Council seeks input on Southern Settlements planning

Council is seeking community feedback on the Southern Settlements Structure Plan. Following a review and a Council meeting on 26 July, Council staff identified four key areas for limited development.

On Tuesday 14 August at the Turangi/Tongariro Community Board meeting (1.00pm) Council staff will provide an update on the Southern Settlements Structure Plan to the board and the community. Staff will be available to the community for feedback on Saturday 18 August from 10.00am to 1.00pm, at Omori Store and Licorice Café Motuoapa.

The Southern Settlements Structure Plan is a plan for the southern settlements of the Taupō District, and replaces the Turangi and Southern Lakeshore Settlements Structure Plan. The plan previously included Turangi Town Centre, the development of which is being managed through the Turangi Revitalisation Project.

The revised structure plan will assess potential for residential growth and development in Omori/Kuratau, Whareroa North, existing sections in Turangi and existing sections in Motuoapa as identified in Council’s TD2050 Growth Management Strategy. It includes assessment of land, infrastructure and community facilities needed for new growth.

The plan will concentrate on the four areas where there are existing sections. Other areas, previously identified (Upper Omori, Tokaanu, Grace Road, Hirangi Road, Mangamawhitiwhiti, Hatepe, Motutere, Waitetoko, Te Rangiita, Oruatua, Waihi and Pukawa) will not be included for growth at this time.

According to recent research, there is an oversupply of residential sections in the areas previously identified as growth areas. Mayor Rick Cooper said that the global financial crisis means that growth rates have slowed for the District and that growth to 2026 has decreased to one fifth of the original projections. “Council is working to be prudent and sensible in how it invests in infrastructure, we have to ensure that Council investment is wise.”

The planning will be in collaboration with residents and ratepayers, local businesses and major landowners (including Māori Land Trusts, Trustees and hapu).

For more information about the proposed Southern Settlements Structure Plan and the consultation schedule can be found here.