Tamahere Community Committee — Key Outcomes (September 2025)
Tamahere’s September TCC meeting covered new walkway standards and costs, safer streets around schools, a Reserve concept plan, CCTV roll-out, election dates, and a proposal for a local charitable trust.
Tracks & Toilets: Cost, design, and common sense
Community members reiterated concern parts of the TMRT Bilsthorpe Lane trail and bridges are being “over-engineered” for a gully that floods periodically. TMRT noted Council has shifted thinking from a low-impact Track 5 (tramping only) toward a more built-up Track 3; the Trust and Councillors queried whether this is necessary in a flood-prone area. Cr Keir will liaise with Council’s Megan May on scope before tendering, with a shared goal of containing costs so other LTP projects aren’t squeezed out.
Council has received a price for a second toilet block that’s well above previous modular builds. A Quantity Surveyor is checking whether the jump is market-justified. Vandalism remains a district-wide problem (including at Tamahere Recreation Park); residents are asked to report incidents via Antenno.
Birchwood Lane: What the survey said, and what happens next
Council’s post-trial survey drew 245 responses but no clear mandate to change the speed limit. A widely supported idea was a raised pedestrian crossing near Devine Road to calm traffic and protect people heading to school and childcare. If agreed, design/funding/installation would take at least a year. Road maintenance and resealing are scheduled this summer; new capital works may not be funded until 2026–27.
For Newell Road’s cul-de-sac, NZTA advanced a design directly to WDC. TCC asked that no action be taken until current community views are heard. Council has no fixed position and will align with local input.
Tamahere Reserve: Concept plan on the way
Council plans to engage Boffa Miskell to prepare a Reserve Concept Plan. Stage 1 is priced at $22,660; Stage 2 depends on the final option ($7,410 or $10,350). There’s also a provisional allowance for any specialist sub-consultants. TCC has suggested scope refinements; Council will confirm adjustments with TCC/TMRT before proceeding.
Community Plan & Southern Links
The Community Plan sub-committee (a mix of TCC and locals) has started work and will seek broad input through short Tamahere Forum surveys. NZTA will take the Southern Links business case to its Board this month; Cabinet decisions on the Roads of National Significance are expected before Christmas.
CCTV, Civil Defence, and predator control
CCTV installation is underway, with the server proposed location being at the Tamahere Community Centre. The Committee formally thanked Charles Fletcher for sustained work that helped make Tamahere the first project under the new district strategy. Civil Defence is still seeking a local lead; interested residents (including from the Country Club) are encouraged to step forward. Predator Free Tamahere reported trapping now extends to Pencarrow Road and the Allan Turner bridge bat-signage will be updated.
Community updates in brief
• Tamahere Lions: pursuing playground shade grants; planning a 10-year celebration with support from Gails of Tamahere due to Piazza access constraints this year
• TMCS: board elections 10–17 September; Winter Gala Ball a success; out-of-zone ballot closes 2 October; Term 3 ends 19 September
• St Stephen’s: next Market Day Saturday 20 September; Christmas planning underway
