​ A Short Guide to the Choices Ahead

 

What needs attention now, and what should we plan for the future?

Vision Tamahere 2075 brings together two tasks: identifying Tamahere’s priorities for the next three years and shaping a longer-term future for Tamahere, Matangi and Tauwhare.

This guide introduces the main questions which follow this guide.

These are ideas for discussion, rather than approved or funded projects. You can support a proposal, question it, suggest an alternative or say you need more information.

 

What matters most?

The discussion package identifies five broad goals: safer connections; a distinctive rural lifestyle; a strong and active community; a healthy natural environment; and carefully managed growth with housing choices for future generations.

Which deserve the greatest attention? How do we accommodate changing needs while protecting what people value about living here?

 

Getting around safely

Five possible improvements are identified: the Woodcock Road/Tauwhare Road intersection; Airport Road’s intersections with Pencarrow Road and Wiremu Tamihana Drive; a Birchwood Lane pedestrian crossing; and the Hooker Road/Cambridge Road intersection.

 

Which should come first? Are there other locations needing attention?

Southern Links raises wider questions about timing, tolling and local access. Should it proceed urgently? Should it connect to Tamahere Drive, and what would changes to the existing interchange ramps mean for residents?

The package also asks whether Airport Road’s speed limit should be reduced between Wiremu Tamihana Drive and the Narrows Bridge, and whether the bus trial should continue, improve or end.

 

Making community spaces more useful

Should playground shade be a priority? Would more music, community events and other activities make better use of the Village Green and Piazza?

Looking further ahead, should Council investigate acquiring more land around Tamahere Village for community facilities, recreation or services? What is missing and should the Council office and Community Centre remain in the village?

 

Understanding targeted rates

The package lists three local targeted rates:

• Community Centre: $70 per dwelling. The original $500,000 loan is reported as repaid; the rate also supports maintenance and has no specified end date.

• Village Reserve and playground: $38 per dwelling, with the current term ending on 30 June 2034.

• Gully Network: $52 per rated property, supporting the Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust. The current term ends on 30 June 2028; the Trust seeks a further five years.

Should these rates continue, change or end? What information about costs, commitments and results would help you decide?

 

Protecting nature and opening access

Should Council continue funding gully restoration and walking access from general rates? What priority should this receive alongside other needs?

A possible walkway towards Berkley Intermediate, linking the Mangaone and Rosebanks gullies beneath SH1, is proposed for investigation.

The former Narrows Golf Course is also raised as a possible public reserve. Walking, river access, restoration, picnicking and other recreation could be considered, subject to investigating availability, cost and suitability.

The package separately invites ideas for Maniapoto Pā, while recognising that its trustees and Ngāti Hauā determine the site’s future.

 

Housing and growth

Should some rural areas become Country Living areas? Could smaller sections, including lots around 2,500 square metres, offer more manageable properties?

Could multi-generational homes or small housing clusters help families remain close while retaining green space?

These choices also raise questions about roads, services, staging and which areas should retain their rural use. Residents are invited to consider what business or commercial development would fit and what would be unsuitable.

 

Your priorities and ideas

As you complete the short form below, consider your three most important topics, the action that should happen first, your views on targeted rates, and any longer-term idea or concern.

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*Please complete the required fields marked , and add comments wherever you wish.* Tell us what matters to you and what we may have missed.

 

The full 14-page discussion package is available to download for further detail at the top of this page.