Blueprint coming to a town near you this year

With the district-wide vision for the Coromandel’s future agreed after extensive community/iwi feedback, attention now focuses on turning words into action in seven localised areas across the peninsula.

2010 marks the Local Area Blueprint [LABs] phase of the Coromandel Peninsula Blueprint, a joint initiative between Thames-Coromandel District Council [TCDC], Environment Waikato, Department of Conservation and Hauraki Whaanui to develop a 50-year strategic framework for managing growth and sustainable development.

The project’s Political Steering Group [PSG] met on March 2 to discuss the LAB phase which will, once again, feature community-wide engagement.

In a joint statement, the PSG described the LABs as the anchor stone of the Blueprint, the practical on-the-ground realisation of the community’s vision.

“The clear, district-wide planning set out in the Blueprint will be matched with the LABs which will provide detailed planning for local settlements and their surroundings.”

Leading urban design practice Urbanism+ has been retained to lead the LAB phase, bringing to the project extensive experience throughout New Zealand – including Hamilton and Nelson - and overseas.

Director Kobus Mentz will lead the Urbanism+ team which will work alongside the project partners and also guide the community consultation workshops in April.

Like many of his colleagues, Mr Mentz has a special affinity with the Coromandel|Te Tara o te ika a Maui. During the past 15 years, he has spent most summer breaks holidaying in Whangapoua and other parts of the peninsula.

As well as setting the strategic framework that will shape the district’s future landscape and prosperity, the Blueprint and the seven LABs serve another critical function. Key documents including the District Plan, Regional Policy Statement, Coastal Policy Statement and Conservation Management Strategy are being reviewed this year. In addition, Iwi Management Plans will be updated as a result of the iwi/community feedback received during the Blueprint project.

The PSG said the community is invited to stay informed and involved throughout the year.

The project’s website - www.coroblueprint.govt.nz – is currently being updated with a new feature focusing on the latest stage.

“By simply clicking on ‘the LAB tab’, we will let you know how and when you can, once again, have your say.

“Please keep talking with us and we’ll keep listening.”