A designation is a planning technique used to authorise works and activities by a requiring authority (such as a council, government organisation or network utility operator) on a particular site, without the need for land use consent.
Designations can apply to both privately-owned land and land owned by the requiring authority.
Designations that apply to privately-owned land restrict what landowners and occupiers can do. The requiring authorities can still undertake certain types of works, activities, or projects.
Most of the designations included in the PAUP were already included in the former Auckland Council district plans. They have been rolled over into the PAUP, with some being modified where necessary.
Some new designations have been requested as part of the PAUP process.