More than 600 local residents turned out on Saturday afternoon for the Tamahere Community Open Day, signalling a deep and growing interest in the future direction of one of Waikato’s most strategically positioned communities.
Held at the Tamahere Community Centre, the event provided locals with the opportunity to view information, ask questions, and voice concerns on a range of major developments affecting Tamahere, a critical rural-residential buffer between Hamilton and Cambridge.
The standout topic of the day was the proposed Waikato Thoroughbred Racing equine hub and racecourse, a 150-hectare greenfield development currently progressing through early planning stages. Members of the Waikato Thoroughbred Racing board and executive were present throughout the afternoon, fielding a steady stream of questions from residents. While some attendees expressed positive but cautious interest, the overall tone reflected significantly more opposition than support, with a number of locals becoming visibly emotional as they spoke about potential impacts on their lifestyle, environment, and sense of place.
Waikato Thoroughbred Racing's Chairman, Bruce Harvey Surrounded By Concerned Residents.
Concerns raised repeatedly included traffic volumes, road safety, water usage and impacts on the local water table, noise, smell and long-term land-use change. Several residents questioned how the proposal aligns with existing infrastructure constraints, particularly in light of the long-awaited Hamilton Southern Links connection from SH1 to SH3, which many thought should remain the priority before any large-scale development proceeds. It was noted the Racing equine hub proposal could progress under the Government’s Fast-Track framework, limiting consultation and overriding residents' ability to express their unease about the lack of clarity around environmental impact assessments and any future submissions process.
The Open Day also covered other significant local issues, including options for the future use of Tamahere Reserve, Titoki Sands post-mining land use, and the upcoming Morrinsville Road closure associated with construction of the so-called “peanut intersection” at Matangi Road/Silverdale Road. The latter attracted considerable interest, despite the absence of Hamilton City Council representatives on the day. Members of the Tamahere Community Committee (TCC) did their best to respond to questions and explain known details around detours and timelines.
Some of the more than 600 residents who visited the Open day gathered in the main hall
Credit was widely given to the Tamahere Community Committee, led by Charles Fletcher, for delivering a well-organised and accessible event. The Committee’s efforts included hand-delivering more than 2,500 flyers throughout the community, supported by social media and Tamahere Forum promotion, a combination clearly paying off in terms of turnout and engagement. Charles Fletcher also fielded many questions relating to Vision Tamahere 2075, the Committee’s 50-year long-term community planning project, currently under development and actively seeking resident input.
Adding to the day’s significance, Waikato District Council Mayor and local resident Axel Bech was present, engaging directly with attendees and taking questions across several of the key issues.
More of the Open Day's attendees seeking clarification about a range of issues from WDC staff present.
Overall, the Open Day was widely regarded as a highly successful and constructive event, demonstrating both the scale of local interest and the importance of transparent, early engagement on projects that could fundamentally reshape Tamahere’s future. The attendance numbers and the depth of discussion has sent a clear message - residents care deeply about how growth is managed in Tamahere, and they appreciate being meaningfully involved as decisions unfold.
The Tamahere Community Committee has indicated feedback gathered on the day will help inform ongoing work, planning and future engagement opportunities.
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