The Iona area of Havelock North was first identified for residential growth in 1993. At the time, the block of land was owned by the Lowe family who had intended to develop it themselves. After a rezoning request failed in 2014, a working group made up of family representatives, local residents, Hastings District Council staff and property consultants was formed, in order to work through the project.

The working group came up with a draft structure plan and community consultation on that plan began, resulting in a number of refinements. An application was then made by the Hastings District Council to the Environment Minister for this parcel of land to be rezoned, which was approved in February 2018.

Next, a variation to HDC’s District Plan was notified, so that any submissions could be received and considered by independent commissioners who then made recommendations to the Environment Minister. The Environment Minister made the final decision on the rezoning, which came into effect on 19 September 2018.

Finally, the Lowe family decided to put the majority of their land parcel up for sale, and it was purchased by CDL Land New Zealand Limited in 2021.