A neighbours’ meeting to be held at Tamahere Community Hall on 25 February (4-5.30pm) will bring residents together to discuss the proposed 150-hectare Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR) equine hub and race track development, a project many locals believe could significantly alter the character and livability of the area.
Concerns are centering on increased traffic, environmental pressure, noise, lighting, and what some residents describe as a potential “loss of place” for a community long valued for its rural calm and open landscape.
While the terms of reference have yet to be established along with any funding needs, the neighbours group ( local residents more closely impacted by the proposal), is expected to maintain a clear mandate focused on communication, mitigation of impacts, and safeguarding the character of Tamahere. Administrative costs are likely to be modest and shared, with transparency around any technical, facilitation, or reporting expenses.
For many residents, the upcoming meeting represents an important moment, not simply about a development proposal, but about shaping how Tamahere evolves while preserving the essence of what makes the community home. Neighbours are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, and help guide the conversation about the future of this place.
