What has changed and why?
Based on more recent population projections, the Taupo District no longer requires all of the growth areas identified in 2006, as we have sufficient land to meet demand within areas already zoned and adjacent to existing settlements.
Structure plans have already limited the extent of some growth areas, but because of continued refinement of the District's population projections it is proposed to remove some growth areas. Further information on the implications and potential risks of oversupplying land can be found in Section 4 of the strategy document which is the basis for TD2050.
In summary:
The Mapara Valley growth area is no longer required because
- It was structure planned and zoned due to significant projected population growth which is no longer anticipated;
- It would be dependent on the West Kinloch Arterial (WeKA) to provide transport connections as well as water and wastewater services from Taupo town;
- Infrastructure provision would be very expensive; and
- It is more efficient to consolidate around Taupo town where we can make the most of existing infrastructure.
We intend to remove the residential zoning but we would like your thoughts on what the Māpara Valley might look like in the future.
Whareroa North
Whareroa North is included as a future growth area on the basis that it has previously been identified in planning documents and Council has recently received a private plan change seeking to have the zoning changed. It will need to be demonstrated that there is demand for this land and that costs to the community can be appropriately managed. Ultimately its future will be determined through the private plan change process.
Multiply-owned Maori Land
In TD2050 2006, there were areas of multiply-owned Maori land that were identified as future growth areas. It has become clear over time that a conventional approach to development has not worked for these areas so it is proposed that these growth areas be removed from TD2050. Further work with these landowners will be needed through the District Plan review to establish better mechanisms to develop multiply-owned Maori land.
What are your thoughts on opportunities for the development of multiply-owned Maori land?
Five Mile Bay
Five Mile Bay is one exception to the reduction of growth areas. This area was owned by the Department of Conservation and was not available for consideration as an urban area, but in 2017 the Crown and Tūwharetoa agreed that the area would be vested in Ngāti Tūwharetoa as freehold land with an anticipation of future development.
Due to this change, along with its unique lakeside location between existing urban areas and the ability to service this area efficiently, it has been identified as a future growth area.
Do you have any comments about future development at Five Mile Bay?
Where will growth go?
To make development as efficient and affordable as possible this growth is planned to go next to or within our existing settlements wherever possible. The maps below show where we are planning for residential and industrial growth. Do you have any further comments?
Map 1 - Northern growth areas
