Tamahere Pushes for Safer Roads, Better Buses and a Say in Its Future
Tamahere’s Future, Road Safety and Community Facilities Top Committee Agenda
Planning for Tamahere’s future, safer roads and better use of community facilities were key issues at the Tamahere Community Committee’s 6th October meeting.
Residents can help shape priorities at an Open Day on Sunday 18 October, 2–5pm, at the Tamahere Community Centre. Discussions will cover Council’s Long Term Plan, Vision Tamahere 2075, the Matangi Recreation Reserve masterplan and local restoration work.
Vision Tamahere 2075 has secured funding for its first planning stage through donations to the Tamahere Community Charitable Trust. A planning team has been contracted for $60,000 plus GST, with a report due by late November identifying community priorities for the next three years. Participation is also widening across neighbouring communities.
Road safety remains a concern at the Woodcock–Tauwhare Road intersection. Members reported excessive speeds despite the new 80km/h limit and suggested a digital speed display. Councillor Mike Keir is investigating funding for improvements, although construction would wait until the next construction season. Southern Links remains on hold, with some preparatory work continuing.
With the local bus trial ending early next year, the committee questioned its limited route and low patronage and requested updated passenger and financial figures. It supports retaining the temporary Tamahere Drive stop for the Cambridge–Hamilton bus, providing direct access to the city while protecting parking near the church.
The committee will also seek playground shading through the Long Term Plan. Members raised concerns about Piazza stage maintenance, booking conditions and affordable fees to encourage greater use.
At Matangi Recreation Reserve, funding has been approved for multi-purpose courts, with some money available for site preparation. The masterplan addresses sports fields, parking and buildings, although clubhouse refurbishment and funding remain unresolved.
Mayor Aksel Bech confirmed chief executive Craig Hobbs will leave Council at the end of October.
Closing the meeting, Councillor Keir acknowledged Council’s financial performance, including a $26.7 million surplus for the year ended 30 June 2026, against a budgeted $5.8 million loss. He noted lower borrowing associated with reduced capital expenditure and the 3.79% average rates increase for 2026/27. He also expressed appreciation for the Mayor’s handling of events surrounding the chief executive’s resignation.
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