrians across all disciplines.
To ensure the continued success of Woodhill Sands, we need your support:
Attend our days —Every entry makes a difference! With our winter calendar now having started, please check out the upcoming events section of our website and Facebook pages, with entries available through Evo Events. You can view the winter schedule here:
Volunteer your time—Help out at shows or behind the scenes to keep our events running smoothly.
How can I stay informed about the progress of the application?
Make sure you are signed up to our newsletter as we will provide regular updates through that channel. You can subscribe to this on the News section of our website https://woodhillsands.co.nz/news
Thank you for your ongoing support of Woodhill Sands. Together, we can ensure its future for years to come.
The Woodhill Sands Trust