Matariki development progress

Hastings District Council, together with Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, has given property developer Ian Cassels of The Wellington Group a six-month

option to progress feasibility work on the Matariki development project.

Matariki is the name given to an area of potential development to the west of Flaxmere on land owned by HDC, Ngati Kahungunu and Te Taiwhenua.

Cynthia Bowers, Hastings District Deputy Mayor, said it was important to manage people’s expectations around the development.

“We still have a long way to go and Council wants to ensure that past planning mistakes in Flaxmere are not repeated. While we have approved the six-month option for The Wellington Group we did that from a basis of seeking more information so we can then decide whether or not to go ahead,” said Ms Bowers.

The option has been extended to The Wellington Group exclusively as the Council feels they offer a unique and unparalleled approach to development.

The main focus of any development at Matariki will be sustainable affordable homes, ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms, with communal outside spaces.