One of the main priorities of the Tamahere Community Committee has been to ensure that the Tamahere Structure Plan review (originally scheduled for the 2011/12 year) was brought forward. 

Thanks to the Tamahere Community Committes submission to the Waikato District Council Long Term Community Plan in April of this year followed by our presentation in person, this important Structure Plan has now been brought forward and will begin next year. 

Why is it so important?

Our objective for the Review of the Tamahere Structure Plan is that it will:

a.   Consolidate and bring together all Tamahere elements from all other
WDC plans, schemes, policies and documentation

b.   Consult with the Community and other stakeholders on the design and
planning for a Tamahere Community Hub development centred around
the Community Centre, Tamahere Model Country School, St Stephens
Church and WDC land holdings

c.   Develop a people movement plan integrating roading, cycle ways,
foot paths and walkways with development concepts, investment
levels and timeframes

d.   Act as a focus to ensure community consultation is through and
that any development plans take into account the views and
concerns of neighbours, community groups, community
organisations and ratepayers.

e.   Allow for commercial partnerships and commercial development
consistent with Future Proof and the size of the Community.

f.   Consult with Future Proof partners and recognise Tamahere as a key
gateway and buff er zone with Hamilton City.

The masterplan will serve as a focus to build a genuine heart for Tamahere.  Our strongly growing area needs this focus. 

WDC made its formal resolutions 26 June 2009 with the Tamahere Structure Plan Review being brought forward, with $50,000 allocated in 2009/2010 financial year & a further $50,000 allocated in 2010/2011. However if, once the terms of reference were defined, and work was underway, more funding was required, the Council would make this extra funding available in the 2010/2011 year.

WDC stressed the review would be completed and funded. Other factors impacting on the review are; the Southern Quadrant Study, targeted for November 2009, & the Southern Links Study, targeted for October 2010. The Southern Quadrant Study has to be done first which means the Structure Plan Review is probably not due to begin until March 2010. All aspects of the southern area of WDC, HCC & borders with Waipa will be part of these studies and therefore the Review has to be considered in tandem with any issues raised by theses Studies.

If you would like any input into the terms of reference for the review of the Structure Plan please contact one of our committee members.