BEFORE THE BOARD OF INQUIRY

IN THE MATTER of the Resource Management Act 1991

AND

IN THE MATTER of a Board of Inquiry appointed under s 149J of the Resource Management Act 1991 to consider the application for resource consents by Watercare Services Ltd to increase abstraction of water from the Waikato River.

STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE OF LUKE O’DWYER (HCC PLANNING AND GROWTH)

Dated 18 June 2021

Instructing Solicitor: Michelle Hawthorne [email protected] 1

INTRODUCTION

Qualifications and experience

1. My full name is Luke O’Dwyer.

2. I am the City Planning Manager for Hamilton City Council (HCC), a position I have held for approximately three years.

3. Between 2013 and 2017, I was the Manager for Economic Growth and Planning for HCC. Before then I was employed in senior planning roles in public and private sector organisations between 2002 and 2012.

4. My qualifications include a Bachelor of Town Planning (Hons) from the University of New South Wales, a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Studies (Environmental Management) from Macquarie University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from Waikato University. I am a board member of the New Zealand Planning Institute, a full member of the Planning Institute of Australia and am also an honorary lecturer in planning at Waikato University.

5. I have more than 20 years of professional planning experience obtained in a variety of roles in New Zealand, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

6. My experience includes:

The development and implementation of metropolitan and district/city plans in Australia and the United Kingdom, and district/city plans under the Resource Management Act 1991 in New Zealand (RMA or the Act);

Development of major structure plans, large scale strategic planning reviews and urban renewal strategies; 2

Project feasibility and investigation,

Option analysis and evaluation,

Environmental Impact Assessment in the urban development and infrastructure sectors; and

Project management and stakeholder engagement.

7. As the City Planning Manager for HCC my responsibilities include:

Structure planning projects (including implementation) across parts of the City;

Project assessment of large infrastructure proposals;

The administration of HCC’s Operative District Plan;

Growth management at the city and sub-regional scale;

Administration of HCC’s Urban Design Panel;

Policy and planning integration with our Future Proof partners; and

Strategic property acquisition and disposal.

8. I am authorised by HCC to provide evidence in these proceedings.

Code of conduct

9. I have read the Environment Court Code of Conduct for expert witnesses contained in the Environment Court Practice Note 2014 and agree to comply with it. I confirm that the opinions expressed in this statement are within my area of expertise except where I state that I have relied on the evidence of other persons. I have not omitted to consider materials or 3

facts known to me that might alter or detract from the opinions I have expressed.

SCOPE OF EVIDENCE

10. My evidence outlines:

The planning and investment context of the Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area (metro area).

Hamilton’s role and function in the Hamilton to Auckland Corridor (H2A corridor or corridor), now and into the future.

HCC’s approach to planning for long-term growth.

Specific comments on the proposal.

SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE

11. Hamilton is a significant metropolitan centre and its long-term development is important to the prosperity of Auckland, the Upper North Island and New Zealand.

12. This importance is recognised by both Central Government and Auckland Council through their respective membership of the Hamilton to Auckland Corridor Urban Growth Partnership and the Upper North Island Strategic Alliance (UNISA).

13. Like Auckland, the economy and the population of Hamilton, and the broader metro area, are expected to grow significantly over the next 30 years.

14. The availability of water for both cities is critical for this longer-term growth to occur. 4

15. Hamilton’s economy and urban system is connected to Auckland. A successful Auckland, growing in a way that compliments both cities, can continue to deliver improvements in wellbeing for their communities and for New Zealand as a whole.

16. While its submission signalled opposition to the application, HCC’s preference is not that the Watercare application be declined. Such an outcome would not assist the wellbeing of either Auckland or Hamilton communities.

17. However, HCC is of the opinion that if the application were approved, conditions of consent which gradually reduce the reliance of Auckland’s water supply from the Waikato River would not be inconsistent with the approach to securing new sources of water supply as outlined in the Watercare application and as indicated in the evidence of witnesses appearing on behalf of Watercare.

18. Such an approach would not result in the Waikato River being fully allocated and would also not preclude HCC from obtaining increases in water supply to support its planned growth and investment.

19. This balanced approach would assist in enabling Hamilton to fulfil its role as a major metropolitan centre for New Zealand as indicated through the collaborative partnerships, focus, and effort being made by the Future Proof Partnership.

THE PLANNING AND INVESTMENT CONTEXT OF THE HAMILTON - WAIKATO METROPOLITAN AREA

Background

20. Hamilton has a population of approximately 181,467 people and sits within the centre of the Waikato sub-region. 5

21. It is the fourth largest city in New Zealand, ranking behind Auckland (1.8 million), Christchurch City (400,000), and Wellington City (220,000).

22. A total of 238,000 people live within the metro area, which includes Cambridge, Te Awamutu, and Taupiri/Ngaruawahia).

23. Recent projections undertaken by the National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis (NIDEA HIGH 2018 Series) indicates that by 2065, the population of Hamilton is predicted to rise to 304,762 and the metro area is forecast to increase to approximately 428,038. Attachment 1 to my evidence outlines the demographic projections for Hamilton, the Waikato Region, and the metro area.

24. The strategic importance of Hamilton and the role that it plays in New Zealand’s current and future prosperity has been recognised by central government, and indeed, Auckland Council, through the work of the Hamilton to Auckland Urban Growth Partnership that was formed following the creation of the Hamilton to Auckland Corridor Plan (H2A Plan) and the development of the Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan (MSP Plan).

25. The genesis for these initiatives arose from the development of the Government’s Urban Growth Agenda (UGA).

Hamilton to Auckland Corridor Plan

26. The UGA, introduced in 2018, represented a shift in the approach to urban development and infrastructure planning in New Zealand.

27. The development of the UGA resulted in central government agencies liaising with territorial authorities and mana whenua to explore opportunities for growth consistent with the UGA. Early investigation led 6

to the identification of the H2A corridor as a priority area, acknowledging its role as New Zealand’s most significant transport corridor.

28. This ultimately led to the development of the H2A Plan, included as Attachment 2 to my evidence.

29. The purpose of the H2A Plan is to develop an integrated spatial plan and establish an ongoing growth management partnership for the corridor which:

Accelerates identified transformational opportunities;

Outlines key housing, employment, social, environmental and network infrastructure priorities for the corridor over the next 30 years to successfully accommodate growth and address levels of service, remedial or renewal needs; and

Identifies planning, development, infrastructure, mitigation, and restoration works required, and funding and legislative projects partners may take in the short-term for implementation of a long- term vision.

Water initiatives as part of the H2A

30. As part of the development of the H2A corridor, the critical nature of water supply was identified. Local authorities, iwi, communities, and industry face significant challenges in meeting their current and future Three Waters service needs. A key project in this area is a Waikato sub-regional Three Waters study that seeks to identify the most innovative, responsive and timely water infrastructure solutions, which deliver better environmental outcomes, community benefits and overall efficiencies and resiliency.

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31. The study focuses on the development, delivery, and management of municipal Three Waters (water, stormwater, and wastewater) infrastructure for urban settlements in the study area which includes parts of the Waikato and Waipa districts and all of the HCC jurisdiction. Ten, 30 and 100-year planning horizons have been adopted for the study and a strategic business case has been completed to date.

32. Mr Parsons refers to the strategic business case in his evidence. Other investigations (such as for the sub-regional wastewater business case) propose solutions predicated on significantly larger populations and economic growth than the present state. This is because Hamilton and the sub-region will have an enhanced role and function over the next 30-50 years.

The Hamilton to Auckland Urban Growth Partnership

33. All of the work undertaken as part of the H2A Plan led to the creation of the first Urban Growth Partnership in New Zealand. The H2A Urban Growth Partnership brings two regions, mana whenua, central and local government together to integrate and coordinate land use, network and social infrastructure planning and delivery.

34. The H2A Urban Growth Partnership has identified a range of initiatives to stimulate stronger corridor connections and to enable greater planning and investment activities. One of these key initiatives was the development of a joint spatial plan for the metro area.

The Hamilton - Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan

35. The MSP is the first joint spatial plan for the metro area prepared by iwi, the Crown, and local government partners under the Future Proof Partnership. The metro area extends from Taupiri in the north to Te Awamutu and Cambridge in the south, with Hamilton at the core. The MSP takes a longer view of growth in this metro area and plans for a future 8

scenario in which 500,000 people reside. A copy of the MSP is included as Attachment 3 to my evidence.

36. The MSP sets out a framework to respond to the current and future challenges of the metro area to shape urban development in the long- term.

37. The MSP identifies that Three Waters infrastructure is a key enabler for sustainable development and growth in the metro area and, if not effectively addressed, it will constrain and limit population and economic growth, as well as having negative environmental and cultural outcomes.

38. The key elements of the MSP include:

Delivering on the aspirations of taangata whenua including enhancing the environmental health of the Waikato River and supporting iwi housing and economic priorities within the metro area;

A spatial framework to achieve very significant mode shift to public transport, reduced carbon emissions, increased housing choice, more affordable housing and improved access to employment and key amenities;

Demonstrating how existing and all future larger-scale communities are connected by rapid or frequent public transport services along prioritised public transport corridors;

Enabling a wide range of urban development opportunities to enhance competitive land markets; and

The development of an economic corridor (Ruakura-CBD- Ngaruawahia) will build on existing economic strengths in the metro area and drive higher value employment growth. 9

39. The MSP is being actively implemented by the Future Proof Partners in the following way:

It is being incorporated into the review of the Future Proof Growth Management Strategy, which will be released for public consultation in September 2021 through a Special Consultative Procedure prescribed by the Local Government Act 2002;

A comprehensive Programme Business Case for investigating the proposed rapid and frequent transport network contained in the MSP has commenced and is forecast to be completed by July 2021; and

The major growth localities are directly influencing HCC’s implementation of the National Policy Statement for Urban Development (NPS-UD).

HAMILTON – WAIKATO METROPOLITAN AREAS – ROLE AND FUNCTION NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE

40. To support the work of the MSP, economic analysis by BERL was undertaken to examine the role and function of the metro area within the upper North Island and New Zealand. A copy of the BERL report is included as Attachment 4 to my evidence.

41. This study outlined the current role and function of the MSP area, explored the economic linkages between the metro area and wider Waikato and Auckland areas, examined some scenarios of development over a 30-to- 50-year period and assessed the impact of improved connections between Auckland and Hamilton.

42. The BERL study found that the MSP area represents the fourth largest economy in New Zealand and its existing economic role and function is integrated with the wider Waikato economic ecosystem. The MSP area 10

services the Waikato Region by providing business services and the social services, as well as servicing the Waikato primary sector.

43. The BERL study also found that progress for New Zealand’s economic development would be assisted should the MSP area become a larger, well- defined metropolitan area that was able to attract and provide an increased amount of high-value economic and social services.

44. If Hamilton was able to transition to a larger but more compact and connected city (both to Auckland and within the metro area) BERL found that such a spatial form would improve key sectors of the metro area’s economy and that overall productivity could be enhanced.

45. Dr Fairgray finds that, with the longer-term growth prospects for Hamilton, there is a significant opportunity cost for the Hamilton and Waikato region should the availability of water be restricted for Waikato communities resulting from the granting of the application being made by Watercare.

46. Consequently, such an outcome where water access may be restricted could also put at risk the benefits of a larger, more compact, and better- connected metro area as outlined in analysis developed by BERL to support the MSP.

HAMILTON’S APPROACH TO PLANNING FOR LONG-TERM GROWTH

47. HCC has taken a responsible approach to planning for its long-term development. This is articulated through:

The NPS-UD;

The Waikato Regional Policy Statement (WRPS);

The Hamilton Urban Growth Strategy (HUGS);

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The Hamilton City District Plan (District Plan); and

Planning for water use.

WAIKATO REGIONAL POLICY STATEMENT 2016

48. The WRPS contains specific growth management provisions for managing urban development in the Future Proof Sub-region. It explicitly contains provisions that promote the growth of the Future Proof Sub-region, which is largely contiguous with the H2A area.

Hamilton Urban Growth Strategy 2010

49. HCC developed HUGS which outlines a long- term growth plan for the city.

50. HUGS identified that residential growth in Hamilton would be re-prioritised in the following manner:

Approximately 50% of Hamilton’s new dwellings would be increasingly provided through regeneration of existing parts of the city.

The commitments to developing the remainder of Rototuna and Stage 1 of both the Peacocke and Rotokauri areas remained. The development of Rototuna and Stage 1 of both Peacocke and Rotokauri was indicated as providing greater choice in living environments, for instance, more compact-type developments in key areas such as town centres or around parks and open spaces.

Residential growth in Peacocke Stage 2 would be provided over the longer-term.

51. HCC has progressively and successfully implemented the growth management directions in HUGS over the last decade as outlined below:

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The comprehensive review of the HCC District Plan enabled the ability for significant infill development to occur resulting in the 50/50 infill greenfield split to be achieved;

HCC has made major infrastructure investments to support the sequencing and timing of greenfield growth cells (including partnering with Government on the Housing Infrastructure Fund to enable development in the Peacocke Growth Cell); and

Progressively accepted and processed private plan changes for out of sequence urban development.

THE NATIONAL POLICY STATEMENT ON URBAN DEVELOPMENT 2020

52. The NPS-UD sets requirements on land availability for housing, and for Hamilton this means provision must be made for 31,900 homes by 2048. While the District Plan has zoned enough residential land to meet these targets, significantly more capital investment is required to ensure this residentially zoned land is serviced and ready for development.

53. The NPS-UD also requires Hamilton to provide enough business land for the retail, commercial, and industrial sectors. Recent monitoring indicates Hamilton has sufficient industrial zoned land in the short-term and long- term, while there is a small shortage (2ha) projected in the medium-term (3-10 years) unless additional long-term supply can be brought forward.

54. Notwithstanding the above, the NPS-UD applies to Hamilton in its entirety. A key objective of the NPS-UD is the creation of well-functioning urban environments. Over the long-term, it is challenging to understand how HCC can create a well-functioning urban environment if access to water, necessary to support future urban development, is restricted.

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WATER AND THE GROWTH OF HAMILTON

55. Hamilton is wholly dependent on the Waikato River for its water supply, as are many other Waikato towns. In 2009, WRC granted HCC a 35-year consent to extract water from the Waikato River (HCC consent) which expires in 2044. The HCC consent provides for increases in maximum daily take volumes starting from 105,000 cubic metres per day in 2009 to 146,000 cubic metres per day from December 2038. The ‘stepped’ takes were based on municipal growth forecasted at the time of consent.

56. The evidence of Mr Parsons outlines the responsible approach HCC takes in relation to water management, and the intrinsic relationship between access to water and the future growth and prosperity of Hamilton and the broader metro area.

57. This stepped approach contained in the HCC consent ensures that, as the city grows, so does the amount of water HCC can take from the river to meet the increased demand. It also allows other users of the Waikato River access to the water on a short to medium-term until such time as the population within Hamilton grows to necessitate the additional take authorised by the HCC consent.

SPECIFIC COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSAL AND COMMENTS ON KEY SUBMISSIONS

58. It is not HCC’s preference to see the Watercare application declined. Such an outcome would not assist the wellbeing of either Auckland or Hamilton communities.

59. However, HCC is of the opinion that if the application were approved, conditions of consent which gradually reduce the reliance of Auckland’s water supply from the Waikato River would not be inconsistent with the 14

approach to securing new sources of supply as outlined in the Watercare application.

60. Such an approach would not result in the Waikato River being fully allocated and would also not preclude HCC from obtaining increases in water supply to support its planned growth and investment and fulfilling its role as a major metropolitan centre for New Zealand.

61. This is especially important in the context of the way in which water is managed under the existing planning provisions administered by Waikato Regional Council (WRC). The evidence of Mr Parsons indicates that there are low rates of surrender of existing consents, and relatively high rates of renewal. Accordingly, there is a concern that this allocation may have permanent impacts on allocable flow.

62. A consent being granted to Watercare that does not have conditions of consent as outlined in the evidence of Mr Ian Mayhew, presents a risk to HCC’s ability to play its role in creating a balanced growth profile for the Upper North Island.

CONCLUSION

63. Hamilton is a significant metropolitan centre that is a desirable location for ongoing public and private investment. Its spatial importance has been highlighted through Central and Local government and mana whenua partnerships. Significant growth in the population and economy is predicted for Hamilton and the broader metro area. The wellbeing and prosperity of the existing and future communities in the metro area is dependent on access to and availability of water.

64. It is important to HCC that Watercare takes the necessary steps to ensure that other sources of supply are brought online to cater for Auckland’s long-term water needs. The consent, if granted, needs to direct this outcome. 15

65. Such an approach requires appropriate conditions of consent, as outlined in the evidence of Mr Mayhew, which could achieve a complimentary growth path for both ends of the H2A corridor.

Luke O’Dwyer

18 June 2021

ATTACHMENT 1 Table 1 - NIDEA 2021 HIGH Waikato Region and TA Population Projections Scenario Region 2021 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055 2060 2065 2068 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Thames Coromandel 31,664 32,100 32,673 33,399 34,284 35,260 36,270 37,372 38,565 39,835 40,674 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Hauraki 21,408 21,886 22,472 23,195 24,092 25,101 26,148 27,206 28,246 29,299 29,970 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Waikato 84,274 89,760 96,118 102,468 108,948 115,428 121,699 127,682 133,365 138,910 142,269 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Matamata Piako 36,785 37,922 39,460 41,167 42,979 44,823 46,652 48,507 50,410 52,384 53,639 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Hamilton 181,467 193,088 207,925 222,828 237,473 251,719 265,622 279,127 292,173 304,762 312,161 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Waipa 58,294 61,144 64,644 68,212 71,859 75,513 79,112 82,698 86,217 89,707 91,836 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Otorohanga 10,957 11,305 11,788 12,378 13,038 13,702 14,325 14,930 15,558 16,214 16,640 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) South Waikato 25,344 25,436 25,792 26,452 27,378 28,471 29,630 30,830 32,087 33,430 34,289 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Waitomo 9,697 9,673 9,742 9,901 10,135 10,430 10,774 11,160 11,587 12,049 12,339 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Taupo 39,941 40,948 42,239 43,703 45,312 46,958 48,579 50,243 52,003 53,873 55,074 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Rotorua 3,954 4,048 4,191 4,363 4,552 4,750 4,951 5,159 5,377 5,605 5,747 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Total FP Area 324,035 343,992 368,687 393,508 418,279 442,660 466,432 489,507 511,754 533,379 546,266 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Total Waikato Region 503,785 527,310 557,046 588,065 620,049 652,154 683,762 714,914 745,588 776,068 794,638

Table 2 - MSP Area Population Projections Scenario 2018 2025 2035 2045 2055 2065 NIDEA 2021 HIGH (2018 Base) Total MSP Area Total MSP Area 238,110 271,951 310,217 350,776 390,412 428,038

ATTACHMENT 2 Hei Awarua ki te Oranga Corridor for Wellbeing Hamilton-Auckland Corridor Plan & Implementation Programme

November 2020

Not government policy or the view of any one organisation This document reflects an update to the Shared Spatial Intent for the H2A Corridor 21 February 2019 Table of Contents Executive Summary ...... 1 Background Context and purpose ...... 3 The corridor ...... 4 Spatial planning framework & growth management objectives ...... 6 Spatial Intent Wāhi toitū & wāhi toiora ...... 7 Awarua ...... 9 Wāhi mahi & wāhi noho ...... 11 Whakamana ...... 13 Implementation Programme Overview ...... 17 Focus Area 1: waters ...... 18 Focus Area 2: stronger corridor connections ...... 19 Focus Area 3: Papakura-Pokeno area ...... 21 Focus Area 4: River communities area ...... 22 Focus Area 5: Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan area ...... 26 Focus Area 6: implementation ...... 28 Appendix 1: summary of key initiatives ...... 29 Appendix 2: supporting documents ...... 30 1

Executive Summary

1. Wāhi toitū & wāhi toiora - critical areas to protect Key finding: the corridor has enduring spatial limits to further urban growth. The major spatial limits: • Flood prone areas • Significant ecological sites • Protected areas (including sites of significance to mana whenua) • Steep slopes, land subsidence • Highly productive prime soils • The Waikato River Shared spatial intent: protect wāhi toitū (places with enduring presence) from development in perpetuity, and only allow development on wāhi toiora (places sensitive to development) with greatest care. Key initiatives: 1. Cross-regional blue-green open space and recreational network 2. Environmental credit markets and biodiversity offsetting 3. Tāngata whenua and marae aspirations

2. Awarua - transport corridors Key finding: the road network has become the dominant land use shaper – a more balanced approach is needed. The core networks: • Southern Motorway-Waikato Expressway • North Island Main Trunk Line and East Coast Main Trunk Line • Te Awa Cycleway Shared spatial intent: use rapid transit awarua (corridors) to shape and guide future urban growth towards more sustainable, resilient and affordable settlement patterns located in or near public transport centres, and supported by well-connected arterial road and active mode networks Key initiatives: 4. Rapid intercity rail service business case 5. Start-up passenger rail service 6. Improved public transport between southern Auckland and northern Waikato 7. Introducing peak and more frequent off-peak bus services between towns 8. Rapid and frequent public transport network 2

3. Wāhi mahi & wāhi noho - priority development areas Key finding: the corridor has significant but specific development potential. Shared spatial intent: support and unlock the significant residential and employment development potential in the southern Auckland-northern Waikato and Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan areas, with a focus on creating well-functioning urban environments that are integrated, strategic and responsive. Support community and mana whenua-led revitalisation and targeted growth in the river communities that connect them. Key initiatives and priority development areas: 9. Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan 10. Metropolitan economic corridor 11. Drury (also part of Council-Crown Auckland housing and urban growth programme) 12. Huntly 13. Northern metro corridor – Rotokauri, Te Rapa, Horotiu, Ngāruawahia, Hopuhopu, Taupiri 14. Central metro corridor – Frankton, Hamilton City centre, Hospital, University, Ruakura 15. Southern metro corridor – Peacocke, Airport, Te Awamutu, Cambridge

4. Whakamana - enabling infrastructure Key finding: ongoing development in each section of the corridor will require significant investment. The major enablers: • Rail, motorway, arterial, active mode and public transport network and services improvements. • New comprehensive and long-term three waters management solutions. • Employment creation initiatives. • Social, housing and utility infrastructure and services improvements. • New partnerships. • Flood protection and drainage infrastructure and services Shared spatial intent: support the realisation of full development potential of priority development areas through utilising new and existing housing, social and network infrastructure planning, funding and financing tools and options for local authorities, iwi, central government, developers and land owners. Key initiatives: 16. Waikato sub-regional three waters study 17. Waikato metro wastewater detailed business case project 18. New funding, financing and delivery options New transformative tools: • New growth management partnerships • Increased Crown involvement to support pace and scale e.g. Specified Development Projects through Kāinga Ora • Using Crown investment in social housing, health and education facilities to shape and guide urban development • Attracting investment from new sources • Potential new approaches to planning and three waters 3

Background: context & purpose

The government’s Urban Growth Agenda (UGA), introduced in 2018, is a shift in the approach to urban development and infrastructure in New Zealand. The main objective of the UGA is to improve housing affordability, underpinned by affordable urban land. This will be supported by wider objectives to: • improve choices for the location and type of housing • improve access to employment, education and services • assist emission reductions and build climate resilience, and • enable quality built environments, while avoiding unnecessary urban sprawl.

One of the five interconnected pillars of the UGA is ‘spatial planning’ – to build a stronger partnership with local government as a means of developing integrated spatial planning. The UGA identified the Hamilton-Auckland (H2A) corridor as a priority area, acknowledging its role as New Zealand’s most significant transport corridor. The corridor connects two of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities through an area of high natural and cultural importance and value.

In June 2018 a group of Ministers, Mayors and Chairs requested joint officials to undertake an enquiry into the H2A corridor, and to report back with: 1. A summary of 100+ year shared spatial intent for future urban growth and development along this cross-boundary transport corridor, and 2. A draft programme of possible key transformative projects.

The resulting ‘Plan’ for the H2A was completed in December 2018. The H2A Plan was presented to a bespoke meeting of H2A leaders in February 2019 where it received (informal) endorsement. It was made clear at the time, that this first version would need to be updated when the work programme had progressed.

The H2A Corridor Plan outlines the agreed spatial intent for the corridor and a work programme of six focus areas and 13 key initiatives. The purpose of the Plan is to develop an integrated spatial plan and establish an ongoing growth management partnership for the corridor which: 1. Accelerates identified transformational opportunities 2. Outlines key housing, employment, social, environmental and network infrastructure priorities for the corridor over the next 30 years to successfully accommodate growth and also address levels of service, remedial or renewal needs 3. Identifies planning, development, infrastructure, mitigation and restoration works required, and funding and legislative projects partners may take in the short term for implementation of a long term vision.

The UGA has also mandated a role for central government to partner with local government and iwi. This has led to the creation of Urban Growth Partnerships – a process of formalising and maintaining a long-term and enduring relationship between the Crown, local government, iwi and local communities to deliver the UGA objectives.

Instead of establishing a new partnership for the H2A corridor, the Future Proof partnership was expanded in 2019 to include central government, Auckland Council and Auckland iwi. The H2A Corridor Plan is now being implemented by the Future Proof partnership.

This 2020 H2A Plan updates the 2018 Plan. The 2020 Plan reflects a targeted update of the 2018 version to ensure the document is current. This is a living document and will be regularly updated. 4

Background: the corridor

The corridor is a very special collection of green spaces, towns, marae and settlements that are connected by the Waikato River and the parallel inter-city road and rail connections; no other corridor contains such a valuable flow of water, people and goods.

It is a nationally significant corridor to protect and grow.

It’s significant and unique: In terms of size, volume and value, this is New Zealand’s most significant water, road and rail corridor.

It’s dynamic: The corridor connects two of New Zealand’s largest and fastest growing urban areas along a corridor with high natural and cultural importance and value. In one low-growth scenario the population living along the corridor may increase by 100-130,000 over the next 25 years, whereas in a high-growth scenario the increase doubles to more than 250,000.

It has significant potential: There is significant housing and employment growth potential in the southern Auckland – northern Waikato cluster in the north, and in the greater Hamilton metro area that stretches from Ngāruawāhia in the north to Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Hamilton airport in the south.

… but also challenges: Existing corridor management issues - such as congestion on the Southern motorway and water discharge quality - have wide-reaching impacts across the Upper North Island and limit current and future potential unless addressed. There has also been a history of isolated ribbon development along the corridor that is not well connected to community facilities or employment.

It has the right leadership culture: Councils, government organisations and mana whenua along the corridor have a history of being willing to collaborate on land use and infrastructure planning.

It cuts across territorial, iwi and government administrative boundaries, providing an opportunity to create new shared insights, strategic thinking and frameworks to test current approaches build new alliances and partnerships. The corridor traverses four territorial and two regional boundaries. 5

Papakura-Pokeno area: includes southern Auckland- northern Waikato townships – Papakura, Drury, Pukekohe, Pokeno and Tuakau. These towns have strong relationships with one another through connections and services.

River communites area: includes settlements along the Waikato River – Tuakau, Pokeno, Mercer, Meremere, Hampton Downs, Te Kauwhata, Ohinewai, Huntly and Taupiri. The whakapapa, tikanga, kawa of the tangata whenua, mana whenua and marae within the river communities is steeped in rich history, culture and values that have created the agile, resilient and innovative communities today.

Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan area: includes Taupiri, Ngaruawahia- Hopuhopu, Horotiu, Hamilton City, Te Awamutu, Cambridge and the airport. A strong, interconnected network of urban and rural areas that together make up a metro area with Hamilton CBD at its core. The metro area plays an important role in the corridor. It is strongly linked to Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the wider Waikato region and provides significant economic functions. 6

Background: spatial planning framework & growth management objectives

Layers Meaning Growth management objectives Critical areas to protect 1. Wāhi toitū The places with enduring presence To manage growth in a manner that: that should be protected from • protects and enhances the quality of development in perpetuity e.g. the natural environments and cultural rivers, places of significance to heritage mana whenua, conservation • anticipates the transition to a low- estate. carbon future and builds climate 2. Wāhi toiora The places where change or resilience development should only occur • avoids increasing the impacts and with greatest care e.g. places residual risks of natural hazards subject to floods and hazards. Transport corridors 3. Awarua The movement corridors that bind To strengthen corridor connections that: places together e.g. railways and • shape and guide future urban growth motorways towards sustainable, resilient and affordable settlement patterns based around public transport nodes, and • improve access to housing, employment, public services and amenities through, along and within the corridor Future growth areas 4. Wāhi mahi The places where we work and To grow urban settlements and places that: transact (and often live too). • make efficient use of existing infrastructure and resources, • are transit-oriented and connected • provide affordable housing choices that 5. Wāhi noho The places where we live (and respond to demand, including quality often work too). intensification, and • provide high quality live-work-play settlements Enablers 6. Whakamana The elements that enable and To support and underpin urban growth support development e.g. schools, through investments and initiatives that health facilities, social housing, are: marae, potable water, wastewater • responsive and timely, so that growth and development does not result in a reduction of services • delivered at the required pace and scale to fully realise development opportunities 7

Spatial Intent: wāhi toitū & wāhi toiora

The corridor has enduring spatial limits to further urban growth.

A shared objective for the corridor is to manage growth in a manner that protects and enhances the quality of the natural environments.

From a spatial perspective, wāhi toitū are the places with enduring presence that should be protected from development in perpetuity e.g. rivers, places of significance to mana whenua and the conservation estate.

The H2A corridor is connected by the Waikato River, the awa which has provided physical and spiritual sustenance for Maaori for the past 800 years. Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato – Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River has a key role in shaping the future of the area, and that of the wider region. The vision for the river is a future where a healthy Waikato River sustains abundant life and prosperous communities.

Wāhi toiora are places where change or development should only occur with greatest care e.g. places subject to floods and hazards.

The implications of the need to protect and nurture these places is that the central ‘river communities’ section of the corridor has more limited urban growth potential than the northern and southern ends.

Papakura-Pōkeno area: outstanding natural features and landscapes, sensitive marine environments, flood prone areas, protected areas and highly productive soils are some of the enduring environmental constraints that determine suitable areas for quality future growth and well-functioning urban environments.

River communities area: overlapping constraints result in limited general potential for further urban development, however there are available opportunities (and strong cultural, social and economic imperatives) for targeted development in or around existing towns or some specific sites.

Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan area: there are fewer absolute limits on urban growth, but as in the rest of corridor most development would require specific environmental and hazard mitigation. AUCKLAND

Wa-hi toitu-

Flood prone areas

Significant ecological areas PAPAKURA Protected areas

>15 Degree slope

Elite soils

Peat soil

Existing urban areas PUKEKOHE POKENO

WAIUKU

MEREMERE

TE KAUWHATA Lower Waikato River

HUNTLY

MORRINSVILLE NGĀRUAWĀHIA

HAMILTON

Waipa River

CAMBRIDGE

Waikato River

TE AWAMUTU 9

Spatial Intent: awarua

The road network has become the dominant land use shaper – a more balanced approach is needed.

There is a lack of transport choice within the corridor. Significant investment in additional roading capacity in the Southern Motorway-Waikato Expressway has brought short term benefits such as temporarily faster travel times. However, in the absence of rapid transit along the corridor (or even basic public transport, in sections) this will further shift travel and land use patterns towards road- based travel options – unless there is a bold (re)introduction of public transport supported by concentrated development in centres.

Papakura-Pōkeno area: the Southern Motorway (4-5 lanes from Papakura to Pōkeno), the Main Trunk Line (double tracked), SH22 Drury-Pukekohe and Great South Road are the key transport corridors. The roading network experiences capacity issues at peak times. The NZ Upgrade Programme (announced in January 2020), along with other Government funding initiatives, is a key investment package that strengthens the H2A Corridor and enables urban development at increased pace and scale in and around Drury. The Programme will invest $2.4bn to (1) extend electric metro rail services south to Drury (including the construction of two new stations) and Pukekohe, (2) construct the major Mill Road arterial from Manukau to Drury (as a new State highway) and (3) increase capacity on SH1 by building a third lane in each direction, upgrading the Drury interchange and widening three bridges to accommodate the extra traffic lanes. Investigations will be undertaken for opportunities for dedicated public transport lanes and/or for use by vehicles carrying multiple people.

River communities area: when completed the four-lane Waikato Expressway will extend from Pōkeno to Cambridge, offering a high level of service to all settlements along the way. River communities are heavily reliant on the expressway for most travel as there is very limited public transport between Pōkeno-Huntly, and no cycling tracks. The Main Trunk Line is mainly double-track apart from short sections around Meremere and Taupiri. About $4m is being invested in the Huntly rail station as a key stop for the Hamilton-Auckland start-up passenger rail service. A park and ride facility is also being constructed adjacent to the station that will cater for private motor vehicles and buses.

Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan area: the area has extensive roading, walking and cycling networks, and an extensive regional and urban public transport network that however has a low mode share. The Main Trunk and Eastern Trunk Lines cross each other in central Hamilton and service key inland freight hubs. Hamilton airport is just to the south. The Hamilton-Waikato Metro Spatial Plan has proposed a place-shaping integrated rapid public transport network to link the major growth centres along with a comprehensive active mode network. A freight and movement road network is also proposed in order to provide convenient and reliable access for the region’s economic activity hubs.

AUCKLAND Awarua

State Highways

Significant future/improvement road links

1 Railway PAPAKURA Existing urban areas

2 DRURY

3 PUKEKOHE POKENO Rail WAIUKU TUAKAU Average annual daily rail flows (2017, rounded)

MEREMERE Freight (Meremere) 27 Passenger (Meremere) 0.8

TE KAUWHATA Lower Waikato River

HUNTLY

4 MORRINSVILLE NGĀRUAWĀHIA

Rapid rail along the corridor is being investigated

HAMILTON Road 5 Average annual daily vehicle flows (2018, both directions, rounded) Waipa River 6 1 SH1 Papakura 60,000 CAMBRIDGE 2 SH1 Drury 38,000

3 SH1 Pokeno 28,000

4 SH1 Taupiri 27,000 Waikato River 5 SH1 Hamilton (Cobham Drive) 31,000

6 SH1 Tamahere 31,000 TE AWAMUTU 11

Spatial Intent: wāhi mahi & wāhi noho

The corridor has significant but specific development potential.

Within the frame presented by wāhi toitū and wāhi toiora – and underpinned by the significant transport networks – the corridor could accommodate significant housing and employment growth (in the short, medium and long term) at its northern and southern ends.

Population growth scenarios (2018-54) (Statistics NZ)

Papakura-Pōkeno area: these well-defined settlements, with established motorway connections as well as significant passenger rail links from Pukekohe north, have land zoned for future urban development.

River communities area: these settlements have more limited population growth potential due to enduring natural constraints; however, all have potential and imperatives for revitalisation and more limited targeted development.

Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan area: this emerging metropolitan area (which spans across three territorial authorities) has significant employment and population growth potential both in its core and periphery.

AUCKLAND

Wa-hi mahi & Wa-hi noho

Potential future urban

Future urban zoned PAPAKURA 1 Existing urban areas 2 DRURY

3 PUKEKOHE POKENO 4 WAIUKU TUAKAU

MEREMERE

TE KAUWHATA Lower Waikato River 5

HUNTLY

6

Main future housing MORRINSVILLE and employment NGĀRUAWĀHIA growth clusters 7

1 Hingaia 2 Opaheke – Drury* 3 Paerata – Pukekohe 8 9 4 Tuakau – Pokeno – Meremere 5 Te Kauwhata HAMILTON 6 Huntly 10 12 7 Taupiri – Hopuhopu – Ngaruawahia – Horotiu Waipa River 8 Te Rapa – Rotokauri 11 9 Frankton – Hamilton city centre CAMBRIDGE – Hospital – University – Ruakura 10 Peacocke 11 Airport 12 Cambridge West – Hautapu Waikato River 13 Te Awamutu * Large scale housing/employment growth. 13 TE AWAMUTU 13

Spatial Intent: whakamana

Ongoing development in each section of the corridor will require significant investment.

The full realisation of development potential will require whakamana or enabling investments in social and network infrastructure and services.

Water, wastewater, flood, drainage and a range of new regional, metropolitan and intercity public transport service improvements will be key.

Some enablers would be spatially transformative and market-leading, whereas others are required to support new development as, where and when it occurs.

Corridor-wide key future growth enablers • New comprehensive and long-term three waters management solutions for Auckland and the Waikato regions – including new allocation tools, efficiency gains and additional treatment capacity. • Selective rail network capacity improvements to accommodate increased freight and passenger services in specific Auckland, Meremere, Huntly and Hamilton locations. • Motorway, arterial, active mode and public transport network and services. • Employment creation initiatives. • Social, housing and utility infrastructure and services improvements. • Place-making initiatives in key areas (eg public spaces, community facilities) • New partnerships to facilitate the urgent need for local employment creation in southern Auckland, within the River Communities and selected Hamilton-Waikato sites to balance commuter flows and make the most of the corridor’s potential.

AUCKLAND

Whakamana

Wastewater treatment plant

Water supply plant PAPAKURA Marae

DHB Main Site

Tertiary Institute

International Airport

Existing urban areas PUKEKOHE POKENO

WAIUKU

MEREMERE

TE KAUWHATA Lower Waikato River

Key future urban growth enablers 1. Rail and bus capacity improvements, including HUNTLY extension of rail electrification Papakura to Pukekohe and three new stations at Drury and Paerata 2. SH1 Papakura to Drury South capacity improvements for priority vehicles 3. Mill Road Corridor (Manukau to Drury) MORRINSVILLE NGĀRUAWĀHIA 4. Te Tupu Ngatahi / Supporting Growth networks 5. Targeted water and wastewater capacity increases 6. Targeted flood management and stormwater improvements 7. Improvements to Paerata – Pukekohe – Tuakau – Pokeno road and cycling connections 8. Possible new hospital HAMILTON 9. New schools, health, emergency, parks and other community facilities to support and service growth areas. Waipa River

CAMBRIDGE

Waikato River

TE AWAMUTU AUCKLAND

Whakamana

Wastewater treatment plant

Water supply plant PAPAKURA Marae

DHB Main Site

Tertiary Institute

International Airport

Existing urban areas PUKEKOHE POKENO

WAIUKU

MEREMERE

TE KAUWHATA Lower Waikato River

HUNTLY

MORRINSVILLE NGĀRUAWĀHIA

Key future urban development enablers 1. New and appropriate water and wastewater solutions 2. Targeted SH1 and/or other solutions HAMILTON to improve access to Pokeno, Mercer, Meremere and Huntly 3. Targeted flood management Waipa River and stormwater improvements

4. Redevelopment of schools, health CAMBRIDGE emergency, parks, marae and other community facilities to support community revitalisation.

Waikato River

TE AWAMUTU AUCKLAND

Whakamana

Wastewater treatment plant

Water supply plant PAPAKURA Marae

DHB Main Site

Tertiary Institute

International Airport

Existing urban areas PUKEKOHE POKENO

WAIUKU

MEREMERE

TE KAUWHATA Lower Waikato River

HUNTLY Key future urban development enablers 1. Rapid and frequent transport network 2. New and appropriate water MORRINSVILLE and wastewater solutions NGĀRUAWĀHIA 3. Targeted flood management, drainage and stormwater improvements 4. New schools, health, emergency, parks and other community facilities to support and service growth areas 5. Completion of the metropolitan roading network, including Southern links, Eastern Ruakura arterials, HAMILTON Northern River Crossing, and Western Rotokauri arterials

Waipa River

CAMBRIDGE

Waikato River

TE AWAMUTU 17

Implementation Programme: overview

The work programme for the H2A Plan is broken into six focus areas. Each focus area has a number of key initiatives or implementation actions. The key initiatives will be a ‘step change’. While some projects are already underway, managing growth along the corridor will be a 100+ year journey.

Focus Area 1: Waters Unlock future urban growth and protect and enhance the natural environment through joint planning, integrated growth management and key transformational projects. Focus Area 2: Stronger Corridor Connections Direct and (re)shape future urban growth along the corridor through significantly strengthened green open space and rapid transit networks. Focus Area 3: Papakura-Pokeno Area Supporting and unlocking, where appropriate, the significant residential and employment development potential and iwi aspirations for well-defined, rail-linked settlements through continued integrated growth management, funding and financing and key transformational projects. Focus Area 4: River Communities Area Supporting community and iwi-led revitalisation and targeted growth that will realise the full value of the natural, transport, marae and recreational networks that braid the area together as an asset for its people and many others who can visit and travel through. Focus Area 5: Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Supporting and unlocking the residential and employment development potential and iwi aspirations of this fast-developing metropolitan area through joint planning, integrated growth management and key transformational projects. Focus Area 6: Implementation Supporting the realisation of full development potential in the identified growth clusters through the application of new planning, funding and financing tools and options for local authorities, iwi, central government, developers and land owners.

18

Focus Area 1: waters

Unlock future urban growth and protect and enhance the natural environment through joint planning, integrated growth management and key transformational projects.

Key initiatives 1 Waikato sub-regional three waters study: identify the most innovative, responsive and timely water, wastewater and stormwater solutions for the corridor necessary to achieve ‘best for river’ outcomes. 2 Metro wastewater detailed business case project: consider strategic wastewater treatment solutions for the Hamilton-Waikato metro area. 3 Cross-regional blue-green open space and recreational network: develop and implement a blue-green open space and recreational networks programme for the corridor that has restorative, protective, cultural and recreational aims. This would include new cycling and bridle trails along the river, possibly connecting Auckland and Hamilton.

19

Focus Area 2: stronger corridor connections

Direct and (re)shape future urban growth along the corridor in key centres through significantly strengthened green open space and public transport networks.

Key initiatives Rail services between Auckland and Hamilton to integrate and strengthen the respective labour, housing and business markets of south Auckland and the Hamilton-Waikato metro area 1 Rapid intercity rail service business case: investigate the introduction of a fast rail service between Hamilton and Auckland, in stages, starting with an interim service. Add tracks and improved alignment to achieve high speeds. Electrify the whole corridor. 2 Start-up passenger rail service: a start-up passenger rail service between Auckland and Hamilton will be launched in 2020.

Other key enablers • Extending Auckland metro rail services to Drury, Paerata, Pukekohe and Pōkeno. • A new Hamilton-Waikato rapid and frequent transit network, possibly including metro rail. • Public transport that connects all settlements along the corridor. • Completing the respective metro arterial roading networks e.g. Mill Road and Ruakura Spine Road. • Te Awa cycleway extension. • Corridor protection investigations (transport, other infrastructure and open space).

AUCKLAND Transport Connections

Intercity rail connection

Additional public transport services

Metro transit network

Extended transit network PAPAKURA Existing rail line

2 PUKEKOHE POKENO

WAIUKU TUAKAU

MEREMERE 4 1

TE KAUWHATA Lower Waikato River

HUNTLY

MORRINSVILLE NGĀRUAWĀHIA A possible integrated bus-rail HAMILTON transport solution ROTOKAURI

1 A new rapid intercity rail connection that would complement the soon-to-be completed Waikato Expressway and Auckland Southern Motorway capacity increases 3 2 Extend rapid transit from Papakura Waipa River to Pukekohe and Pokeno CAMBRIDGE 3 Introduce a metro rapid transit network that connect all the key growth nodes of the metropolitan area 4 Additional public transport services connecting Rotorkauri, Huntly, Waikato River Te Kauwhata, Meremere, Mercer, Pokeno and Drury. TE AWAMUTU 21

Focus Area 3: Papakura-Pōkeno area

Supporting and unlocking, where appropriate, the significant residential and employment development potential and iwi aspirations for well-defined, rail-linked settlements through continued integrated growth management, funding and financing and key transformational projects.

Key initiatives 1 Priority development area – Drury: support the development of this significant and strategic growth node through new partnerships and applying new tools. Possible site for major regional facilities and centres. 2 Improved public transport between southern Auckland and northern Waikato: further growth in Pōkeno and Tuakau requires the introduction of frequent public transport services north to Auckland and south to Huntly & beyond to provide much-needed transport choice.

Other key enablers • New Manukau-Drury-Pukekohe (SH22) arterial road corridor (underway) • High frequency bus corridor from Manukau to Drury integrated with rail capacity improvements • SH1 Papakura-Drury capacity improvements, with possible capacity improvements to Bombay-Pōkeno • Targeted water and wastewater capacity increases • Targeted flood management and stormwater improvements • Improvements to Paerata-Pukekohe-Tuakau-Pōkeno road and cycling connections • New schools, health, emergency, parks and other community facilities to support and service growth areas.

22

Focus Area 4: River Communities area

Supporting community and iwi-led revitalisation and targeted growth that will realise the full value of the natural, transport, marae and recreational networks that braid the area together as an asset for its people and many others who can visit and travel through.

Key initiatives 1 Tāngata whenua and marae aspirations: partner with tāngata whenua to support their social, cultural, environmental and economic aspirations. 2 Improved public transport – introducing peak and more frequent off-peak bus services between towns: investigate the introduction of regular bus services that connect all towns between Hamilton and Papakura, with high-quality interchanges and metro and intercity service integration. 3 Priority development area – Huntly: support the revitalisation of the town through a comprehensive social housing upgrade and redevelopment, and potential employment, skills and technology clusters.

Other key enablers • Appropriate water and wastewater solutions. • Targeted transport solutions to improve access to Pōkeno, Mercer, Meremere and Huntly. • Targeted flood management and stormwater improvements. • Redevelopment of schools, health, emergency, parks, social housing, marae and other community facilities to support community revitalisation.

Waikato-Tainui and marae aspirations Waikato is the significant iwi that settled in the river communities area and worked the land since the arrival of the Tainui Waka almost 800 years ago. The area is home to some significant maaori landmarks in New Zealand history such as the Tuurangawaewae Marae in Ngaurawahia.

Within the river communities area there are 32 maraes out of a total of 68 Waikato Tainui marae that reside in the wider area. Marae continue to strive for mana motuhake – to enhance the wellbeing of their marae whanau, including social, cultural, environmental and economic aspirations.

In 2013, Waikato-Tainui engaged with their tribal members and marae to discuss their aspirations linked to the Raupatu settlement in 1995 and River settlement 2008. The collective aspirations were documented in Whakatupuranga 2050 – a 50-year blueprint to build the capacity of iwi, hapuu and marae. Whakatupuranga 2050 will be integral part of the planning and development within the river communities area.

Waikato-Tainui has identified a number of aspirations within the river communities area for further investigation, including: • The redevelopment of the existing Meremere township. • The development of land for industrial/commercial purposes to the west of the Waikato Expressway and adjacent to Meremere (subject to a feasibility study). • Long-term business and water storage opportunities in Huntly (Rotowaro). • Long-term residential and industrial opportunities in Huntly (west). • Enhancing the well-being of marae communities. 23

Marae aspirations will require further investigation. For some marae, aspirations will relate to land utilisation for activities such as water storage, food security and renewable energy.

Planning for growth in the River Communities area Waikato District Council has been shaping its approach to growth management through two guiding documents and a review of its District Plan. Waikato District has recently adopted ‘Waikato District and Local Area Blueprints’ and ‘Waikato District Council Growth and Economic Development Strategy’ (Waikato 2070). These documents were developed in consultation with the community and identify future growth areas across the district. The guiding documents have informed a review of the Waikato District Plan, which is currently at the hearings stage (decisions are expected in September 2021).

The documents have identified growth in and around Tuakau, Pokeno, Meremere (industrial only), Te Kauwhata, Huntly, Taupiri, Ngaruawahia, Hopuhopu and Horotiu. There are also state housing re-development opportunities in Huntly which will be explored with Kāinga Ora.

The growth in a number of these areas is still under consideration through the district plan process and will be referred to as ‘potential future growth’ in this document until the district plan process is complete.

Ohinewai is another area identified by Waikato District Council for growth but is not identified on the maps in this document as it is pending the outcome of the district plan hearing.

This Plan is a living document and will be updated when the district plan process is complete.

POKENO

TUAKAU

MERCER

MEREMERE Waikato Tainui residential and industrial aspiration

HAMPTON DOWNS River Communities Pokeno to Hampton Downs Waikato River

Marae

State Highways

Railway

Green network

Potential future development areas

Existing urban areas RANGIRIRI

Wa-hi Toitu- TE KAUWHATA River Communities Te Kauwhata to Huntly

Marae

State Highways

Railway Waikato River Green network

Potential future development areas

Existing urban areas

Wa-hi Toitu-

Lake Whangape Lake Lake Waikare Rotongaro

OHINEWAI

KEY TRANSPORT LINKS Existing links: 1. SH1-Tainui Bridge Road-Rotowaro Road 2. Huntly-Rotowaro railway line Potential future link: 3. Huntly west-east connection in the vicinity of the Huntly Power Station

Waikato Tainui long-term residential aspiration HUNTLY

ROTOWARO Waikato Tainui business and water storage aspiration

TAUPIRI

HOPUHOPU Waikato Tainui mixed use aspiration 26

Focus Area 5: Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan area

Supporting and unlocking the residential and employment development potential and iwi aspirations of this fast-developing metropolitan area through joint planning, integrated growth management and key transformational projects.

Key initiatives 1 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan: finalise and implement the joint Council- Crown-Iwi spatial plan for the metropolitan area which sets out the desired urban form and development priorities. 2 Rapid and frequent public transport network: the spatial plan will be underpinned by a new rapid and frequent transport network. 3 Metropolitan economic corridor: investigate alternative planning/financing and economic development frameworks to promote growth along the envisaged economic corridor from Ruakura through the Central City to Te Rapa and Horotiu. 4 Priority development areas – northern corridor: a. Ngāruawahia-Hopuhopu-Taupiri cluster: precinct planning to determine transit- oriented development opportunities, urban structure layout and transport linkages between Ngāruawahia, Hopuhopu and Taupiri. b. Rotokauri-Te Rapa metro centre: completion of the railway station, park and ride facilities and investigating alternative land use arrangements to support transit- oriented development. 5 Priority development areas – central corridor: a. Hamilton Central City area: deliver central City place-making initiatives to support increased residential density and provide amenity. b. Ruakura: progress the rezoning of the Tramway Block to provide for initial re- purposing of industrial land for higher density residential development. Investigate alternate land use arrangements for the long-term development of Ruakura, including to the east of the Waikato Expressway. 6 Priority development areas – southern corridor: a. Cambridge West-Hautapu: complete infrastructure provision for western growth cells and Hautapu structure plans. b. Airport: complete northern precinct structure plans.

Other key enablers • Targeted flood management, drainage and stormwater improvements • New schools, health, emergency, parks and other community facilities to support and service growth areas • Completion of the metropolitan roading network, including Southern links, Eastern Ruakura arterials, Northern River Crossing, and Western Rotokauri arterials • New and appropriate water and wastewater solutions • Freight and movement road network to provide access for the region’s economic activity hubs • Active mode network • Mode shift plan • Waikato River blue-green network

TAUPIRI

NGĀRUAWĀHIA / HOPUHOPU HOROTIU

ROTOTUNA

TE RAPA CHARTWELL

ROTOKAURI

FAIRFIELD HAMILTON RUAKURA

FRANKTON

PEACOCKE

Metropolitan Spatial Plan Hamilton – Waikato

Metro area boundary

State Highways

CAMBRIDGE Railway / HAUTAPU

Frequent Public Transport Network

Rapid Public Transport Network

Future Inter-regional Network

Key routes connecting to Hamilton City (RPTP)

Future urban areas

Existing urban areas

TE AWAMUTU Indicative urban intensification areas

Awa: Lakes, rivers, wetlands

Proposed green areas

Existing green areas

Wa-hi Toitu- 28

Focus Area 6: implementation

Supporting the realisation of full development potential in the identified growth clusters through the application of new planning, funding and financing tools and options for local authorities, iwi, central government, developers and land owners.

Key initiatives 1 New funding, financing and delivery options: pilot new funding and financing tools for developers and councils through the Urban Growth Agenda, for example making use of the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act and the Urban Development Act. 2 Environmental credit markets and biodiversity offsetting: develop and pilot a coordinated biodiversity off-setting and environmental credit market approach as a new growth management concept that aims to achieve higher environmental outcomes if mitigation measures are directed to priority areas.

Enablers that will make a big difference • New growth management partnerships that strengthen collective ability to deliver successful growth management. • Utilise any new funding and financing tools for developers and councils through the Urban Growth Agenda. • Increased Crown involvement to support pace and scale, including KiwiBuild, Kāinga Ora and the Three Waters review. • Using the corridor spatial planning and partnerships to support, unlock and guide planned Crown investment in transport, social housing, health and education facilities. • Linking the corridor planning and partnership to the plans and initiatives of Te Waka and Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development (ATEED) and exploring opportunities for attracting investment from the Provincial Growth Fund and Covid19 recovery. • Applying new approaches to planning and land use regulation as these become available from the Urban Growth Agenda. • New tools to enable ease of water transfer within the corridor to support community growth. • Innovative response to flood infrastructure and resilience to support community sustainability.

29

Appendix 1: summary of key initiatives

Key initiative Focus Area 1: Waters 1 Waikato sub-regional three waters study and business case 2 Waikato metro wastewater detailed business case project 3 Cross-regional blue-green open space and recreational network Focus Area 2: Stronger Corridor Connections 4 Rapid intercity rail service business case 5 Start-up passenger rail service Focus Area 3: Papakura-Pōkeno Area 6 Priority development area: Drury 7 Improved public transport between southern Auckland and northern Waikato Focus Area 4: River Communities Area 8 Tangata whenua and marae aspirations 9 Improved public transport: introducing peak and more frequent off-peak bus services between towns 10 Priority development area: Huntly Focus Area 5: Hamilton-Waikato Metro Area 11 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan implementation 12 Rapid and frequent public transport network 13 Priority development area: northern corridor – Rotokauri, Te Rapa, Horotiu, Ngaruawahia, Hopuhopu and Taupiri 14 Priority development area: central corridor – Frankton, Hamilton City centre, Hospital, University and Ruakura 15 Priority development area: southern corridor – Peacocke, Airport, Te Awamutu and Cambridge 16 Metropolitan economic corridor Focus Area 6: New Tools and Options for Implementation 17 New funding, financing and delivery options 18 Environmental credit markets and biodiversity offsetting 30

Appendix 2: supporting documents

BERL (2020). Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area – Role and function now and into the future. Future Proof Partners (2020). Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan. Future Proof Partners (2020). Summary of the Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan development methodology. Future Proof Partners (2020). Case for Change: Shaping the Future Hamilton – Waikato Metro Area. Future Proof Partners (2020). Industrial Land Study. GMD Consultants Ltd. Ministry of Transport (2020). Hamilton to Auckland Intercity Connectivity: Interim Indicative Business Case. WSP Ltd. Future Proof Partners (2019). Waikato sub-regional three waters strategic business case. Auckland Council (2019). Drury – Opāheke Structure Plan. Future Proof Partners (2017). Business Development Capacity Assessment 2017. Market Economics Future Proof Partners (2017). Future Proof Strategy – Planning for Growth. Cameron and Cochrane (2016). 2016 update of area unit population, household, and labour force projections for the Waikato Region, 2013-2061. National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis, University of Waikato Waikato-Tainui (2013). Waikato-Tainui Environmental Plan - Tai Tumu, Tai Pari, Tai Ao. Waikato River Authority (2010). Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato – the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River.

ATTACHMENT 3 HAMILTON- WAIKATO METROPOLITAN SPATIAL PLAN This document presents version 1 of the Document information Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan. This document has been prepared Document Title Hamilton Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan with every effort to map, understand, consider and record all constraints and File Name 20201028_MSP_Final.pdf opportunities. Much of the data is available at a regional level. What is proposed is Approved by Future Proof Implementation Committee subject to further investigation, analysis Approval date 10 September 2020 and business case development as well as stakeholder engagement and consultation.

Note: This document is intended to be read as a double page spread. Contents

Executive Summary 4 Figures Tables Part 1 - Context, Challenges and Opportunities Figure 1: Metro spatial plan map 6 Table 1: Urban growth context 8 1.1 The metropolitan area in context 8 Figure 2: Metro area context map 8 Table 2: Growth management performance 8 1.2 Challenges and opportunities 10 Figure 3: H2A corridor map 8 Table 3: Current and future urban growth areas 32 Part 2 - Desired Future State Figure 4: Extent of the Waikato River 9 Table 4: Urban Growth Programme - Tier One Implementation Initiatives 40 2.1 The growth scenario 12 Figure 5: Waahi toituu map 19 Table 5: Priority development areas - Northern corridor 41 2.2 Objectives and outcomes 13 Figure 6: Blue-green network map 21 Table 6: Priority development areas - Central corridor 41 2.3 People, place and community 14 Figure 7: Public transport schematic 23 Table 7: Priority development areas - Ruakura-Central City-Te Rapa- 2.4 Growth management approach and directives 15 Figure 8: Strategic transport corridors map 24 Horotiu-Ngaaruawaahia Economic Corridor 41 Part 3 - The Spatial Plan Figure 9: Centres map 25 Table 8: Priority development areas - Southern corridor 41 3.1 Waahi toituu 19 Figure 10: Indicative Metro Centre development 26 Table 9: Definitions 43 3.2 Waikato River and blue-green Figure 11: Indicative Greenfield Town Centre development 26 network 21 Figure 12: Indicative Business Centre development 27 3.3 Transport 23 Figure 13: Indicative Town Centre TOD development 27 3.4 Centres 25 Figure 14: Metropolitan economic corridor 28 3.5 Growing jobs and an economic corridor 28 Figure 15: Three waters, community and other infrastructure 3.6 Three waters infrastructure 30 map 31 3.7 Community and other infrastructure 31 Figure 16: Current and future urban areas map 33 3.8 Current and future urban areas 32 Figure 17: Envisioned housing growth intensity across the metro area 34 3.9 Rural areas 36 Figure 18: Future growth areas map 35 Part 4 - The Implementation Plan Figure 19: Envisioned future employment priority areas 35 4.1 Implementing the MSP 38 Figure 20: Rural areas map 36 4.2 Urban Growth Programme 39 Figure 21: Priority development areas map 41 4.3 References 42 4.4 Definitions 43 Executive Summary

Introduction Why is this plan being prepared? out and the National Policy Statement on Urban • A radical transport shift - a multi-modal The Hamilton Waikato Metropolitan Spatial The MSP is a tool to shape how Hamilton City Development 2020. It supports the Hamilton- transport network, connecting the metro area Plan (MSP) is a vision and framework for how and the neighbouring communities within Waipā Auckland Corridor (H2A) connecting two of and facilitating a radical shift to using public Hamilton City and the neighbouring communities and Waikato districts grow and develop in the New Zealand fastest growing cities and ensuring transport through the establishment of a rapid within Waipā and Waikato districts will grow and long-term. It will help us address the current and well-functioning urban areas for all people, and frequent public transport network shaped develop over the next 100 + years creating one of future challenges faced by the metro area from communities and future generations. around where and how our communities will the most liveable places in New Zealand. declining water quality in the Waikato River and its grow. major tributary the Waipā River, to environmental Key features of the MSP The Hamilton-Waikato metro area is an urban sub- deterioration, increasing housing costs and The MSP enables iwi aspirations through • A vibrant metro core and lively region of the Waikato. Hamilton is at the core of demands placed on our infrastructure including focussing on the Waikato River and supporting metropolitan centres - growing Hamilton this metropolitan area which extends from Taupiri from the number of cars on our roads to our the ongoing recognition of the strategic central city as our civic, administrative, cultural in the north to Te Awamutu and Cambridge in the public transport options. economic and housing centres at Ruakura and and commercial metro core, alongside lively south. Hopuhopu. It also includes recognition of the role metropolitan centres, well connected by Carefully planning how the metropolitan core marae play. public transport and safe walking and cycling The MSP sets out how and where Hamilton City and its centres grow means we can ensure a networks, where people can afford to live, and the neighbouring communities within Waipā population scale and distribution that supports Important environmental attributes or constraints work and play. and Waikato districts should grow, develop the delivery of transformative infrastructure for our and hazards (waahi toituu) are identified so and move around long-term to ensure social, area from metro-scale wastewater management development can be directed away from them • A strong and productive economic corridor economic and environmental prosperity. solutions to a high-quality public transport and a blue-green network is introduced with - establishing an economic corridor that links network planned around where and how the Waikato River at its heart providing for the highly productive employment areas It celebrates a healthy Waikato River at its heart, environmental, recreational and place-making between Ruakura, Hamilton central city and connected to a vibrant metro core in Hamilton communities will grow. Carefully managed growth will also limit negative outcomes including further benefits, influencing the shape of future urban north to Horotiu and Ngaaruawaahia. city and lively metropolitan centres all serviced by development in the metro area. rapid and frequent public transport. It plans for environmental deterioration, increasing housing • Iwi aspirations - enhancing the environmental a place where our natural and built environment costs and CO2 emissions from transport, and will Development is shaped around a multi-modal health and wellbeing of the Waikato River in coexist in harmony and our people thrive with contribute to restoring the health and well-being rapid and frequent transport network and the accordance with Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o easy access to recreational spaces, employment, of the Waikato River and the environment MSP identifies a range of opportunities for both Waikato – Vision and Strategy for the Waikato education, health facilities and affordable homes. The MSP targets future population growth areas urban intensification and expansion, providing for River, while supporting iwi in embracing social population growth and development that is both and economic opportunities within the metro Strategically located at the heart of the upper suitable for medium to high density housing and mixed-use areas. These are purposefully up and out, addressing housing affordability and area with a specific emphasis on Hopuhopu North Island our area is the third fastest growing housing choice. and Ruakura. urban centre in New Zealand. Over the next located alongside current and future transport 50-100 years, the population of the metro area infrastructure that can provide a high-quality Centres for growth and a core economic corridor • Thriving communities and neighbourhoods is expected to nearly double. Most people will transport network whether that be walking, at the heart of the metro area support economic - enabling quality denser housing options live in Hamilton, but significant growth will also cycling or by rapid and frequent public transport development and jobs while also recognising that allow our natural and built environments happen in Ngaaruawaahia, Cambridge and Te connections. important business areas such as Te Rapa, Horotiu, to coexist in harmony increasing housing Awamutu. For the MSP to be realised we need reliable Ruakura, Taupiri, Hautapu and Hamilton Airport. affordability and housing choice to meet the needs of growing and changing communities. The MSP is delivered through the Future Proof transport options that move people, goods and Transformational Moves services efficiently to and through the metro area partnership between Waikato-Tainui, Tainui Waka There are six transformational moves for change: Implementing the MSP - making it real Alliance, taangata whenua, Central Government, and a successful public transport network that is The MSP will be brought to life through a Waikato District Council, Waipā District Council, used by many people. • Waikato River - celebrating the Waikato River comprehensive implementation approach as the defining ecological feature connecting Hamilton City Council and Waikato Regional The MSP will also deliver on objectives outlined in which consists of an urban growth programme the metro area to the heart of a blue-green Council and ensures we are prepared for this the Government’s Urban Growth Agenda (UGA) of priority actions designed to achieve network supporting environmental and growth. designed to remove barriers to the supply of land transformational change. A further detailed recreational use and creating a sense of place. and infrastructure and allow cities to grow up and programme of action will be agreed, updated and monitored through the Future Proof partnership.

4 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan

The MSP is made up of a series of layers, as shown in the maps below. More detail on each of these layers can be found in Part 3.

Waahi toituu - Part 3.1 Strategic transport corridors - Part 3.3 Centres - Part 3.4 Three waters, community and other Rural areas - Part 3.7 infrastructure - Part 3.7 Note Waahi Toituu, further defined in Part 3.1, are areas to protect / proceed with the greatest care.

Blue-green network - Part 3.2 Public transport network scheme - Part 3.3 Growing jobs and an ecconomic Current and future urban areas - Part 3.8 corridor - Part 3.5 Note: Public transport shown is a concept service diagram only, showing connections between future growth nodes. Further work will be required to define mode, operational requirements, and identify the most appropriate corridor for both the rapid and frequent networks. IMPORTANT: No modal options have been discounted at this stage.

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 5 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan

Taupiri Figure 1 provides the summary MSP map. Key features of the MSP are: • Enabling iwi aspirations through focussing on

the Waikato River and supporting iwi housing Ngaaruawaahia/ and economic priorities within the metro area. Hopuhopu • Providing clarity on the location and nature of waahi toituu areas that have influenced the Horotiu location of future growth areas so that new HT1 development is directed away from valued Rototuna

natural areas, environmental constraints, Metro Area Boundary hazards and risks, now and in the future. Regional centre R2 Te Rapa Proposed metro centre Chartwell • The inclusion of an extensive blue-green Rotokauri Fairfield network to assist in improving the quality Business centre Ruakura and quantity of public spaces and support Specialised centre Central University numerous environmental outcomes. City Area Existing town centre Frankton

• An urban form shaped around a multi-modal Proposed town centre Hospital rapid and frequent transport network and Rail Corridor the objective of a radical mode shift to public Nationally Strategic Routes transport and active transport modes. This will Peacocke support reduced carbon emissions, increased Metro Area Strategic Routes housing choice, more affordable housing Metro Area Minor Routes and improved access to employment and key Key Routes Connecting to Hautapu Airport amenities. Location Outside of Hamilton City (RPTP) • Enabling a wide range of urban development Frequent Public Transport Network Cambridge opportunities to enhance competitive land markets. The MSP identifies opportunities for to Auckland Rapid Network Public Transport Network both urban expansion and intensification. Future Interregional Inter-regional Network Network • The development of an economic corridor Huntly FutureFrequent UrbanNetwork Areas (Ruakura – Ngaaruawaahia) that will build on Key interchange Urban Areas: Taupiri existing economic strengths and drive higher ZonedMajor stops Urban/ Developed Land value employment growth. Ngaruawahia HT1 Indicative urban intensificationto Tauranga areas Rototuna Horotiu Ngaa wai: Te Awamutu Chartwell The Base Lakes, Rivers, Wetlands, R2 Floodzones, Swamps Rotokauri Frankton Ruakura Town Existing Green Areas: Centre Reserves, Parks, DoC Land, Dinsdale CBD Uni Significant Natural Areas Hospital

Peacocke Proposed Green Areas: Future Green Space Airport Waahi Toituu AreasCambridge Figure 1: Metro spatial plan map 6 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Te Awamutu Part 1 Context, Challenges and Opportunities

Part 1 of the MSP discusses the present state, highlights the importance of iwi within the metro area and identifies key opportunities and challenges addressed by the MSP. 1.1 The metropolitan area in context

Regional context What growthGOING are we planningFORWARD for? The MSP has been developed to proactively plan Table 1: Urban growth context The metro area plays an important role in the The metro area’s strategic location in the heart for and manage this future growth in a way that Urban Growth Context prosperity and productivity of New Zealand. It of the upper North Island means that growth has will deliver on the Government’s Urban Growth Size (hectares) 76,515 is strongly linked to Auckland, Bay of Plenty, and historically been strong, and this trend is expected Agenda (UGA), that aims to remove barriers to the the wider Waikato region, as shown in Figure 2. It to continue. Hamilton, Ngaaruawaahia, Cambridge, supply of land and infrastructure, and the Hamilton Population (2018) 212,949 provides significant economic functions in terms of Te Awamutu andTHE the villages FIVE and rural-PART communities ONE:to Auckland STRONGER CorridorCORRIDOR (H2A) objectives CONNECTIONS guiding development between two of New Zealand’s fastest % Maaori 23.69% education, port and logistics, health, professional in between form the third fastest growing urban Direct and (re)shape future urban growth along the and technical services supporting the wider region. area in New Zealand. The population of this area is corridorgrowing through cities. significantly strengthened green open % 65+ 11.75% The metro area sits at the southern end of the expected to double inHOUSING the next 50-100 years. & space and mass transit networks. Median age 32.2 Hamilton to Auckland corridor as shown on Figure 3. Current urban growth performance Over the next 50-100years, the population of the URBAN GROWTH Existing urban growth context parameters are GDP/capita (2018) $64,059 metro area is expected to nearly double. Most shown in Tables 1 and 2. These parameters Deprivation index (10 people will live in Hamilton, but significant growth TWO: THE PAPAKURA-POKENO CORRIDOR 6.1 indicated that: highest) will also happenPROGRAMME in Ngaaruawaahia, Cambridge and Supporting and unlocking, where appropriate, the Te Awamutu • This metro area is the third least affordable Median dwelling price (2019) $542,000 significanthousing residential market and in Newemployment Zealand. development Population growth (average 2.44% potential• The andtransport iwi aspirations system isfor underperforming this string of well- last 5 years) defined, rail-linked settlements through integrated with New Zealand’s highest private vehicle Population growth (average growth management, funding and financing and key 1.84% Te Kauwhata dependency and poor safety outcomes for last 20 years) transformationalcyclists and projects. pedestrians. Table 2: Growth management performance • There are challenges across the housing Growth Management Performance Hamilton to THREE:spectrum THE RIVER – from COMMUNITIES homelessness, to the rental market, and opportunities for first home Mean dwelling price/mean Auckland Housing affordability 5.2 Corridor To Tauranga Supportingbuyers. community and iwi-led revitalisation and household income targeted growth that will realise the full value of the % 1 and 2 bedroom and Bay of Housing choice 22% Plenty natural, transport, marae and recreational networks dwellings Huntly Public transports share of that braid the area together as an asset for its people Transport choice 1% and many others who can visit and travel through. trips (2014-2018) Morrinsville Access to Estimated % of HH <30 70% Ngaaruawaahia opportunities mins travel to work or study Transport’s estimated share FOUR: THE HAMILTON-WAIKATO Climate change 53% of CO emissions Raglan METROPOLITAN AREA1 2 Hamilton Supporting and unlocking the residential and employment development potential and iwi aspirations for this fast-developing metropolitan area To Taupo through joint planning, integrated growth management and key transformational projects.

Te Awamutu FIVE: NEW TOOLS AND OPTIONS TO UNLOCK THE FULL POTENTIAL

To Taranaki Supporting the realisation of full development Otorohanga potential in the identified 10 growth clusters through the application of new planning, funding and financing tools and options for local authorities, iwi, Figure 2: Metro area context map Figure 3: H2A corridor map from H2A central government, developers and land owners. 8 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan 20

NOT GOVERNMENT POLICY OR THE VIEW OF ANY ONE ORGANISATION 20 Importance of iwi in the metropolitan area

Taahuhu Koorero / history headquarters of the Kiingitanga movement located In 1998 the Waikato-Tainui Deed of Settlement for area including collectively-owned assets in trusts, Taangata Whenua within the metro area descended at Tuurangawaewae Marae in Ngaaruawaahia, on the Waikato River was signed, and it received royal incorporations and other Maaori entities. Spatial from the Tainui waka, tracing their ancestry back the eastern banks of the Waikato River. It is the assent in 2010. The Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims priorities for iwi include Ruakura, the central city 800 years. The metro area contains significant official residence of the current Maaori King, Tuheitia (Waikato River) Settlement Act 2010 established area, and Hopuhopu/Taupiri. landmarks, including the sacred Taupiri mountain Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. the Waikato River Authority and gave statutory and the Waikato River. It is said that Taupiri lived recognition to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o While wishing to develop land in a way that sustains near Tongariro until her marriage to the mountain The British troops breached the Kiingitanga border Waikato – Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River. their economic capacity and provides opportunities chief Pirongia brought her to her new home near that the second Maaori King Taawhiao had declared for iwi members, retaining their historical role as Ngaaruawaahia. The legend is that she then became to be an aukati (a boundary not to be crossed), Iwi aspirations kaitiaki of the environment is a primary aspiration ill and sent a message asking Tongariro to deliver which started the New Zealand Land Wars in 1863. There are six significant iwi/hapuu groupings: of taangata whenua in the area. Taangata whenua THE AREA SUBJECT TO THE VISION AND STRATEGY Ngaati Maahanga, Ngaati Hauaa, Ngaati Korokii- envision a collective approach to sustainable healing waters. Tongariro sent a faithful dog to cut a Upon losing the final battle in 1865, Maaori were Kahukura, Ngaati Tamainupo, Ngaati Mahuta and land use which allows the mauri of ancestral land, pathway between Tongariro and Taupiri – said to be driven into exile in the King Country for 20 years. As the Waikato River is important to all the people of the region, the Waikato-Tainui within the metro area boundaries. waters, cultural sites, and taonga to be restored and the origin of the Waikato River. Taupiri recovered The Crown proceeded to confiscate 1.2million acres ultimate measure of this Vision and Strategy will be that the Waikato River The southern towns of Cambridge and Te Awamutu enhanced. once she was able to drink the healing waters. (approx. 500,000 hectares) of Waikato-Tainui tribal will be safe for people to swim in and take food from over its entire length. also includes additional mana whenua Ngaati land (raupatu). Throughout the post-war period the In 1858The area the that Kiingitanga the Vision and Strategy movement applies to originated is the Waikato River in from Maniapoto, Raukawa, Ngaati Apakura, Ngaati issue of raupatu dominated dealings between the the WaikatoHuka Falls to region Te Puuaha under o Waikato the and thefirst length Maaori of the Waipa King River to its Hikairo, and Paretekawa. Kiingitanga and the New Zealand Government. Pootataujunction Te with Wherowhero the Waikato River asto shown unite in the iwi map and below. halt The land Vision A key driver of the MSP is to achieve the aspirations sales.and The Strategy movement also applies tocontinues the activities into the this catchments day with affecting the the Waikato-Tainui began searching for redress in 1884 of taangata whenua. Importantly, this means Waikato River. when Taawhiao led a party to England to petition enhancing the environmental health of the Waikato Queen Victoria for a Maaori parliament and an River in accordance with Te Ture Whaimana o Te independent inquiry into the land confiscations. Awa o Waikato – Vision and Strategy for the Waikato However, his petition was referred back to the New River, while supporting iwi in embracing social and Zealand Government who dismissed it. Nonetheless economic opportunities within the metro area. Taawhiao continued to help Maaori address their Te Puuaha o Waikato concerns and petition the government. He founded Marae are the social, cultural and political hearts the Maaori parliament, Te Kauhanganui. Mahuta of Maaori communities and are considered waahi succeeded his father Taawhiao as the third Maaori tapu. At marae, taangata whenua hold traditional Lower Waikato king and leader of Te Kauhanganui. ceremonies, have intertribal encounters, debate significant issues and commemorate the deceased. Agreeing to a partial settlement in 1946, Mahuta’s They are the heart of Maaori communities and cousin Te Puea Heerangi accepted Prime Minister therefore a waahi tapu. Today, marae are often used Peter Fraser’s offer of £5,000 per year in perpetuity. for civil defence purposes and serve as a place The settlement would be administered by the newly to care for those experiencing hardship. Thirteen established Tainui Maaori Trust Board. Although it marae are located within the metro area and play a was an inadequate settlement of people’s losses, vital role in their communities, particularly in times she considered it to be a vindication and the best of crisis, hardship, debate or celebration. The MSP Waipa deal available at the time. The Trust Board invested recognises marae as an important cultural spatial Upper Waikato the money in education which was its priority. element for the metro area. In 1993 Hopuhopu and Te Rapa were returned to Maaori play a significant role in the Waikato Waikato-Tainui. On 22 May 1995 the historic Deed economy through participation in the workforce, of Settlement was signed, and the Waikato Raupatu Legend contribution to GDP, economic partnerships and Huka Falls Claims Settlement Act gained royal assent on 3 Lower Waikato-Area A ownership of assets. The Maaori economy is one Upper Waikato-Area B November 1995. The settlement package totalled Waipa-Area C of the key pillars of the region’s prosperity. There Waikato River and Waipa River $170 million.

Major lakes in the Waikato region is a significant Maaori asset base in the metro

Figure 4: Extent of the Waikato River

8 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 9 1.2 Challenges and opportunities

The MSP responds to the metro area’s present state - existing settlement patterns, environmental deterioration and growth pressures. These have been identified as critical areas that need to be addressed for the metro area to reach its full potential and for the MSP to be realised. Challenges Opportunities Planning for a transformative future Through spatial planning, the MSP seeks to ensure growth is well-planned, compact and Challenge: ongoing environmental There is an opportunity to embrace the To embrace the opportunities and address the connected. Experience from around the world deterioration Waikato River and ecological areas as the challenges identified, the metro area needs a indicates that planning for this type of growth can The Waikato River is already significantly heart of the metro area. transformational shift in the approach to urban contribute to: development and infrastructure planning, and the degraded and valued ecological assets are Through providing for growth in a way that mix of instruments and levers available. • Higher value economic sectors and increased being depleted. protects and enhances valued water bodies; productivity for businesses as a result of Lack of action to protect and restore elevates the consideration of three waters A shift in urban development planning outlined grouping activities. infrastructure and restores and enhances ecological assets constrains growth and in the Government’s Urban Growth Agenda and • Better access to amenities and services ecological assets. impacts community wellbeing. National Policy Statement on Urban Development, and reduced economic costs of time spent puts spatial planning at the centre of successful travelling. urban growth management. Well-planned and managed urban growth should result in improved • More efficient use of existing infrastructure environmental, employment, transport and and improved viability of public transport Challenge: poor housing affordability housing outcomes. services. There is an opportunity to harness growth to and inequitable high transport costs make our urban areas more affordable and The benefits of spatial planning include: • Improved health outcomes through more walking and cycling and less use of cars Housing in the metro area continues to be attractive. • Better co-ordination between planning and leading to greater physical activity and health unaffordable for many. People lack choice in Through providing for a quality, vibrant metro funding agencies to identify and respond to benefits. the types of housing and its location. area where communities have choices and easy the planning challenges impacting the metro • Enhanced competitive land markets and the connections to jobs, affordable homes and area. Poor access to opportunities imposes preservation of green spaces within urban recreational opportunities. additional transport costs on households. • Provides a combined case for investment to all development. levels of Government and the private sector. • Cost savings due to reduced land, • Provides better guidance for infrastructure infrastructure, and energy demands and more investment to enable long-term growth. efficient use of urban land, reducing the need Challenge: lack of integrated There is an opportunity to improve our • Provides a coherent story and prospectus to grow into greenfield areas. infrastructure and landuse planning transport choices and the success of our to the outside world to optimise external • Concentrations of knowledge and innovative impacts the design and delivery of urban environment. infrastructure and the shape of our urban investment and jobs. activity in the core of the city. areas Through the delivery of infrastructure services • Creates a long-term approach to growth to • Greater social connectedness and vitality, (particularly three waters and transport) in a avoid changes to policy from one electoral lower crime and greater safety. Delivery of infrastructure (particulalrly three way that supports liveable neighbourhoods, cycle to another, deterring private investment. -waters and transport) and services currently community wellbeing and targeted increased • Reduced runoff from vehicles to water follows the market demand for growth. This density and high-quality urban environments. and emissions to the air and atmosphere results in an inability to plan growth in a way (though air emissions may be more locally that supports infrastructure, density and concentrated). high-quality urban environments. • Greater access to housing and jobs where Opportunities for economic productivity demand is high, in locations with good access gains are missed as growth is constrained and amenities. due to infrastructure or land supply.

10 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Part 2 Desired Future State

Part 2 of the MSP covers future growth as well as the objectives, outcomes and indicators in order to take advantage of opportunities. Importantly there is a strong focus on people, place and community. 2.1 The growth scenario

A growing metro area Components of the growth scenario The MSP uses a growth scenario where the The MSP proposes an urban environment that is population of the metropolitan area is expected to a mix of higher density growth primarily around double to 500,000 people. While there is uncertainty centres, and growth along key public transport as to when, how and at what rate the metro area corridors, with increasing densities in greenfield could reach this population figure, the MSP provides areas. for an urban structure that could accommodate this population size. It is important to note this is not a Approximately 70 percent of growth will be growth target. focussed in Hamilton, with around 30 percent of growth in key townships in the Waikato and Waipā The MSP growth scenario has been developed districts. Of this growth, around 50 percent will be recognising that the metro area is one urban system provided through infill or intensification of existing where development and resources are connected urban areas. While the MSP directs growth to these and are not limited by local government boundaries. areas it is important to note that the plan assumes a limited amount of ongoing growth will occur outside of these identified areas, in line with district growth strategies and Future Proof.

Employment areas will be focussed on corridors that can be easily accessed for the movement of people and goods, with most employment focussed on existing centres, job corridors and identified greenfield industrial areas.

12 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan 2.2 Objectives and outcomes

The objectives of the MSP reflect the How do we know if we are successful? Government’s Urban Growth Agenda (UGA) that Indicators for the MSP are outlined below. Monitoring progress towards achieving these targets is aims to remove barriers to the supply of land and important not only for understanding the effectiveness of the MSP but also to inform the Government’s infrastructure - making room for cities to grow Urban Growth Agenda. The indicators provide success areas the MSP will be measured against. up and out. Also at the core is the Hamilton to Refining the indicators below and developing and agreeing targets will be necessary to understand if Auckland (H2A) Corridor, guiding development we are being successful. This will be an implementation action for the MSP. between two of New Zealand’s fastest growing cities.

The project objectives are: Environment Transport emissions in the metro area are • Improve choices for the location and type of reducing per capita. housing. • Improve access to employment, education and services. The health and wellbeing of the Waikato River and its catchment within the metro area is • Assist emission reductions and build climate improving year on year. resilience. • Enable quality-built environments, whilst avoiding unnecessary urban sprawl. Housing Housing affordability (as measured by the ratio • Improving housing affordability and choices. of average income to average dwelling purchase price / rent) in the metro area is improving. • Enhancing the quality of the natural and built environments and the vitality of Auckland and Hamilton and the communities within the corridor. There is an increasing range of housing sizes and types within the metro area. • Improving access to employment, public services and amenities. • Creating employment opportunities in the corridor. Accessibility The proportion of the metro area population living within 30 minutes of work, education and • Piloting new finance and funding tools to pay other services is increasing by using a range of for infrastructure. modes. • Trialling new urban planning tools to coordinate growth development. The proportion of trips being made by public transport and active modes (walking and cycling) • Planning in an integrated way based on is increasing. communities of interest rather than existing council boundaries.

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 13 2.3 People, place and community

The MSP sets out critical spatial elements that green network, with the Waikato River at its Affordable housing can be provided through will help to create well-functioning, ‘liveable’ core, supporting both environmental and a range of types including private, public, urban environments where people want to live, recreational use and creating a sense of community, and emergency housing. work and play, and where they have easy access place for communities. to recreational spaces, employment, education, Enabling papakaainga housing and other health facilities and affordable homes. • Planning for a future where all new housing options that enable Maaori to express developments are focussed around their cultural traditions and norms is another key Liveability and placemaking walking and cycling and access to frequent element in providing for housing choice which “The liveability of urban areas stems from unique and rapid public transport providing aligns with the National Policy Statement on combinations of amenity values (open space, design choice and access to jobs, services and Urban Development. features and urban vegetation); historic and cultural amenities. heritage; location; and intangibles such as character, MSP approach to housing affordability and landscape, and ‘sense of place’.” 12 • Ensuring waahi toituu areas (areas to choice protect or proceed with the greatest The MSP will contribute towards reducing Liveable urban areas can make a major of care) are considered in all new the cost of supplying housing and increasing contribution towards people’s quality of life. Well- development – as a way of creating housing affordability and choice. The plan planned urban development can meet housing resilient communities where the risk primarily addresses housing affordabilty needs, provide affordable housing choices, of hazards is reduced and where local through land supply and housing improve access to employment, education and context – such as culturally and historically development in the appropraite places. In services, and support healthy, connected and important features, is respected. summary, the key elements of this approach cohesive communities. Liveable areas are resilient include: and can adapt to changes over time. • Placing the Waikato River at the heart of planning for the sub-region, enhancing • Enabling a range of locations for housing, Placemaking contributes to liveability by creating the health and well-being of the River and at a range of densities, which will provide great places which strengthen local character people’s connection with the river as a key the opportunity for a diverse range of and diversity and help develop a sense of place aspect of placemaking in the metro area. housing types. for each area. This is done through prioritising people-friendly open spaces and walkable Housing affordability and choice • Providing opportunities for housing and neighbourhoods and improving access to social Housing for all people will be critical to creating lifestyle choice, including papakaainga, infrastructure and amenities. Placemaking applies a liveable metro area. This includes meeting within defined locations, with greater as much to enhancing existing communities as it people’s housing needs and providing for emphasis on good urban design. does to developing new ones. affordable housing choices. • Identifying a range of urban development MSP approach to liveability and At present, there is a lack of sufficient housing opportunities to enhance competitive land placemaking choice and diversity, in the right locations. markets which can contribute to more The MSP seeks to ensure that new urban Demographic changes, such as projected affordable housing. development contributes to liveability and increases in numbers of single-person • Social housing will continue to be explored placemaking through implementing the households, mean that housing needs will change through the already established Waikato spatial planning layers in Part 3 and the growth over time. principles and spatial planning directions in Housing Initiative. Part 2.4. In summary, the key elements of this Enabling a range of locations for housing, at a approach include: range of densities and providing for different housing types, is an important direction of the • Providing high-quality settings for MSP to improve housing outcomes. This also community life using open spaces as a builds on the Waikato Plan’s Regional Housing core spatial feature – including the blue- Initiative vision for every person and every family in the Waikato region to be well-housed.

14 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan 2.4 Growth management approach and directives

The growth managment approach sets the Spatial Plan directives for the MSP. The directives integrate a variety of spatial elements including blue-green, transport and centres. They shape the future of the metro area to achieve the desired environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes. Waahi toituu Waikato River and blue-green network Transport The location and nature of waahi toituu areas influences The blue-green directives aim to provide an approach The provision of rapid and frequent public transport networks the location of future growth areas, with new development to designate, restore, enhance, connect and improve the offers viable and attractive alternatives to private vehicles, directed away from constraints, minimising hazards and risks environment and open public space within the Hamilton- encourages mode-shift away from private vehicle use, and protecting assets now and for the future. Waikato metro area that meets the needs of a growing supports the diversity and vibrancy of activities within centres, population and promotes healthy communities. and enhances the safety and wellbeing of residents and the Growth is managed so that waahi toituu areas, including environment. culturally important sites, are safeguarded and their values Spatial plan directives: enhanced. Spatial plan directives: • Connect, protect, enhance and integrate the natural Spatial plan directives: environment in new urban development, promoting • Optimise the use of existing transport infrastructure, by positive biodiversity outcomes. aligning land use and development. • Identifying and planning future growth areas to ensure that they avoid waahi toituu areas. • Utilise methods such as Water Sensitive Urban Design, • Plan and protect efficient freight network operations and Low Impact Design and integrated catchment planning inter-regional corridors. • Protect existing waahi toituu areas from urban to promote clean and sustainable water outcomes in development. masterplanning and urban design. • Connect transport and resident hubs, linking major growth centres by public transport and active modes. • Avoid areas which are, in the foreseeable future, either • Recognise and respect mana whenua values in infeasible or undesirable for urban development. masterplanning and urban design, upholding and fostering • Plan and design neighbourhoods to make public transport use, walking and cycling easy and attractive. • Culturally important sites will be safeguarded and their kaitiakitanga and custodianship of urban ecosystems. values enhanced. • Apply regenerative, sustainable design techniques and principles in urban and residential developments. • Promote healthy communities in corridor and network planning and management, supproting active travel in blue-green corridors and maintaining and enhancing public access to regional and local open space assets.

Source: Landcare Trust Source: NZ Geographic Source: Te Awa Source: Stuff Hayes Peat Lakes, Waikato Waikato River Flooding (1998), Waikato Te Awa River Ride, Waikato Public bus, Hamilton

Source: Stuff Source: Waikato Biodiversity Source: RNZ Source: Stuff Source: DCN Source: Hamilton.co.nz Landslip, Waikato Wetlands, Waikato Waikato River, Hamilton Waikato River, Waikato POAL Freight Hub, Waikato Pedestrian shopping street, Hamilton

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 15 Growth management approach and directives

Centres Growing jobs and economic corridor Three waters Development in growth centres and higher densities on multi- By focussing on established sectors in the economic corridor, Investment in three waters infrastructure and services supports modal corridors supports and enables a more diverse urban within the metro area, a concentration of economic activity can sustainable development and growth within the metro area. form across the metro area, and enables the provision of be supported enabling higher value employment growth. This Understanding that provision of infrastructure is fundamental to rapid and frequent public transport services, and diversity and will enable ongoing growth, supported by enhanced road and community and environmental wellbeing. vibrancy of activities. rail connectivity within the region and to the wider North Island. Supporting innovative, timely and responsive infrastructure Spatial plan directives: Spatial plan directives: solutions that lead to positive environmental outcomes within the catchment by taking a strong, collaborative approach • Promote an urban form that can be more easily accessed by • Strengthen connections between business services and will give effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato – a variety of modes of transport including walking, cycling industries within the economic corridor to support the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River, while meeting and and frequent and rapid public transport options. efficient movement of people, goods and services to and supporting current and future needs, and unlocking economic through the metro area. • Encourage people away from private vehicle use, potential across the metro area, delivering value for investment. supporting the diversity and vibrancy of activities within • Maintain the effectiveness of the wider transport network Spatial plan directives: centres. ensuring an adequate supply of land to service business and industry needs. • Application of water sensitive urban design principles that • Concentrate jobs and services at accessible locations in support and enable population growth and deliver positive urban areas to provide greater choice and accessibility to • Promote and support the ongoing intensification of jobs, environmental and cultural outcomes by taking account of opportunities, amenities and facilities. education and economic activity along the Ngaaruawaahia the three waters infrastructure investment and operational to Ruakura economic corridor. • Meet the needs of residential and employment growth requirements in assessing and planning development. through higher density development and land use. • Ensure environmentally integrated and water sensitive planning and design principles are considered at all scales. • Collaborate to give effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato – Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River. • Seek responsive solutions that lead to positive environmental outcomes within the catchment.

Source: ISENZ Source: WBN Source: WIPLTD Source: WIPLTD Garden Place, Hamilton Proposed Te Awa Lakes Development, Horotiu Te Awa The Base, Hamilton Waikato Innovation Park, Hamilton

Source: Property Council Source: Wintec Source: WIPLTD Source: Stuff Source: HCC Source: West Construction Victoria on the Green, Hamilton Wintec Rotokauri Campus, Rotokauri Meade Building Waikato Hospital, Hamilton Hamilton City Centre, Hamilton Wastewater treatment plant, Hamilton Water pipeline, Hamilton

16 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Growth management approach and directives

Community and other infrastructure Current and future urban areas Rural areas The provision of community infrastructure is linked with and Future growth areas are located where current and future Protect the ability of high-quality soils to be used for productive serviced by general infrastructure and utilities. Planning for transport infrastructure can provide increased accessibility purposes, ensuring there is a clear delineation between large-scale community facilities and services is undertaken on via rapid and frequent public transport networks, as well as urban and rural land within the metro area. This will support a metro area scale to avoid duplication of resources. Access to effective road and walking and cycling connections. Compact the significant role primary industries play in the metro community, education and employment opportunities will be urban form and increased densities will be enabled in a way area’s economy whilst providing for development at a scale enhanced across the metro area. All major health, education that accommodates long-term growth and provides high consistent with existing rural and village developments. and health facilities are connected to and supported by rapid quality social, cultural, economic and environmental outcomes. and frequent public transport networks, as well as effective Growth will be supported by a variety of development types Spatial plan directives: road and walking and cycling connections. and housing types including papakaainga. • Protect high quality soils from development in the rural Spatial plan directives: Spatial plan directives: environment for productive uses. • Support urban development across the metro area, focused • Fully integrate land use, community and network • Value, maintain and enhance rural amenity and character on priority development areas, enhancing competitive land infrastructure planning at all levels. across the metro area. markets through a range of development opportunities. • Optimise access to and use of resources and facilities • Limit rural residential growth opportunities contained within • Build upon and strengthen local characteristics to create a clearly defined boundaries. across the metro area. sense of place. • Ensure community benefits are at the heart of planning for • Build on existing growth patterns, achieving a more the provision of large-scale facilities and services. compact and concentrated urban form over time, with the provision of high-quality, high-amenity built environments. • Marae will be recognised as a critical cultural and spatial element in future planning. • Locate communities and jobs around existing and new centres, supported by rapid and frequent public and active transport connections. • Meet the diverse needs of residents of the metro area through a range of housing types and safe and inclusive urban design. • Provide local employment and educational opportunities, access to green space and community facilities alongside Source: Hamilton Pools Source: Māori Maps housing, and enable high-density development around Source: Stuff Source: WRC Gallagher Aquatic Centre, Hamilton Ōmaero marae, Ōmaero access to these opportunities. Productive soils, Waikato Soil testing, Waikato

Source: University of Waikato Source: Te Awa Source: Cambridge Homes Source: Our Hamilton Source: Ray White Source: Stuff University of Waikato, Hamilton AvantiDrome, Cambridge Housing, Cambridge Parana Park, Hamilton Rural property and amenity, Horotiu Dairy farming, Waikato

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 17 Part 3 The Spatial Plan

Part 3 sets out the spatial approach for the metro area. It recognises existing uses and identifies areas for growth, development and improvement including uses and activities, transport, blue-green network and infrastructure.

This document has been prepared as version one of the MSP. What is proposed is subject to further investigation, analysis and business case 18 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan development particularly surrounding land use and transport investigation as well as stakeholder and community consultation. 3.1 Waahi toituu

Taupiri Introduction heritage sites are safeguarded, and their values The MSP identifies important environmental enhanced. attributes or constraints and hazards (waahi toituu) Future growth areas have been identified in its base layer, so development can be directed Ngaaruawaahia/ Hopuhopu away from them. Waahi toituu areas are made up regarding the extent that they avoid waahi toituu of: areas (excluding areas where substantial planning and investment has already been committed). Horotiu • Existing protected areas: areas currently, planned, or intended to be protected from HT1 Rototuna urban development. These are often areas Spatial plan directives with intrinsic environmental values, which offer R2

ecosystem services or natural capital, or reflect • Identifying and planning future growth areas Te Rapa Chartwell important historic or cultural values. to ensure that they avoid waahi toituu areas. Rotokauri Fairfield Ruakura • Constraint areas: areas where hazards, risks • Protect existing waahi toituu areas from urban Central University or other aspects are deemed to make future development. City Area urban development in the foreseeable future Frankton • Avoid areas which are, in the foreseeable Hospital either infeasible and/or undesirable, such future, either infeasible or undesirable for as high-risk flood zones or areas with land urban development. instability risk. Peacocke • Culturally important sites will be safeguarded Background and their values enhanced. The Future Proof partners have been implementing the Future Proof Strategy in the Airport metro area since 2009. Despite this sound integrated land use and infrastructure planning Cambridge approach the metro area faces some long-term / Hautapu challenges. This includes declining water quality, environmental deterioration and infrastructure demands. These challenges are likely to be exacerbated by population and economic growth in the long- term. The MSP responds proactively to challenges faced by the metro area, enabling protection and enhancement of waahi toituu areas including environmental, cultural and historical assets along with avoiding development in higher risk or constrained locations. Te Awamutu Waahi Toituu Areas MSP approach High Risk Flood Zones, Instability Risk, Significant The most extensive constraints and values that Natural Areas, Wetlands, Heritage Sites, Reserves, DoC make up the waahi toituu areas in the metro area Land, QEII Trust Covenants, Infrastructure Corridors, Outstanding Natural Features, Steep Slopes, Elite Soils are high quality soils, flood zones, and peat soils. (LUC 1), Peat Soil(>3m), Peat Lake Development in the metro area will be managed Note: to ensure it is directed away from waahi toituu Existing Urban Areas Waahi Toiora Areas (not shown) Already developed sites areas and that protected areas, such as those Moderate Slopes, Prime Soils (LUC 2 and 3), Peat with natural significance, reserves, cultural and Soils (<3m), Peat Lake Figure 5: Waahi toituu map Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 19 Waahi toituu

These layers form the basis of the MSP constraints and opportunities.

High risk flood zones Significant Natural Areas and gullies Existing Urban Areas Instability Risk Steep Slopes

Reserves and Doc Land Heritage sites Elite Soils (LUC 1) Peat Soil(>3m) Infrastructure Corridors

20 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan 3.2 Waikato River and blue-green network Taupiri Introduction best use of. Water capacity is already constraining The Waikato River (and its major tributary, the growth. In August 2019 there were 280 non- Waipā River) is the defining ecological feature of residential applications in the allocation queue for Ngaaruawaahia/ the MSP connecting the metro area to the heart of surface water takes in the Waikato region. These Hopuhopu a blue-green network supporting environmental applications for water take are all on a ‘first in, and recreational use, creating a sense of place first served’ wait list and are on hold as they will and shaping the growth and development of the exceed the allocation limits for catchments in the Horotiu metro area. region. Addressing the challenge of water use and HT1 availability through a collaborative and integrated Rototuna The area is characterised by low rolling hills, flat approach to land, water and community planning alluvial plains, gullies and lakes. will be critical to the sustainable development and R2 Te Rapa Chartwell The primary direction for the health and wellbeing growth of the metro area. Rotokauri Fairfield of the Waikato River is established through Te MSP approach Ruakura Ture Whaimana o te Awa o Waikato - Vision and Central University The MSP introduces a blue-green network, with City Area Strategy for the Waikato River, to achieve its the Waikato River at its heart, as a defining and Frankton restoration and protection for future generations. unique spatial concept that aims to restore, Hospital Background enhance, connect and improve the natural environment within the metro area. The network There is significant evidence that the Waikato Peacocke River and its catchment is degraded across much includes regional and local scale landscape of its length. In an urban context, the way that features, open space, rivers, gullies and their wastewater and stormwater are managed as well margins as well as and areas of ecological and conservation value across the entire metro as the allocation of water is inextricably linked Airport to the health and wellbeing of the river. Taking area. These networks shape the existing metro area and will direct and influence future urban a collective and integrated approach to the Cambridge/ management of three waters and its linkage with development. Hautapu land-use, development and transport planning and policy is critical to improving the health and wellbeing of the river. Across the metro area the natural ecosystems have been almost completely cleared or drained and much of the original vegetation cover has been removed. In contrast, most of the peat lakes remain, although their water quality is generally poor. The peat lakes and catchments Te Awamutu offer valuable opportunities for enhancement. Ngaa Wai: The banks of the Waikato and Waipā rivers are Lakes, Rivers, Wetlands, Floodzones together the best current option for restoration, Existing Green Areas: providing a continuous urban forest across the Reserves, Parks, DoC Land, Significant Natural Areas, metro area Gullies Potential Future Green Areas: The Waikato River is now regarded as being over- Future Green Space allocated during low flow summer conditions Major Cycleways and Walkways and it is clear this resource is not being made the Figure 6: Blue-green network map

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 21 Waikato River and blue-green network

Spatial planning direction for the existing blue-green corridor Spatial plan directives The blue-green spatial plan directives aim to provide an approach to restore, enhance • Connect, protect, enhance and integrate and improve the environment within the metro area. The following outlines key moves the natural environment in new urban to ensure urban development maximises the benefit at all scales. development, promoting positive biodiversity outcomes. • Utilise methods such as Water Sensitive Urban Design, Low Impact Design and integrated catchment planning to promote clean and sustainable water outcomes in masterplanning and urban design. • Recognise and respect mana whenua values in masterplanning and urban design, upholding and fostering kaitiakitanga and custodianship of urban ecosystems. • Apply regenerative, sustainable design techniques and principles in urban and Regional Sub-regional residential developments. Enhance the wider established natural Restore and enhance the Waikato River, • Promote healthy communities in corridor areas and draw them into the metro area to tributaries and gullies to improve water and network planning and management, complement and connect ecosystems. quality, riparian ecosystems and re-establish supproting active travel in blue-green the Waikato River as the heart of the region corridors and maintaining and enhancing through integrated catchment management. public access to regional and local open space assets.

Local Human Recognise and enhance green public space Establish a green network of walking and and areas of native bush to shape the cycling connections, using best practice identity and liveability of the urban areas. urban design to treat stormwater and Provide regular, accessible, high quality reintroduce ecology into the city through an public space that meets the needs of a urban forest programme. growing population. 22 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan This is a concept service diagram only, showing connections between future growth nodes. Further 3.3 Transport work will be required to define mode, operational To North requirements, and identify the most appropriate Waikato and corridor for both the rapid and frequent networks. Auckland Note: The frequent and rapid public transport network Introduction created at each hub, generating economic will be supported by local feeder and coverage The creation of a rapid and frequent multi-modal growth and redevelopment potential. services and high quality walking and biking networks. Indicative key local supporting feeder transport network is a defining feature of the Te Kauwhata public transport routes have been identified MSP. Transport is one of the largest shapers and New residential dwelling options will be created for information purposes, which will be further offering a vibrant and diverse range of living developed through Regional Public Transport influencers of land use and the metropolitan-scale Planning. network will improve access and connectivity options for the increasing population of city- dwellers. The L-shaped rapid network has Huntly The MSP does not identify specific corridors to across the metro area. Three key moves have been protect to enable the delivery of rapid and frequent been developed to make best use of existing services. Further investigation through the PBC will developed to achieve a high degree of connectivity. enable in depth evaluation and develop a process corridor infrastructure and harness large lot land for protecting transport corridors. opportunities. This spine already contains high Background Further detailed investigation is required to confirm The metro area is currently home to some of the numbers of jobs but with greater residential Taupiri mode (rail or road) and frequency of connections development, this area becomes the round- to Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Huntly and Morrinsville highest quality road infrastructure in the country, and to confirm the need for any route protection for supporting the efficient movement of freight and the-clock hub of the city. The L-shaped rapid future needs. passenger vehicles. This helps explain the popularity corridor is loosely aligned with the Hamilton to An L-shaped rapid transit corridor will connect the Auckland rail corridor and as such, there should high growth nodes of Ngaaruawaahia, Rotokauri/Te of private travel, especially for short distance Ngaaruawaahia Gordonton To Matamata, Rapa, Frankton, Central City Area, and Ruakura. The journeys, which has resulted in an increasing peak be opportunities for integration and overlap of Tauranga and preferred mode, corridor, and stop locations will be of congestion. Only approximately 5 percent of trips the services. HT1 East Waikato confirmed via further investigation. in Hamilton are made by public transport or active Rototuna Morrinsville The Rapid transit corridor will be supported by The frequent transit network will support the Horotiu an integrated network of Frequent transit services modes such as a walking and cycling. providing minimum 15 minute frequencies which rapid transit spine, extending the reach of the Te Kowhai will connect all growth nodes with a new high Chartwell public transport network to growth nodes. quality public transport network. Situated at a key location in the upper North Island R2 Focusing on key locations across the metro Te Rapa As Morrinsville is currently outside the MSP scope, (including Rotokauri Transport Hub) the metro area is well connected to the wider area will ensure residents have access to jobs, this connection requires further investigation to region, with state highway links north to Auckland, Fairfield ensure an increase in population density that would commercial, social and recreational needs within support a frequent or rapid connection. east to the Bay of Plenty and south to Taranaki. The Rotokauri Town Ruakura 30 minutes of their home. The frequent network Centre In the long term, there will be an enhanced rail North Island Main Trunk Line and the East Coast will support corridor development by providing Frankton connection between Hamilton and Auckland which Main Trunk Line provide key rail linkages to and from will terminate at the Central City Area. This could be more frequent stops along the route and transit Western Suburbs extended further east to Tauranga in the future. the metro area. These rail lines currently provide University interchanges where the corridor connects with Central City freight services. A start-up passenger rail service is the rapid network and other frequent services. A Area due to begin later in 2020, providing passenger rail Hospital focus of this network is supporting the internal Matangi between Hamilton and Auckland. commuter patterns that lie beyond the Rapid L To and over the river. These routes connect growth Whatawhata Peacocke Tamahere MSP approach areas that offer unique opportunities for front- and Raglan • Key move one: A place-shaping integrated footing segregated and high-quality urban rapid public transport network linking major Airport transit links. Local centres will be enhanced Key Routes Connecting to Location Hautapu growth centres. around high-quality transport interchanges, Outside of Hamilton City (RPTP) At the heart of the future public transport supporting a mix of residential, commercial and toto Auckland Auckland RapidRapid RapidNetwork Network Network Ōhaupō network will be a rapid transit spine linking retail development with high urban amenity. the major employment and residential hubs of FutureFutureFuture Interregional Interregional Inter-regional Network Network Network to Auckland Rapid Network Te Awamutu Horotiu, Rotokauri/Te Rapa, Frankton, the central While the MSP focuses primarily onto the Auckland strategic RapidFrequentFrequent NetworkFrequent Network Network Network HuntlyHuntly (including Kihikihi) Cambridge city area and Ruakura with fast and frequent transport network, this is a small proportion of Future Interregional Network Future Interregional Network (including Leamington) services throughout the day. Journey times the overall network. The metro area will have a KeyKey interchange interchangeLocal Nodes Huntly Frequent Network TaupiriTaupiri Frequent Network across the city will be dramatically reduced number of other finer grain active Huntlyand shared MajorMajorKey stops stops Rapid PT Enabled Growth Key interchange and reliability will be vastly improved. This will transport mode connections. These will be Key interchangeNode Pirongia NgaruawahiaNgaruawahia Taupiri HT1HT1 support higher density development focused developed to deliver dense transportTaupiri networks Major stopsKey Frequent PT Enabled Majortoto stops Tauranga Tauranga that support the strategic routes. RototunaRototuna Growth Node around transit interchanges with a variety of HorotiuHorotiu Ngaruawahia HT1 To South Waikato, new commercial and employment opportunities Ngaruawahia HT1 Indicative River Location To Otorohanga, ChartwellChartwell to Tauranga Rotorua, Taupo TheThe Base Base Rototuna to Tauranga Te Kuiti and Horotiu Rototuna R2R2 and Wellington Horotiu Wellington RotokauriRotokauri Figure 7: Public transport schematic FranktonFrankton RuakuraRuakura TownTown Chartwell CentreCentreThe Base Chartwell The Base R2 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 23 DinsdaleDinsdale Rotokauri CBDCBD R2 Frankton Rotokauri RuakuraUniUni Town HospitalHospitalFrankton Ruakura CentreTown Centre Peacocke Dinsdale CBDPeacocke Dinsdale CBD Uni Hospital Uni HospitalAirportAirport Peacocke Peacocke CambridgeCambridge

Airport Airport Cambridge Cambridge

TeTeAwamutuAwamutu

Te Awamutu Te Awamutu Transport

Taupiri • Key move two: An appropriately scaled to public transport and amenities. The existing freight and movement road network roading infrastructure will be more efficient providing convenient and reliable access for through a rebalancing of modes, giving the region’s economic activity hubs. additional capacity to cycling and public

Upon completion of the Waikato Expressway transport. The future walking and cycling Ngaaruawaahia/ Hopuhopu and Southern Links, the metro area will feature a network will also provide direct, safe and high capacity regional ring road to direct inter- convenient first and last mile connections to the public transport network. This will enhance the regional trips and freight appropriately through Horotiu and around the urban area. The placement of overall access of the transport network to users of all ages and abilities. HT1 the proposed industrial nodes are designed Rototuna to align with the strategic freight network and there should be sufficient capacity within the Spatial plan directives R2

roading network to service the future freight Te Rapa • Rapid and frequent public transport networks Chartwell requirements. However, this is subject to the Rotokauri offer a viable and attractive alternative to Fairfield successful delivery of the active and public Ruakura transport networks, particularly the strategic private vehicles, expanding the reach of high- quality public transport. Central University corridors shown for frequent and rapid services. City Area Frankton It is this network that will ensure short distance • Plan and protect efficient freight network Hospital commuter trips are discouraged and freight operations and inter-regional corridors. corridors are protected. • Connect transport and resident hubs, linking Outside the metro area’s inner core, the road Peacocke major growth centres by public transport and network will remain largely as is, though local active modes. improvements to address safety issues will be considered as the region grows. This includes • Plan and design neighbourhoods to make Airport the outer network of roads, including state public transport use, walking and cycling easy highways that encircle the metro area, broadly and attractive. connecting Ngaaruawaahia, Te Awamutu, Cambridge/ and Cambridge. This outer network will be Hautapu monitored over time to ensure appropriate safety and network access is provided without undermining the efficiency and effectiveness of the wider transport network, including public transport.

• Key move three: an active mode network that improves the health and wellbeing of people, Note: communities, and environment. Given the transformational shift to public transport and active modes, there is adequate road corridor capacity in the inner metro area to meet future growth In the central city area, surrounding urban area and freight needs. Te Awamutu and local centres the pedestrian needs to be prioritised, creating a lively urban space that The completion of the Waikato Expressway and Southern Links, creates high Key national freight and movement routes quality corridors that connect the metro area to other economically critical encourages and supports social interaction and locations nationally. The protection of these corridors through investment in Key metro area freight and movement routes economy. alternative modes for metro trips and appropriate land development patterns is a key outcome of the MSP process and has national benefits. Metro area minor routes A connected and safe active mode network will The local road corridor between Te Awamutu and Cambridge is likely to be encourage both commuter and recreational important given the strong inter-relationship of these growth nodes. Rail Corridor activity across the city and increase accessibility Upon completion of the Waikato Expressway, corridors such as SH 1B will revert Airport to being local roads, providing a high quality route linking smaller communities. Figure 8: Strategic transport corridors map 24 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan 3.4 Centres

Taupiri Introduction • Regional centre Growing Hamilton central city as a metro core, A regional centre is defined as a primary alongside lively metropolitan centres is a key commercial, employment, recreational and feature of the MSP. The metro area contains civic hub with a strong residential function Ngaaruawaahia/ a variety of centres consisting of regional, which is provided at a regional scale. Hopuhopu metropolitan, town, business and specialised centres that are important areas of economic The Hamilton central city metropolitan area contains a regional centre. This centre contains Horotiu /Te HT1 activity. Rapa North Rototuna significant office, retail and other commercial

Quality, thriving centres with a range of uses give activities, education facilities including the Thomas Road people choices and can offer easy connections to WINTEC campus, a vibrant arts and museum Te Rapa Chartwell R2 jobs, houses, services, recreational activities and precinct, central library and public squares. It Rotokauri has the greatest diversity, scale and intensity Five other facilities. Crossroads Ruakura of activities in the metro area. Central Background City Area University The metro area is made up of a variety of • Specialised centres Frankton Hamilton East Dinsdale living environments, from dense urban living Specialised centres provide for one or more Hospital in apartments and townhouses, suburban one specialised uses such as, but not exclusively, Peacocke and two-storey dwellings on separate sections, health or tertiary education uses. through to rural-residential living on large blocks. The MSP identifies two specialised centres in A core focus for the MSP is growing and the metro area. Waikato Hospital and Waikato University form important employment areas enhancing lively centres supported by rapid and Airport Hautapu frequent public transport. A precondition of all and provide essential specialised services. new centres is that they are connected to and Special provision is made in the MSP for supported by public transport networks. these centres to ensure that they continue to prosper and grow. Cambridge Concentrating jobs and services in accessible locations, with high quality public settings and amenities improves social, cultural, economic and environmental outcomes for residents and employees across the metro area. MSP approach Whilst all centres contribute to the economic and social fabric of the metro area, the MSP focuses on centres that have a role at a metro scale. Smaller local and neighbourhood centres play a strong Te Awamutu role in developing a cohesive metro area but Regional centre planning for these will be undertaken at a local Proposed metro centre level through District Plan processes by individual partners. Business centre Specialised centre Figure 9 shows the existing and proposed centres Existing town centre in the metro area. Centres are defined by their role, function and scale, forming a hierarchy. Proposed town centre

Figure 9: Centres map Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 25 Centres

• Metropolitan centres • Town centres Metropolitan centres are defined as having A town centre is defined as having retail, important retail, employment, recreational, social and residential functions at a multi- civic and residential functions at the neighbourhood scale. metropolitan scale. Metroplitan centres are areas used predominantly for a broad range The MSP identifies several town centres. These of commercial, community, recreational and will predominantly provide for local or multi- residential activities and area a focal point for neighbourhood scale services and facilities sub-regional urban catchments. and will be important locations around which residential developments can occur. There are five metropolitan centres identified in the metro area. Some are already at a metro Frankton is an established inner-city suburb, scale and some will grow into metropolitan with an existing town centre located within centres over the course of time. Metropolitan a major industrial and commercial area. Its centres will be places where people live, work location and passenger railway station provide and play, providing environments for people opportunities for growth in the future. to meet and connect as well as facilities that In the future growth areas of Ruakura, support communities. Rotokauri, Rototuna and Peacocke, and Te Rapa and Chartwell are existing envisioned future growth areas of HT1 metropolitan centres. Te Rapa has a and R2 (both to the north east of the predominant focus on retail and other metro centre), will be planned in order to service the everyday needs of the growing commercial activity, with The Base shopping Figure 10: Indicative Metro Centre development precinct including the Te Awa shopping mall, neighbourhoods. Town centres will function as well as a range of industrial and commercial as the local hubs within the developing activities in the vicinity. Chartwell contains communities. Smaller neighbourhood centres a significant shopping mall alongside an will be easily accessible for day-to-day needs. established residential community. Both these Town centres and local shops will connect centres are envisioned to accommodate through to metro and regional centres for future population and employment growth, centralised services not provided locally. accessible by a range of transport options. A small existing town centre is located The existing townships of Ngaaruawaahia, in Horotiu, alongside a large and rapidly Cambridge and Te Awamutu contain developing industrial area, home to AFFCO established centres with retail, commercial meat works and the Northgate business and office spaces forming the hub of these park which has a strong logistics focus. It communities. Hopuhopu is located near to the is envisioned that Horotiu will continue to Ngaaruawaahia township. It is envisioned that grow, with good transport connections and it will strengthen its role as the headquarters accessibility. of Waikato Tainui and the home of the Waikato Tainui Endowed College.

Figure 11: Indicative Greenfield Town Centre development

26 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Centres

• Business centres Spatial plan directives Business centres are areas with concentrations of industrial or business land uses. • Concentrate jobs and services in urban areas accessible by rapid and frequent public The MSP categorises the airport as a current transport networks to provide greater choice business centre and Taupiri and Ruakura East and accessibility to opportunities, amenities as future envisioned centres. The airport is and facilities. home to a significant industrial precinct which has a logistics focus. There are further stages • Promote an urban form that can be more easily of land to be developed in the area. Access accessed by a variety of modes of transport to frequent public transport in the future will including walking, cycling and frequent and strengthen the role of the airport business rapid public transport options. centre. • Existing and new centres have a high-quality Taupiri and Ruakura East are locations which public realm to attract investment and capture have been identified for future investigation as agglomeration benefits business centres. Other industrial areas in the • Meet the needs of residential and MSP are located near metro or town centres employment growth through higher density – including at Horotiu which is a town centre development and land use in centres. with a large adjacent industrial area, Rotokauri, where existing and planned industrial areas are located alongside the planned town centre, Ruakura which has existing and Figure 12: Indicative Business Centre development planned industrial areas, and in Cambridge at Hautapu. Throughout the Future Proof area there are a number of identified ‘strategic industrial areas’ which are defined in the Regional Policy Statement. Within the metro area these are Rotokauri, Ruakura, Te Rapa North, Horotiu, Hamilton Airport and Hautapu. These are all within MSP development areas except for Te Rapa North, which will continue to grow in accordance with local planning provisions. It is envisioned the majority of industrial growth will occur in these areas.

Figure 13: Indicative Town Centre TOD development

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 27 3.5 Growing jobs and an economic corridor

Taupiri

Introduction The economic corridor includes the following The MSP provides for job growth in a range of strategically important businesses or clusters. centres and business areas, as well as identifying Ngaaruawaahia/ an important economic corridor at the heart of • Ruakura Inland Port and Logistics Hub Hopuhopu the metro area. Growing jobs in the metro area is The Ruakura Inland Port and Logistics Hub critical for the wellbeing of the community and its is projected to accommodate up to 11,000 employees when fully complete. The people. Horotiu wider precinct will include a logistics hub, HT1 Increased job and business growth will result in significant industrial development, extension Rototuna increased trip movements within the economic of the existing Innovation Park, as well areas corridor and across the metro area. Major freight for residential and retail activities. When R2 trip generators including road and rail hubs complete, it is estimated the precinct will Chartwell will further increase trips to and from major potentially contribute $4.4B to Waikato’s Te Rapa Ruakura businesses and centres. gross regional product (GDP) between its Fairfield completion and 2061.1 Rotokauri Background Central City Area University There is an existing economic corridor with a • Innovation Park Frankton concentration of economic activity relative to the The Waikato Innovation Park is home to more Hospital rest of the metro area. This corridor spans from than 60 businesses, providing collaborative space with a focus on agritech, information Ruakura through to the central city area, across to Peacocke Frankton and north to Te Rapa and to Horotiu. technology and added-value food. It is the home of Food Waikato; New Zealand’s first The corridor has high concentrations of and only independent spray dryer, as well knowledge-intensive industries and has significant as domestic, international and public sector manufacturing, warehousing and logistics and businesses such as Comvita, New Zealand 18 industrial functions. Trade and Enterprise, and Tetra Pak. Airport The economic corridor is strongly aligned to rapid • The University of Waikato Cambridge/ and frequent transport networks. This is aa key The University of Waikato educated the Hautapu feature of the economic corridor, providing high equivalent of 10,300 full time students in 2018 degrees of connectivity between businesses and consisting of 8,500 domestic students and clusters of activity. 1,800 international students, and has a staff of about 1,100 employees.16 A NZIER study MSP approach estimated the direct economic contribution The MSP seeks to continue to enhance the of the University to the regional economy was metropolitan economic corridor. Identifying this $414M comprised of University of Waikato corridor between Ruakura, Frankton, Horotiu and spending on staff, operations and equipment, Ngaaruawaahia is a significant spatial feature of and additional spend from the attraction of the metro area. domestic and international students to the region.10 Te Awamutu

Map shows existing (2019) economic context at key locations around the metro area. Figure 14: Metropolitan economic corridor 28 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Growing jobs and an economic corridor

• Hamilton central city area • Horotiu Freight Hub Hamilton central city area is the region’s The Ports of Auckland Limited (POAL) Horotiu primary business, entertainment and retail Freight Hub, located north of the city, was precinct. In 2019 it generated GDP of $1.79B, opened in early 2019. The hub is a key freight or approximately 18 percent of total economic link to POAL’s other regional hubs, as well as output of Hamilton city.5 It also contains about connecting to the Port by rail and road. When 20 percent of the city’s employment or 19,000 complete, it is estimated the hub will generate jobs. It contains 260,000m2 of office space and 300 jobs.13 79,000m2 of retail space.2 • Related Critical Localities • Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) Outside of the economic corridor the Wintec has two main campuses in Hamilton; Hamilton Airport, and the Hautapu industrial the City campus in the central city area area, are other important economic anchors and the Rotokauri campus. It also has a in the metro area. Whilst not in the economic Source: The University of Waikato Source: The Culture Trip horticultural education centre at Hamilton corridor, the MSP recognises their strategic The University of Waikato, Hamilton Hamilton central city area Gardens and campuses elsewhere in the contribution to prosperity in the metro area. Waikato region. Across all its campuses and online, Wintec educated the equivalent of Spatial plan directives 6,300 full time students in 2019, of which • Strengthen connections between business 5,100 were domestic students and 1,200 were services and industries within the economic international students. Wintec has a staff of corridor to support the efficient movement of 910 employees.19 people, goods and services to and through • Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus the metro area. The Waiora Waikato Hospital campus is • Ensure an adequate supply of land to service located to the south of the central city business and industry needs. area, home to the region’s only tertiary teaching hospital, and accommodates 4,500 • Promote and support the ongoing employees, nearly 60 percent of Waikato DHB intensification of jobs, education and employees.17 economic activity along the Ngaaruawaahia to Source: WIP Ltd Source: Wight Aluminium Ruakura economic corridor. Waikato Innovation Park Wintec • Te Rapa Spine Te Rapa is a significant employment cluster. In 2019 it contributed $2.56B or 26 percent of Hamilton City’s GDP.5 It has 21,600 employees or 23 percent of the city’s employment. The area contains a mix of employment with a strong manufacturing and wholesaling base, as well as retail employment primarily located at The Base and Te Awa.

Source: RDT Pacific Source: Kiwi Property

Waiora Waikato Hospital Campus Te Awa The Base Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 29 3.6 Three waters infrastructure

Introduction stormwater and land use diffuse purposes , Significant invest will be needed to overcome the Three waters infrastructure is both an enabler and ecological, social and cultural benefit. existing infrastructure deficit, meet performance and a key constraint for sustainable development expectations, climate change challenges including and growth in the metro area. The MSP identifies • Continuing to improve stormwater water security and system resiliency. assimilative the delivery of integrated and sustainable three managmenet including identification of capacity of receiving environment. waters services as essential for the metro area to priority restoration areas, and brownfields Significantly greater investment is likely to be grow over time. stormwater managmement and improvement opporutnities. required in three waters infrastructure and Background associated policy to achieve this outcome. • Wet industry - Proactively plan for The way in which three waters infrastructure industries that discharge industrial is planned for and managed must change. A wastewater and create an environment strongly collaborative approach across council that encourages, enables and supports Spatial plan directives jurisdictions in partnership with iwi and tangata water use and reuse innovation through • Application of water sensitive urban design whenua, is critical to making the changes needed water recycling and reuse for non-potable principles that support and enable population Source: HCC become a water-sensitive metro and give effect activities. growth and deliver positive environmental Wastewater treatment plant, Hamilton to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato – Vision and cultural outcomes by taking account of and Strategy for the Waikato River, while meeting • Water demand management and the three waters infrastructure investment and the community’s current and future needs. conservation. operational requirements in assessing and • Three Waters Capacity and Future Growth Opportunities, including the above will continue planning development. A Waikato Sub-Regional Three Waters Project to be investigated through the next phase of the • Ensure environmentally integrated and water is currently underway. This seeks to identify the Waikato Sub Regional Three Waters Project. sensitive planning and design principles are most innovative, responsive and timely three considered at all scales. waters infrastructure solutions, which deliver MSP approach better environmental outcomes, community Three waters infrastructure and resources are • Collaborate to give effect to Te Ture Whaimana benefits and overall efficiencies and resilience. fundamental to community wellbeing and the o Te Awa o Waikato – Vision and Strategy for The work is across local government quality of the environment. They must be well the Waikato River. boundaries and signals a paradigm shift in planned to ensure that the growth provided the approach to three waters management for in the MSP can occur as demand requires. If • Seek responsive solutions that lead to putting achievement of Te Ture Whaimana o te three waters infrastructure is not planned in an positive environmental outcomes within the Source: HCC Awa o Waikato as its primary objective. integrated and adaptive way this growth could catchment. Wastewater treatment plant, Hamilton place further stress on the Waikato River. Specific opportunities identified to date include: Three waters services are integral to unlocking economic potential in the metro area and • Utilise sub-regional and cross boundary wider Hamilton to Auckland corridor, including water supply and wastewater treatment supporting investments already made. Across the facilities to service areas of growth metro area they represent major infrastructure including the development of centralised investment and present significant opportunity metro wastewater facilities. to maximise and deliver the greatest value for • Linking water supply networks across the investment. Central to this is demonstrating metro area to increase overall resilience. how urban land use and development is giving effect to Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato – • Provide wide riparian areas, green space Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River, which and blue-green corridors throughout the requires that development within the Waikato sub-region along the Waikato River for River catchment improves the quality of the Source: Waipā DC environment. Stormwater reticulation culvert, Waipā 30 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan 3.7 Community and other infrastructure

Tauhei Marae Introduction Investment in community and general Spatial plan directives Taupiri Marae infrastructure is essential for the health, • Fully integrate land use, community and Hopuhopu social wellbeing and economic prosperity of network infrastructure planning at all levels. Ngaaruawaahia Waste communities. Water Treatment Plant • All major community, education and health Tuurangawaewae Marae Background facilities are connected to and supported by

Community infrastructure such as Waikato rapid and frequent public transport networks, Hukanui Marae University, the New Zealand Institute of Skills and as well as effective road and active mode Waikeri Marae Technology, Wananga, marae, sports facilities, connections hospitals, community and events centres and parks are a central part of ensuring high-quality • Ensure community benefits are at the heart Pukete Waste Water Treatment Plant outcomes for the metro area and are defining of planning for the provision of large-scale facilities and services. spatial elements of the metropolitan region. Te Kowhai small plant waste Wintec water system

• Marae will be recognised as a critical cultural Te Rapa Racing Club Waterworld General infrastructure and utilities include Matangi small plant waste and spatial element in future planning. Waikato Stadium Claudelands Events Centre water system telecommunications, energy transmission and Te Papa o Rotu Marae Seddon Park Te Iti o Hauaa Marae Waikato Museum Waikato University Omaero Marae Wintec Kirikiriroa Marae flood control. Waikato Regional Theatre Hamilton Water Waikato Hospital Treatment Station Waimakariri Marae MSP approach Te Rangimarie O Te • Community infrastructure Gallagher Aquatic Centre Horanganui Marae Tauwhare small plant waste The metro area has a number of good water system quality, important community assets such as Future ‘large’ waste water plant the Waikato Hospital and Waikato Museum, Hamilton Air Port

marae, nationally significant event hubs Mystery Creek

such as Mystery Creek, museums, galleries, Avantidrome Parallel Rd Water Treatment Plant Cambridge Pools sports facilities, parks and playgrounds. It Auwa St Wastewater Treatment Plant

is important that communities continue to Karapiro Wastewater Ngaa Hau e Wha - Cambridge Community Marae have access to key facilities as the metro area Treatment Plant Marae Works Rd Water grows. While there is no foreseeable need Treatment Plant for some additional large scale community Three Waters Infrastructure facilities (such as an another Waikato Hospital Events Centre or Waikato University Campus) planning Velodrome

for significant or large-scale community Swimming Pool Te Tahi Water Treatment Plant

infrastructure will be undertaken at a Te Awamutu Wastewater Mystery Creek Event Centre metro area scale, ensuring accessibility for Treatment Station Te Ara Wai Purekireki Marae Te Awamutu Events Centre all residents and avoiding duplication of University resources. Horse Racing Rolleston St Water Treatment Rugby Grounds Plant • General infrastructure and utilities Kakepuku Papakaainga Marae These services support communities, enable Sports Centre Te Kopua Marae Mangatoatoa Marae business and underpin the provision of public Hospital services. They are an essential part of planning Museum for growth and development in the metro Theatre area. Utility Corridor

Figure 15: Three waters, community and other infrastructure map

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 31 3.8 Current and future urban areas

Introduction Where re-development takes place in existing Table 3: Current and future urban growth areas To meet the needs of growing and changing urban areas (brownfield and infill areas) at higher Corridor Growth Areas Net Target Densities Public Transport communities we need to enable quality densities, there will be a strong focus on achieving (dwellings per Service denser housing options that build on existing a high-quality, high amenity, built environment hectare) growth patterns and allow our natural and built with a range of housing types. 30-50 Rapid and Frequent environments to coexist in harmony increasing Taupiri/Ngaaruawaahia/Hopuhopu 15-35 Rapid housing affordability and choice. The housing In greenfield growth areas, there will be a similar Horotiu market will not meet the needs of all residents of focus on providing a high-quality, high amenity, Northern Corridor 20-65 Rapid and Frequent the metro area and it may take time for benefits to built environment. Development in greenfield Te Rapa growth areas will provide for a range of housing 20-40 H2A inter-regional train, flow through to those who have an acute housing Rotokauri need. types, with some development occurring at Rapid and Frequent 50-70 H2A inter-regional train, higher densities to improve housing supply Frankton Background and affordability. Providing access to local Rapid and Frequent 50-200 Hamilton Central City Area The existing pattern of urban growth in the employment and educational opportunities and Rapid and Frequent metro area is comprised of infill, brownfield and 40-65 delivering green spaces and community facilities Central Corridor Hospital greenfield development. The majority of infill will be important when planning for development Frequent 35-55 and brownfield developments are located in Ruakura in greenfield growth areas. Rapid Hamilton city, while greenfield development at 30-45 University various scales occurs across the entire metro area. Future growth areas are grouped into corridor Frequent Job growth generally occurs in existing centres 30-50 areas - the Northern, Central, Eastern and HT1 Frequent and identified employment areas. The Waikato Southern corridors, as outlined in Table 3. These 30-50 Regional Housing Initiative is helping to address corridors provide a district-scale focus for areas R2 Frequent Eastern Corridor some of the the more immediate and social 30-50 linked by the proposed transport network Chartwell Frequent aspects associated with housing in the metro area. contained in the MSP. They contain a range 30-50 of centres, business areas and greenfield and Fairfield Frequent MSP approach brownfield residential areas. Peacocke 30-45 Frequent The MSP focuses on achieving a more compact and concentrated urban form by building on The growth areas within the corridors are further Airport N/A Frequent existing growth patterns and providing a mix of broken down into ‘priority development areas’ in Southern Corridor Te Awamutu 20-35 Frequent development opportunities in infill, brownfield the implementation plan in Part 4. These areas will and greenfield areas – allowing for growth and be the initial focus for implementation. Cambridge/Hautapu 20-35 Frequent development both ‘up’ and ‘out’. Ruakura East Opportunity for industrial and inland port-related activities to be able to relocate to the eastern Communities and jobs will be focussed around side of the Waikato Expressway. centres and corridors in locations which are Southern Links supported by both rapid and frequent public The area to the city-side of the Southern Links designation is identified in the Future Proof Strategy transport and walking and cycling transport 2017 as a potential future urban land resource for the city. Whilst it has not emerged at this time options so that people have choice and the Future areas for as a priority growth area, it represents a longer term (beyond 30 years) future urban land resource. investigation Any further residential development could only occur subject to the ability for it to be serviced opportunity to live close to where they work by rapid and frequent public transport, and to ensure the role and function of the Southern Links and play. Employment areas will be focussed on Network is not compromised. corridors that can be easily accessed by people Taupiri and for freight movements. Taupiri is identified as a potential long-term industrial location, on the village-side of the Waikato Expressway, and for potential further residential growth in the existing village. This will be subject to further work to determine how this would connect with and complement growth in the Ngaaruawaahia/Hopuhopu area.

32 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Current and future urban areas

The proposed urban form comprises: Taupiri Spatial plan directives • A rapid and frequent public transport network • Support urban development across the metro that links all the major centres in the metro area, focused on priority development areas, area. enhancing competitive land markets through Ngaaruawaahia/ Hopuhopu • Ongoing growth and development of towns a range of development opportunities. such as Ngaaruawaahia, Te Awamutu and • Build upon and strengthen local Cambridge, strongly linked to Hamilton characteristics to create a sense of place. Horotiu through improved transport connections, and • Compact urban form and increased densities HT1 connected to each other. Rototuna will be enabled in a way that accommodates

• The Hamilton central city area as the regional long-term growth and provides high quality R2

centre for the metro area. social, cultural, economic and environmental Te Rapa Chartwell outcomes. Rotokauri • A range of urban intensification and future Fairfield urban areas with a focus on transit-oriented • All growth areas at scale are connected to Ruakura Central and supported by rapid and frequent public University development around centres and multi- City Area transport networks, as well as effective road Frankton modal corridors. The scale of development Hospital at each location will be determined through and active mode connections. implementing the National Policy Statement • Meet the diverse needs of residents of the

on Urban Development and other relevant metro area through a range of housing types Peacocke policy guidance and statutory processes. and safe and inclusive urban design. • Key employment nodes at Hautapu, Hamilton • Provide local employment and educational Airport, Ruakura, Te Rapa, Horotiu and Taupiri. opportunities, access to green space and Airport community facilities alongside housing, and • The identification of an economic corridor enable high-density development around to drive productivity in the metropolitan Cambridge/ access to these opportunities. Hautapu core between Ruakura, Horotiu and Ngaaruawaahia. Areas such as Te Kowhai, Tamahere, Ōhaupō, Temple View, Whatawhata and Gordonton are not identified in the MSP for metro-scale growth. It is assumed that growth in these areas will continue in line with district and Future Proof land use planning. Illustrations showing examples of what indicative densities for each growth area could look like are shown in Appendix F. Te Awamutu

Existing Urban Areas

Future Urban Areas

Indicative urban intensification areas

Figure 16: Current and indicative future urban areas map Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 33 Current and future urban areas

Figure 17 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the gradual transition of residential development and density across the metro area under this scenario, over time. Higher density development is clustered around areas supported by rapid and frequent transport, with intensification also occurring along the transport corridors. Figure 17 shows the envisioned long-term residential urban development across the metro area. Greater density (more dwellings per hectare) is represented by a darker red shading on the map, areas with a lower growth intensity and indicated by a paler shade.

Figure 17: Envisioned housing growth intensity across the metro area 34 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Note: This diagram is indicative of growth under Note: This diagram is indicative of growth under the MSP scenario. Subsequent growth and the MSP scenario. Subsequent growth and infrastructure modelling will be undertaken as infrastructure modelling will be undertaken as required under the NPS-UD 2020. required under the NPS-UD 2020. Taupiri Taupiri

Ngaaruawaahia/ Hopuhopu Ngaaruawaahia/ Hopuhopu

Horotiu Horotiu HT1 HT1 Rototuna

Rototuna

Te Rapa R2 Chartwell Te Rapa R2 Rotokauri Rotokauri Chartwell

Fairfield Ruakura Fairfield Ruakura Central City Area Central University City Area University Frankton

Frankton Hospital Hospital

Peacocke Peacocke

Airport

Airport

Cambridge/ Hautapu Cambridge/ Hautapu

Te Awamutu

Te Awamutu Indicative future growth (dwellings) 5000-10,000

Potential Growth Areas for future consideration Indicative future jobs 5000-10,000

Note: Circles represent indicative level of popula- Note: Circles represent indicative level of tion growth relative to one another. job growth relative to one another.

Figure 18: Future growth areas map Figure 19: Envisioned future employment priority areas Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 35 3.9 Rural areas

Taupiri

Introduction By taking this approach, the MSP aims to protect Rural land comprises a large part of the metro productive land and preserve important blue- area, playing a vital role in agricultural, pastoral green networks, while ensuring rural areas continue to play a vital role in their individual Ngaaruawaahia/ and horticultural activity, tourism and businesses, Hopuhopu biodiversity functions and open space. communities and the wider economy. Gordonton The majority of ongoing residential growth in the Primary industries in the rural area continue Horotiu to be a significant part of the area’s economy. metro area will be directed within urban areas, as set out in Part 3.8, with growth constrained HT1 Maintaining rural production in these areas needs Rototuna to be carefully managed so that high quality soils in rural areas. Opportunities to live in the rural environment will be predominantly associated are protected for their productive potential. The Te Kowhai R2 with those who need to live in these areas for their rural sector within the metro area contributes Te Rapa Chartwell significantly to the local, regional and national livelihood, such as farmers and farm workers. Rotokauri Fairfield economy, with high rural production value a Ruakura significant factor is this contribution. Central University Spatial plan directives City Area Frankton Whatawhata Background • Protect high quality soils from development in Hospital A significant level of development in rural areas the rural environment for productive uses. Matangi surrounding the city, towns and villages has Temple View occurred in recent decades. This has led to • Value, maintain and enhance rural amenity Peacocke fragmentation within rural areas and a dispersed and character across the metro area. pattern of growth. Rural-residential development tends to be around 4 dwellings per hectare • Limit rural residential growth opportunities 2 contained within clearly defined boundaries. (2,500m sites). More recently, settlement patterns Airport established through the Future Proof Growth Management Strategy have led to changes in district Cambridge plans and a tightening of the ability to subdivide / Hautapu in rural areas, as a way to concentrate growth in urban areas and retain high quality rural land for Ōhaupō productive purposes. Waipā and Waikato districts have put in place tighter controls of rural subdivision over the past decade, with most residential growth directed to land within urban limits. Some rural-residential living is provided for in specific locations, such as around existing rural villages. Urban Areas: Te Awamutu Zoned Urban/ Developed Land MSP approach Awa: The MSP provides clear delineation between Lakes, Rivers, Wetlands, Floodzones the rural and urban parts of the metro area in the MSP. This delineation is important to ensure Existing Green Areas: Reserves, Parks, Department of Conservation Land, that rural areas are allowed to remain productive Significant Natural Areas, Gullies while acknowledging the close inter-relationships between urban and rural areas. Rural Land: Rural Land, Rural Villages.

Figure 20: Rural areas map 36 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Part 4 The Implementation Plan

Part 4 identifies the steps and indicative timeframes to implement the outcomes within the MSP. Future Proof Partnership (enduring governance structure)

• Urban Growth Agenda 4.1 Implementing the MSP • Vision and Strategy/Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa Waikato • NPS Urban Development Drivers and To ensure the strategic direction contained in Future Proof Partners • NPS Highly Productive Land the MSP will result in change, a programme of Direction • NPS Freshwater Note: implementation has been developed to guide Statutory and • GPS on Land Transport The following Future Proof partner activities over the short, medium and strategic drivers • Climate Change programme long-term. partners have participated in the development of the MSP: • Regional and local strategies The diagram to the right sets out the way in which The role and purpose • Case for Change the MSP influences subsequent policy actions. of the MSP • Aratiki (Waka Kotahi 10 year plan) The MSP is a non-statutory The implementation approach in the MSP consists spatial plan which sets out of the following parts: the spatial growth pattern of where and how growth will Set Strategic • Spatial plan directives as introduced in section occur. Direction Metro Spatial Plan 2.4 of the MSP. Non-statutory (non statutory) The MSP sets out the • Urban Growth Programme of implementation direction initiatives made up of: overarching strategic guidance which will inform • Tier One: a small number critical, many central and local innovative, transformative and significant government initiatives MSP incorporated into Future Proof Phase initiatives. These include immediate or including strategic land 2 Strategy Update priority actions in Priority Development use plans, infrastructure (statutory weight) Areas. business cases, and central government funding and Urban • Tier Two: an expanded set of cross-cutting financing. Water Transport Other implementation initiatives to be agreed Growth Infrastructure through the Future Proof partnership. Implement Strategic • Priority Development Areas: immediate Direction Regional Long Term or priority actions in specified priority Plans, Policy Long Term Through Statement, Regional Land development locations. Plans, 30-year Long Term statutory District Transport Infrastructure Plan, Regional Plans Time-frames referred to in the sections below documents and Plans, Long Strategy Term Plans, Public mean: business case Regional Transport development Plans Plan, 30-year • Immediate – 0 to 2 years. Infrastructure Strategy • Short – 3 to 5 years. Programme Programme Programme • Medium – 5 to 10 years. Business Business Business Case, Case, Case, Structure • Ongoing – continues on a regular basis. Detailed Detailed Detailed Plans, Business Business Business Masterplans Case, Case, Case, Structure Structure Structure Plans Plans Plans

Central Government Funding and Financing Tool Kit

Other Funding Options

38 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan 4.2 Urban Growth Programme

Implementation of the MSP will be delivered Tier Two of the Urban Growth Programme through an Urban Growth Programme consisting of a two tiered approach. Tier Two of the programme will be developed by the Future Proof partnership as a further, Tier One of the Urban Growth Programme more detailed, set of cross-cutting initiatives that will include those implementation actions Tier One of the programme comprises of: that transcend a geographical location, which bring benefits to the metro area and which are • Priority Development Areas also necessary from a planning and investment • Key transport and waters initiatives perspective. • Land use planning and financing initiatives These cross-cutting initiatives will include: • Large scale housing opportunities • Governance, collaboration and reporting • Urban growth-related economic development • Transport investigations and investments jobs and skills initiatives. • Waahi toituu and blue-green Tier One initiatives comprise a small number of • Economic development and employment short, medium and longer-term initiatives that are: • Housing • Critical to achieving the national growth objectives of the Urban Growth Agenda for • Land use planning and financing and funding the sub-region. • Innovative – in terms of using new tools or ways or working to address complex issues. • Transformative and significant – in terms of shaping or enabling land use and development • Joint – in requiring working in partnership. The Tier One initiatives are set out in Table 4 and under the Priority Development Areas heading below. Short term refers to immediate to 2 years, medium is 2- 5 years, ongoing refers to initiatives that continue on a regular basis.

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 39 Urban Growth Programme

Tier One Implementation Initiatives Table 4: Urban Growth Programme - Tier One Implementation Initiatives Programme Relationship to focus area for change Programme What does it include Lead and Time scale Element key criteria support agency Critical Develop lively metropolitan centres, well connected by public Innovative transport, where people can live work and play. • Northern corridor Priority Transformative and Establishing a multi-modal transport network as a core spatial • Central corridor All FP development areas significant Short term feature connecting the metro area and facilitating a radical shift • Southern corridor (to Cambridge) partners (PDA)* Joint to public transport through the establishment of a rapid and

frequent public transport network as a core spatial feature.

• Completion of the Comprehensive Metro Area Transport Programme and subsequent programme implementation. • Development of a Hamilton City Mode Shift Programme - encompassing short-medium term public transport, cycling, walking and micro mobility projects that support the development of the ‘20 minute’ city. • Inter-regional passenger transport connections: Stage 1: Start-Up Service (Underway), Stages 2-3 (Detailed Business Case for NLTF). Establishing a multi-modal transport network as a core spatial • Inner Ring Route: Eastern and north-eastern arterials. Critical feature connecting the metro area and facilitating a radical shift • Middle Ring Route/Waikato Expressway – Hamilton section (Underway). Innovative Key transport and to public transport through the establishment of a rapid and • Middle Ring Route: Southern Links (for NLTF). All FP Short- Transformative and waters initiatives frequent public transport network as a core spatial feature. • Supporting and enabling rail and road infrastructure in key growth areas including Ruakura, Peacocke, partners medium significant Celebrating the Waikato River as the defining ecological Cambridge West- Hautapu, Airport, Rotokauri, Te Rapa, Horotiu and Ngaaruawaahia. Joint feature connecting the metro area. • Completion of Phase 2 of the Sub-Regional Three Waters Project which will deliver a programme business case for three waters infrastructure for the Waikato River catchment of the Future Proof area. • Completion of detailed business cases (Northern and Southern) for preferred wastewater servicing solutions for the Waikato-Hamilton Metro Area. The detailed business case’s will consider servicing of large and smaller settlements within the Metro area; including Taupiri, Hopuhopu, Ngaruawahia, Horotiu, Te Kowhai, Hamilton, Ohaupo, Matangi Village, Tamahere Village Hub, Tauwhare, Cambridge-Karapiro, and Te Awamutu-Kihikihi. • Blue-green network plan. Growing the Hamilton central city area as the most important civic, administrative, cultural and commercial centre in the Critical • Giving effect to National Policy Statement on Urban Development. Land use planning metro area. Innovative • Completion of MSP and included in Future Proof phase two consultation. All FP Short- and financing Establishing a Ruakura, Hamilton central city / Waiora Waikato Transformative and • Joint and integrated metro area plan changes (e.g. Ruakura). partners medium initiatives Hospital and north to Horotiu and Ngaaruawaahia corridor. significant • Northern, Central and south corridor structure plans. Develop lively metropolitan centres, well connected by public Joint • Piloting new funding and financing tools in Priority Development Areas. transport, where people can live work and play. Develop lively metropolitan centres, well connected by public Large-scale transport, where people can afford to live, work and play. Ongoing (as housing initiatives Develop thriving communities and neighbourhoods - enabling Transformative and Kāinga Ora per national (outside priority • Providing an appropriate level of public, social and rental housing in current and future growth areas. quality built, denser environments with increasing housing significant and HCC and regional development affordability and choice to meet the needs of growing and priorities) areas) changing communities. Growing the Hamilton central city area as the most important • Leverage the MSP and use it to inform the review of the Te Waka Economic Development Strategy. civic, administrative, cultural and commercial centre in the Urban growth- • Develop an economic foundations strategy focusing on the metro area to further understand priority metro area. All FP related economic industries, clusters and enabling planning and investment responses to improve metropolitan growth and Establishing a Ruakura, Hamilton Central City / Waiora Waikato partners and Short term development, jobs productivity over the long term. This will have a strong focus on creating jobs. Hospital and north to Horotiu and Ngaaruawaahia corridor. Te Waka and skills initiatives • Investigate alternative planning frameworks to promote growth along the envisaged Ruakura, Hamilton Develop lively metropolitan centres, well connected by public Central City / Waiora Waikato Hospital and north to Horotiu and Ngaaruawaahia corridor. transport, where people can live, work and play. *Areas identified as priority development areas have been selected on the basis that the provide a focus on implementing the MSP connecting the northern and southern areas of the metro area and supporting the core elements of transport, centres, alignment with the proposed Ruakura, Hamilton Central City / Waiora Waikato Hospital and north to Horotiu and Ngaaruawaahia corridor and planned intensification. 40 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan Urban Growth Programme

Taupiri Tier One Implementation Initiatives – Table 5: Priority development areas - Northern corridor Priority Development Areas Northern Corridor (Rotokauri, Te Rapa, Horotiu, Ngaaruawaahia, Hopuhopu, Taupiri) Priority Development Areas (PDAs) are part of the Tier 1 implementation initiatives and comprise Ngaaruawaahia/Hopuhopu/Taupiri cluster Precinct planning to determine TOD opportunities, Ngaaruawaahia/ individual or clusters of growth areas across the Hopuhopu urban structure layout and transport linkages between Northern Corridor metro area where immediate or priority initiatives Ngaaruawaahia, Hopuhopu and Taupiri. have been identified. PDAs are included in three Rotokauri/Te Rapa Metro Centre corridors within the MSP area – the Northern Horotiu Completion of the railway station, park and ride facilities HT1 corridor, the Central corridor and the Southern and investigating alternative land use arrangements to Rototuna corridor. support transit-oriented development. The PDAs outlined below include distinct, Te Rapa targeted initiatives for the Future Proof partners Table 6: Priority development areas - Central corridor R2 to implement and give effect to the MSP. Over Central Corridor (Frankton, Hamilton city centre, Rotokauri Chartwell Hospital, University, Ruakura) Fairfield time, new PDA areas will emerge as focus areas Ruakura for the Future Proof partnership. The sequencing Hamilton Central City Area Central City University and timing of the initiatives in each PDA will Deliver central City place-making initiatives to support Area Frankton Central Corridor be determined at a local level in collaboration increased residential density and provide amenity. with Future Proof partners. In some instances, Hospital Ruakura the implementation of the PDAs will occur simultaneously and in other cases may be phased. Progress the rezoning of the Tramway Block to provide for initial re-purposing of industrial land for higher density Peacocke Areas identified as PDAs have been selected residential development. on the basis that they provide a focus on Investigate alternative land use arrangements for the long- implementing the MSP by connecting the term development of Ruakura, including to the east of the Airport northern and southern areas of the metro area Waikato Expressway. while supporting the core elements of transport, Southern Corridor centres, the proposed economic corridor and planned intensification. Table 7: Priority development areas - Ruakura-Central City-Te Rapa- Cambridge/ Horotiu-Ngaaruawaahia Economic Corridor Hautapu Notwithstanding this, it is important to note that Ruakura-Central City-Te Rapa-Horotiu-Ngaaruawaahia there are already significant actions underway Economic Corridor in the MSP area – for example, Hamilton City Council and Crown agencies are collaborating on Investigate alternative planning / financing and economic development frameworks to promote growth along the growing the Peacocke area through the Housing envisaged Economic Corridor. Infrastructure Fund, and the Crown is co-investing with Waikato Tainui through the development of Table 8: Priority development areas - Southern corridor the Ruakura Inland Port. Southern Corridor (Peacocke, Airport, Te Awamutu, Cambridge) Cambridge West - Hautapu Te Awamutu Complete infrastructure provision for western growth cells. Complete Hautapu structure plans. Priority Development Areas Airport Corridors Complete northern precinct structure plan.

Figure 21: Priority development areas map Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 41 4.3 References

1. Castalia. (2013). National Significance of the Ruakura Intermodal Terminal. https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/FileAPI/proposal/NSP000034/Applicants-propos- al-documents/182ce7a142/NSP000034-Application-Vol-4-National-significance-of-the-Ruakura-intermodal-terminal.pdf 2. CBRE. (2019). Hamilton Office Occupancy Survey. https://www.cbre.co.nz/research-reports/Hamilton-Office-Occupancy-Survey---December-2019 3. Future Proof. (2017). Future Proof Strategy: Planning for Growth. https://futureproof.org.nz/the-strategy/ 4. Future Proof. (2019). Waikato Sub-Regional Three Waters, Strategic Business Case: A compelling case for change. https://futureproof.org.nz/assets/Future- Proof/Corridor-Plan/6542-3-Water-Strategy-document-DR3.pdf 5. Infometrics. (2020). Hamilton City Economic Profile. https://ecoprofile.infometrics.co.nz/Hamilton+City 6. Ministry for the Environment. (2005). The Value of Urban Design. https://www.mfe.govt.nz/sites/default/files/value-of-urban-design-full-report-jun05_0.pdf 7. Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. (2020). Urban Growth Agenda. https://www.hud.govt.nz/urban-development/urban-growth-agenda/ 8. MRCagney. (2019). The costs and benefits of urban development (Final Report). https://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/towns-and-cities/costs-and-bene- fits-of-urban-development 9. NIDEA. (2016). 2016 Update of Area Unit Population, Household, and Labour Force Projects for the Waikato Region, 2013-2061. 10. NZIER. (2017). Regional Activity of Universities. https://www.universitiesnz.ac.nz/sites/default/files/uni-nz/UNZ-NZIER-Report-on-Regional-Impact-of-Universi- ties-2017.pdf 11. NZTE. (2016). Regional Investment Profile. https://www.nzte.govt.nz/-/media/NZTE/Downloads/Investment-and-funding/Regional-investment-profiles/NZ-re- gional-investment-profile-FULL.pdf 12. Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. (1998). The cities and their people: New Zealand’s urban environment. https://www.pce.parliament.nz/ media/pdfs/cities.pdf 13. Ports of Auckland Ltd. (2019). Waikato to the world: Ports of Auckland opens new Waikato Freight Hub. http://www.poal.co.nz/waikato-to-the-world-ports-of- auckland-opens-new-waikato-freight-hub 14. StatsNZ. (2018). Waikato Region. https://www.stats.govt.nz/tools/2018-census-place-summaries/waikato-region#ethnicity-culture-and-identity 15. Te Puni Kookiri. (2014). Maaori Economy in the Waikato Region. https://www.tpk.govt.nz/documents/download/482/tpk-maori-economy-waikato-2014.pdf 16. The University of Waikato. (2018). Annual Report of the University of Waikato. https://www.waikato.ac.nz/annualreport/ 17. Waikato District Health Board. (2020). Snapshot of Waikato DHB. https://www.waikatodhb.health.nz/about-us/snapshot-of-waikato-dhb/ 18. Waikato Innovation Park. (2020). Growing Technology Business. https://www.wipltd.co.nz/ 19. Wintec. (2019). Annual Report. https://wintecprodpublicwebsite.blob.core.windows.net/sitefinity-storage/docs/default-source/annual-reports/wintec_annu- al_report_2019.pdf?sfvrsn=265f8433_6

42 | Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan 4.4 Definitions

Table 9: Definitions

Spatial Plan Component Definition

Active mode network The regional and metro scale cycling and walking network. Arterial road network The regional and metro-level arterial roading network. Blue-green network An overlay of the current and envisioned blue-green spatial framework for the metro area that incorporates and integrates key elements such as wetlands, riverbeds, riparian corridors, significant biodiversity sites, habitat corridors, reserves, DoC land, parks, significant gardens, playgrounds, urban areas with high degree of tree cover, walking tracks and routes, cycling tracks, cycleways, bridal tracks, protected landscapes and viewshafts, and other key elements such as buffer zones as relevant. Business Centre or area Areas with metro-scale concentration of industrial or business land uses. Envisioned future urban areas - Areas that may be suitable to urban development subject to the successful mitigation of remedying of notable matters that should be signalled at the spatial plan scale and stage, including land within and adjacent Constrained to drinking water catchments, shallow peat soil, contaminated land, highly productive soils (not already included as major constraints), erodible soils (not already included as major constraints), land within or adjacent to drainage networks and areas, mineral resource areas and flood prone areas (not already included as major constraints), earthquake and volcanic hazard areas (not already included in major constraints). Freight network Dedicated right of way rail and road freight networks, where relevant. Frequent PT network High frequency, high capacity public transport routes with frequent stops and prioritisation elements. HT1 Being an area of land to the north-west of the existing city boundary - roughly triangular in shape between the Waikato River, the existing City boundary along Kay Road/Horsham Downs Road, and the Waikato Expressway as defined in the 2005 Strategic Agreement on Future Urban Boundaries. Intensification, intensive corridor or Planned or envisioned population, employment and/or other activity intensification in and around centres or along transport corridors. node Inter-regional PT High frequency inter-regional bus or rail passenger service routes or networks. Metro Centre Important retail, employment, recreational, civic and residential functions at the sub-regional scale. Motorways, Expressways Limited access, two-lane (or more) roads, generally with grade separated interchanges and separated medians, where relevant. Net density The total number of dwelling units per hectare of land developed for residential or mixed use (excludes streets, open space and non-residential uses) Ngaa wai Includes sea, shorelines, estuaries, river, lakes, wetlands and riverbeds; not the same as flood-prone areas. Planned or envisioned future urban Planned or envisioned future mixed, residential or business-activity focussed future urban areas. areas Rapid transit network Dedicated right of way bus or rail network with stations with frequent, limited stop connections. Regional and metro scale facilities Current, planned and envisioned regional and metro scale facilities relevant to spatial planning. Regional Centre Primary commercial, employment, recreational and civic hub with strong residential functions in some cases. Renewal, restoration Existing and large-scale urban areas where major renewal of housing and building stock and associated infrastructure is underway, planned or envisioned; there may be intensification but this is not the primary outcome sought. Can also be used to highlight protected areas or awa where major restoration Is planned or envisioned. Rural areas Residual land not included in waahi toituu, existing urban or future urban areas. Not the same as current rural zoning. R2 Being an area of land to the east of the existing city boundary, between Greenhill Road, New Borman Road and the Waikato Expressway as defined in the 2005 Strategic Agreement on Future Urban Boundaries. Town Centre Retail, social and residential function at a multi-neighbourhood scale. Urban areas (Existing) Existing built-up areas of a scale that is relevant to metro planning, including rural residential. Not the same as Stats NZ urban boundaries and excludes existing future urban area zoning (these are in planned or envisioned future urban areas). Utility corridor The main current, planned and envisioned national, regional and metro-scale transmission lines, pipes and connected facilities that are relevant to metro-level spatial planning. Can include major water, wastewater, power plants, electricity, drainage, stormwater, gas and communications.

Waahi toituu Protected areas: Areas currently, planned or intended to be protected (in statute, regulation or as policy) from urban development, including significant natural areas, protected wetlands, archaeological and heritage sites, waahi tapu areas, reserves, conservation land, QEII Trust covenants, designations, habitat corridors, infrastructure corridors, outstanding natural features and landscapes, high productive soils e.g. elite (LUC 1) soils. Major constraint areas: Areas where hazards, risks or other aspects are deemed to make future urban development in the foreseeable future either infeasible and/or undesirable e.g. high-risk flood zones, highly erodible soils, fault line hazard areas, volcanic hazard areas, tsunami hazard areas, liquefaction hazard areas, areas at high risk of slope failure and others as relevant.

Waikato River Includes its waters, banks and beds and its streams, waterways, tributaries, lakes, aquatic fisheries, vegetation, flood plains, wetlands, islands, springs, water column, airspace, and substratum as well as its metaphys- ical being (section 8 of the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Act 2010).

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Spatial Plan | 43

ATTACHMENT 4

Cos

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future

Haratua 2020

Authors: Dr Ganesh Nana and Hannah Riley

All work is done, and services rendered at the request of, and for the purposes of the client only. Neither BERL nor any of its employees accepts any responsibility on any grounds whatsoever, including negligence, to any other person.

While every effort is made by BERL to ensure that the information, opinions and forecasts provided to the client are accurate and reliable, BERL shall not be liable for any adverse consequences of the client’s decisions made in reliance of any report provided by BERL, nor shall BERL be held to have given or implied any warranty as to whether any report provided by BERL will assist in the performance of the client’s functions.

©BERL Reference No: #6067 Haratua 2020

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Making sense of the numbers

Hamilton City Council, on behalf of the Future Proof Partnership, commissioned this study to assess existing and potential future economic roles and functions of the Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area as a metropolitan centre within the upper North Island and New Zealand.

Purpose of the study

This work arises from recent developments including: Government-led spatial planning initiatives in the Hamilton to Auckland Corridor including the creation of a Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan spatial plan; the recommencement of Hamilton to Auckland passenger rail services; preliminary investigations of the potential for a rapid rail connection between Hamilton and Auckland; and the imminent opening of the newly constructed Waikato Expressway.

The development of the Metro Area and its connections to Auckland will help shape the future of New Zealand. This study outlines the current roles and functions of the Metro Area, explores the economic linkages between the Metro Area and wider Waikato and Auckland, discusses some scenarios of development over the next 30 to 50 years; and assesses the impact of the connections on the roles and functions of the area as it evolves over the next 30 to 50 years.

Current state

The Metro Area is currently the fourth largest economy in New Zealand. Business services and the social services sectors account for over a half of the City’s gross domestic product and full-time equivalent employment. The existing economic role and function of the Metro Area is integrated with its wider Waikato ecosystem. The Metro Area services the Waikato Region by providing business services and the social services, as well as servicing the Waikato primary sector.

The presence of a dominant economy in Auckland, is accompanied by a dominant population of 1.6 million. This dominance has led, arguably, to an imbalance in the nation’s economic development as increasing congestion and consequent infrastructure requirements risk overwhelming the nation’s investment budget. This potential imbalance can be summarised by the rank-size rule, which suggests New Zealand’s second largest population centre should be close to 800,000. Or, the equivalent of Wellington (including Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt) and Christchurch cities combined. This gap, or ‘hole’, in the settlement hierarchy of New Zealand is highlighted by the growing concentration in the Auckland area of high-value economic and social services for the nation.

In this light, the Metro Area faces the prospect of becoming a de facto suburb of Auckland. Such a result would likely exacerbate the nation’s economic development challenges. Alternatively, progress for the nation’s economic development would be assisted should the Metro Area become a larger, well-defined metropolitan area – attracting and providing an increased amount of high- value economic and social services.

Findings

The report finds that potential roles and functions of a Metro Area to be:

 Servicing for activities in primary sector hinterland

 Servicing for population in wider Waikato area

 Research and development activities, food innovation, and logistics related to the above

Making sense of the numbers i

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

 A university and higher education centre.

The analysis in the report finds that the economic development of the Metro Area and wider Waikato will vary across these roles and functions depending on the nature and manner of the development of transport and other connections. A status quo development scenario would likely see an ongoing dispersal of the current Metro Area, with little focus on the four potential roles and functions. Under such a scenario we would not expect to see much change in the composition of economic activity and/or the roles and functions that the Metro Area currently plays. Development under the status quo scenario would limit agglomeration gains (in either Auckland or the Metro Area), and undermine the efficiency of built infrastructure (again, in either centre).

From the national perspective, strategic considerations reinforce the advantages of the Metro Area to develop as a relatively intensive centre with stand-alone high-value goods and services.

In line with international case study examples presented, we would expect alternative development scenarios alongside changes in connections to potentially alter the composition of economic activity. Transitioning to a compact and connected city would enable the Metro Area to service its people better and could help improve the university and higher education functions. It would be able to service the primary sector better and the R&D, food innovation and logistics functions. Changes to connections (both between the Metro Area and wider Waikato, and Auckland and the Metro Area and wider Waikato) would influence the nature and pattern of development and whether a successful focus on the above potential roles and functions can be developed.

Implications for emerging Metro Area

The case study examples highlight that the nature and quality of intra-region connections are just as important as the connections to the larger city. In other words, the state of connections between the Metro Area and wider Waikato is likely just as important as that between the Metro Area and Auckland in determining the development scenario of the Metro Area.

Improved connections to Auckland alone, accompanying a ‘status quo’ scenario for intra-region connections leaves a relatively negative outcome for the economic development of the Metro Area. This is essentially an outcome where the larger city in the relationship accentuates its dominance, resulting in suffocating activity in the smaller city.

The importance of improving connectivity of the towns and cities within the region is illustrated by the example Waterloo, Canada. This has a corridor running through the three main cities, which provides a spine for public transport. Further to this, improved rail connectivity between cities in a region can have a huge impact on the market demand for re-urbanisation. The lessons also showed that enhancing the role of satellite towns such as Huntly, Cambridge and Te Awamutu is likely to help improve economic outcomes in the Metro Area; improving connectivity to the nodes would enable and enhance the role of satellite towns.

If the Metro Area transitioned into a connected city with nodal growth it would significantly alter the economy composition as it would assist in accessible and high-quality services. It would enable the Metro Area to provide high-quality services to the population, and would enable high- quality tertiary education through the university and higher education. As well as, providing improved services to the primary sector and the R&D, food innovation and logistic sectors.

In a nutshell, the largest impact on potential economic developments is from a compact and connected Metro Area that is connected to the wider Waikato and connected to Auckland.

Making sense of the numbers ii

Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

This outcome reinforces the need for the Metro Area to have a clear view on its role and function, accompanied by an appropriate development strategy, developing and delivering high-quality activities complementary to activities undertaken in Auckland.

Making sense of the numbers iii

Contents

1 Introduction...... 1

2 Scene set ...... 2 2.1 New Zealand economy ...... 3 2.2 Composition of upper North Island’s economy ...... 3 2.3 New Zealand population demographics ...... 6 2.4 Composition of population demographics ...... 7

3 Economic relationships ...... 9 3.1 Auckland and the Metro Area ...... 10 3.2 The Metro Area and wider Waikato ...... 12 3.3 Auckland-Metro Area-Tauranga triangle ...... 13

4 Review of current growth and development plans ...... 15 4.1 Outline of current growth and development plans ...... 15 4.2 Review ...... 17

5 International examples and lessons ...... 18 5.1 International examples ...... 18 5.1.1 Birmingham and London ...... 18 5.1.2 Geelong and Melbourne ...... 20 5.1.3 Greater Newcastle and Sydney ...... 21 5.1.4 Waterloo and Toronto ...... 23 5.2 Lessons ...... 25

6 Impact of changes on the Metro Area ...... 27 6.1 Scenarios of development ...... 27 6.2 Scenarios of economic developments ...... 27 6.2.1 Spatial planning considerations to support these opportunities ...... 30 6.3 How do these scenarios of development impact the economy composition? ...... 31 6.4 How do connections to Auckland impact the economy composition? ...... 36 6.4.1 How do connections to Tauranga impact the economy composition? ...... 37 6.5 Summary ...... 38

7 Reference list ...... 39

Contents iv

Tables

Table 2.1 New Zealand economy ...... 3 Table 2.2 Hamilton City economy ...... 4 Table 2.3 Auckland economy ...... 4 Table 2.4 Tauranga economy ...... 5 Table 2.5 Waikato Regional economy ...... 5 Table 2.6 Waikato District economy ...... 6 Table 2.7 Waipa District economy ...... 6 Table 2.8 Percentage of ethnic group in Hamilton, Waikato and Auckland ...... 8 Table 3.1 Summary of economies in terms of FTEs percentages ...... 9 Table 5.1 Comparison of international examples ...... 18 Table 6.1 System used to indicate scenario impact on role and function ...... 31 Table 6.2 Economy under status quo approach ...... 33 Table 6.3 Impact of the compact and connected city approach ...... 34 Table 6.4 Impact of the connected nodes approach ...... 35 Table 6.5 Impact of the status quo approach with improved connection to Auckland ...... 36 Table 6.6 Impact of the compact and connected city approach with improved connection to Auckland ...... 36 Table 6.7 Impact of the connected nodes approach with improved connection to Auckland ...... 37 Table 6.8 Matrix of which scenario developments and potential economic developments will help the Metro Area achieve its role, function, and purpose ...... 38

Figures

Figure 2.1 Map of Councils ...... 2 Figure 2.2 Age pyramid for Hamilton and Auckland ...... 7 Figure 3.1 Rural-urban flows ...... 10 Figure 5.1 Water Regional Municipality Leader’s quote ...... 24 Figure 5.2 Waterloo Metro Region light rail transit network ...... 24 Figure 5.3 Waterloo’s three cycles of metropolitan development ...... 25 Figure 6.1 How the role and functions link to the sectors ...... 32

Contents v Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

1 Introduction

Hamilton City Council, on behalf of the Future Proof Partnership, has commissioned Business and Economic Research Limited (BERL) to analyse the existing and potential future economic role and function of the Metro Area as a metropolitan centre within the upper North Island and New Zealand more generally.

The purpose of this project is to better understand the following:

 The current role and function of the Metro Area as a metropolitan centre within the Upper North Island and New Zealand more generally

 The economic linkages between the Metro Area, wider Waikato and Auckland

 The potential scenarios of development over the next 30 to 50 years

 The impact of the changes in connection on the role and function of the Metro Area as it evolves over the next 30 to 50 years.

This work arises as a direct result of:

 Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan spatial plan

 Government led spatial planning initiatives in the Hamilton to Auckland Corridor

 The recommencement of passenger rail services between Hamilton and Auckland from 2020

 The recent commissioning of an indicative business case by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) for investigating rapid rail between Hamilton and Auckland

 The expected opening, in late-2020, of the newly constructed Waikato Expressway.

Firstly, we set the scene and context of the current economic activity undertaken in the Metro Area and the wider Waikato. Thereafter, we explore the links between the Metro Area and the other components of the upper North Island economy. Section 4 outlines the various development plans for the area, while section 5 explores some international examples of small-to-big city relationships and lessons from their developments. Section 6 combines our findings to describe a range of scenarios for the composition of the area’s economy and their relationship to the development of the connections within and between neighbouring areas.

Introduction 1 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

2 Scene set

The Waikato Region is the fourth largest region in New Zealand, covering 25,000 square kilometres. It stretches from the Bombay Hills and Port Waikato in the north down to the Kaimai Ranges and Mt Ruapehu in the south, and from Mokau on the west coast across to the Coromandel Peninsula in the east. The Region has one city council (Hamilton City) and ten district councils (as shown in Figure 2.1), three of which lie across the regional boundary.

For the purposes of this report, the following definitions have been used:

 Hamilton City as it currently stands – Hamilton City

 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area (compromising of all of Hamilton City plus parts of Waikato and Waipa Districts) – Metro Area

 Waikato Region minus the Metro Area – wider Waikato

 Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City – Tauranga.

Figure 2.1 Map of Councils

Scene set 2 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

2.1 New Zealand economy

The New Zealand economy is dominated by business services and social services; business services contributed to 30 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and social services contribute to 18 percent of GDP (as shown in Table 2.1). In terms of full-time equivalent (FTE) employment, business services account for 20 percent and social services 24 percent. While the primary sector is eight percent of the economy and seven percent of FTEs. However, over 40 percent of the nation’s export revenues are directly dependent on primary natural resources (e.g. dairy, meat, horticulture, forestry, fisheries, and others), with another 15 percent from tourism also (arguably) reliant on the nation’s natural resource attractions.

Table 2.1 New Zealand economy

Sectors (2018) FTEs % GDP (2018$m) % Business units % Primary 148,840 6.5 21,085 8.2 67,938 11.7 Manufacturing 248,123 10.9 30,828 11.9 22,875 3.9 Construction 228,775 10.0 19,547 7.6 66,252 11.4 Wholesale and Distribution 222,693 9.7 31,496 12.2 38,271 6.6 Retail Trade and Services 407,974 17.9 27,093 10.5 85,284 14.7 Business Services 446,112 19.5 77,227 29.9 252,006 43.3 Arts and Recreation Services 37,205 1.6 3,525 1.4 10,920 1.9 Social Services 545,445 23.9 47,223 18.3 38,454 6.6 Sub-total (excluding O.O.D.) 2,285,167 100.0 258,023 100.0 582,000 100.0 Owner-Occupied Dwellings (O.O.D)* 38,687 Total 2,285,167 296,710 582,000 The overall structure of New Zealand’s macroeconomy is increasingly reliant on the Auckland area conurbation for the generation of higher-value economic goods, services, and activities, as well as global connectivity. While a significant proportion of export earnings continue to accrue from natural resource based industries in provincial areas, value added, research and development, logistics, marketing, and sales efforts, technology and innovation efforts, creative sector, look to population centres to generate economies of scale. A challenge facing the New Zealand economic structure is the relative lack of large population centres within which these activities could thrive. Critically, there are only two settlements outside of Auckland (i.e. Wellington1 and Christchurch), where these higher-value activities can look to locate. And, the growing size of Auckland risks reducing this list of potential locations further.

2.2 Composition of upper North Island’s economy

The upper North Island’s economy largely consists of the following parts; the Metro Area and wider Waikato, Auckland, and Tauranga.

Hamilton City

The City is currently New Zealand’s fourth largest economy, behind Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. While population and economy size may not follow directly, the respective rankings do so in this case.

The City’s economy is dominated by the business services and the social services sectors (as noted in Table 2.2). Together these sectors account for over a half of the City’s GDP and FTE employment.

1 Including Porirua, Hutt, and Upper Hutt.

Scene set 3 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Table 2.2 Hamilton City economy

Sectors (2018) FTEs % GDP (2018$m) % Business units % Primary 1,015 1.1 104 1.0 195 1.3 Manufacturing 10,524 11.2 1,413 13.8 723 4.7 Construction 9,826 10.5 840 8.2 1,851 12.0 Wholesale and Distribution 6,743 7.2 939 9.2 1,098 7.1 Retail Trade and Services 16,047 17.2 1,085 10.6 2,937 19.0 Business Services 18,057 19.3 3,108 30.3 6,873 44.5 Arts and Recreation Services 1,432 1.5 129 1.3 237 1.5 Social Services 29,914 32.0 2,645 25.8 1,542 10.0 Sub-total (excluding O.O.D.) 93,556 100.0 10,263 100.0 15,456 100.0 Owner-Occupied Dwellings (O.O.D)* 1,332 Total 93,556 11,595 15,456

Auckland

While business services and social services are similarly dominant in the Auckland economy (shown in Table 2.3), it is clear that the higher-valued business services sector is more predominant in Auckland. This is the case in both GDP and FTEs. The scale of the Auckland economy is highlighted by comparing the absolute total values of FTEs and GDP in Table 2.2 and Table 2.3; 793,814 FTEs and $107,075 million in Auckland, and 93,556 FTEs and $11,595 million in Hamilton City.

Table 2.3 Auckland economy

Sectors (2018) FTEs % GDP (2018$m) % Business units % Primary 7,078 0.9 920 1.0 4,194 2.1 Manufacturing 83,899 10.6 10,874 11.6 8,031 4.0 Construction 76,029 9.6 6,496 6.9 24,192 12.0 Wholesale and Distribution 103,238 13.0 14,522 15.4 16,635 8.3 Retail Trade and Services 139,054 17.5 9,244 9.8 30,489 15.1 Business Services 203,749 25.7 36,705 39.0 101,271 50.3 Arts and Recreation Services 11,965 1.5 1,083 1.2 3,585 1.8 Social Services 168,803 21.3 14,300 15.2 12,858 6.4 Sub-total (excluding O.O.D.) 793,814 100.0 94,145 100.0 201,255 100.0 Owner-Occupied Dwellings (O.O.D)* 12,930 Total 793,814 107,075 201,255

Tauranga

The Tauranga economy as a whole (including both the Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City) is also well balanced across the various sectors. The Western Bay of Plenty District itself is heavily weighted in the primary sector; 38 percent of GDP and 36 percent of FTEs. Whereas, the primary sector in Tauranga City is five percent in both GDP and FTEs. In Tauranga City, business services contribute to 26 percent of GDP and 17 percent of FTEs, and social services contribute to 19 percent of GDP and 23 percent of FTEs.

Scene set 4 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Table 2.4 Tauranga economy

Sectors (2018) FTEs % GDP (2018$m) % Business units % Primary 10,103 11.8 1,035 11.5 3,915 15.2 Manufacturing 8,189 9.6 1,035 11.5 1,101 4.3 Construction 10,525 12.3 899 10.0 3,336 12.9 Wholesale and Distribution 8,492 9.9 1,211 13.4 1,530 5.9 Retail Trade and Services 15,331 17.9 1,044 11.6 3,417 13.3 Business Services 14,536 17.0 2,203 24.4 10,476 40.6 Arts and Recreation Services 1,026 1.2 102 1.1 384 1.5 Social Services 17,500 20.4 1,503 16.6 1,623 6.3 Sub-total (excluding O.O.D.) 85,701 100.0 9,032 100.0 25,782 100.0 Owner-Occupied Dwellings (O.O.D)* 1,562 Total 85,701 10,594 25,782

Waikato Region

The Waikato Regional economy (Table 2.5) shows that for the region as a whole, Hamilton City and the other larger urban areas (Cambridge and Te Awamutu) contribute significantly to the economy as business services and social services constitute a large portion of GDP and FTEs. The primary sector and manufacturing are the next biggest contributors.

Table 2.5 Waikato Regional economy

Sectors (2018) FTEs % GDP (2018$m) % Business units % Primary 22,549 11.2 2,893 13.1 11,628 20.6 Manufacturing 26,003 12.9 3,257 14.8 2,244 4.0 Construction 21,564 10.7 1,842 8.4 6,297 11.1 Wholesale and Distribution 13,904 6.9 1,965 8.9 2,988 5.3 Retail Trade and Services 35,084 17.4 2,344 10.7 7,746 13.7 Business Services 29,154 14.5 5,098 23.2 20,961 37.1 Arts and Recreation Services 3,460 1.7 331 1.5 1,038 1.8 Social Services 49,376 24.6 4,276 19.4 3,600 6.4 Sub-total (excluding O.O.D.) 201,094 100.0 22,006 100.0 56,502 100.0 Owner-Occupied Dwellings (O.O.D)* 3,764 Total 201,094 25,771 56,502

Waikato District

As mentioned above, natural resource based industries are based in provisional areas. The Waikato District (Table 2.6) demonstrates this; 30 percent of GDP is from the Primary sector, and 27 percent of FTEs.

Scene set 5 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Table 2.6 Waikato District economy

Sectors (2018) FTEs % GDP (2018$m) % Business units % Primary 5,359 26.9 658 29.7 2,853 29.4 Manufacturing 2,650 13.3 324 14.6 399 4.1 Construction 2,811 14.1 240 10.8 1,146 11.8 Wholesale and Distribution 1,094 5.5 157 7.1 417 4.3 Retail Trade and Services 1,965 9.9 123 5.6 780 8.0 Business Services 2,026 10.2 382 17.3 3,450 35.6 Arts and Recreation Services 321 1.6 32 1.4 165 1.7 Social Services 3,699 18.6 298 13.5 480 5.0 Sub-total (excluding O.O.D.) 19,924 100.0 2,215 100.0 9,690 100.0 Owner-Occupied Dwellings (O.O.D)* 629 Total 19,924 2,844 9,690

Waipa District

Waipa District consists of urbans areas (Cambridge and Te Awamutu) that service the larger provincial area. This is reflected in an evenly distributed economy (Table 2.5).

Table 2.7 Waipa District economy

Sectors (2018) FTEs % GDP (2018$m) % Business units % Primary 3,320 16.3 386 18.1 1,890 24.3 Manufacturing 2,347 11.5 277 13.0 291 3.7 Construction 2,621 12.9 224 10.5 894 11.5 Wholesale and Distribution 1,737 8.5 247 11.6 381 4.9 Retail Trade and Services 3,664 18.0 249 11.7 858 11.1 Business Services 2,391 11.8 394 18.5 2,835 36.5 Arts and Recreation Services 521 2.6 52 2.4 192 2.5 Social Services 3,743 18.4 305 14.3 423 5.4 Sub-total (excluding O.O.D.) 20,344 100.0 2,132 100.0 7,764 100.0 Owner-Occupied Dwellings (O.O.D)* 443 Total 20,344 2,575 7,764

2.3 New Zealand population demographics

According to the 2018 Census, the resident population of New Zealand is 4,699,755. Transitions around demographic shifts revolve around age, ethnicity, and regional dimensions. The ageing of the New Zealand population over the coming years is well documented, with Statistics New Zealand projecting those aged 65 years and older accounting for over 23 percent of the population in 20 years’ time, compared to approximately 15 percent currently. However, within this demographic shift are marked changes in ethnicity. In particular, the young Māori population will grow considerably in both absolute and proportionate terms. Statistics New Zealand projects Māori aged 25 years and under will make up more than 10 percent of the total population in 20 years’ time, up from the current eight percent. This shift is more pronounced in provincial New Zealand, where the number of young Māori will be increasing while the overall number of young will be essentially static (or even declining).

Scene set 6 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

2.4 Composition of population demographics

The Waikato Region has a population of 458,202 (according to the 2018 Census) of which, 160,911 residents are in Hamilton City. Hamilton City is a growing urban centre, having grown 13.6 percent over the past five years. Statistics New Zealand projections put the 2043 Hamilton City population at 225,000 in their medium scenario, or close to a quarter of a million in their high scenario.

Of course, Hamilton remains dwarfed in relation to the 1.57 million population resident in its northern neighbour Auckland. Further, Statistics New Zealand projects Auckland to reach a 2043 population of between 2.3 million (medium scenario) and 2.6 million (high scenario). Auckland also attracts workers from the Waikato Region, with 4,827 people from Waikato district and 1,530 people from Hamilton City giving a workplace address within the Auckland region in the 2013 Census.2

Hamilton City and Auckland have an extremely similar percentage of populations in each age group category. In each, the percentage of the population 65 years and over is 12 percent.

Figure 2.2 Age pyramid for Hamilton and Auckland

100 years and over 95-99 years 90-94 years 85-89 years 80-84 years 75-79 years 70-74 years 65-69 years 60-64 years 55-59 years 50-54 years 45-49 years 40-44 years 35-39 years 30-34 years 25-29 years 20-24 years 15-19 years 10-14 years 5-9 years 0-4 years 10 5 0 5 10

Percentage of population (%)

Hamilton Auckland

2 file://dc.berl.cloudit.services/Users$/rileyh/Downloads/commuting-patterns-in-Auckland-2006-to2013.pdf

Scene set 7 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

As shown in Table 2.8, Hamilton City, Waikato Region and Auckland Region are all heavily dominated by Europeans; Europeans are 64 percent of the population in Hamilton City, 74 percent in Waikato Region and 54 percent in Auckland Region. In Auckland, 28 percent of the population are Asian, 16 percent are Pacific Peoples and only 12 percent are Māori. In Hamilton, 18 percent of the population are Asian, six percent are Pacific Peoples and 24 percent are Māori. In the Region, ten percent of the population are Asian, five percent are Pacific Peoples and 24 percent are Māori.

Table 2.8 Percentage of ethnic group in Hamilton, Waikato and Auckland3 Ethnic group Hamilton City Waikato Region Auckland Region European 64 74 54

Māori 24 24 12

Pacific Peoples 6 5 16

Asian 18 10 28 Middle Eastern/Latin American/African 2 1 2

Other 1 1 1

3 We note, the percentages sum to more than a hundred because individuals can identify with more than one ethnic group

Scene set 8 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

3 Economic relationships

The Waikato Region has very close and significant economic connections with Auckland. It also has economic connections with Tauranga, and collectively forms a key triangle of economic activity. The Waikato Region acts as a critical hub in the North Island, particularly in terms of the corridors and infrastructure that support not only the Waikato but also the wider New Zealand economy.4 The critical role and function of the Metro Area is to enable the Waikato Region to carry out its economic functions and to link the Waikato Region to Auckland and the wider New Zealand economy.

Section 2.2 outlined the economies of the upper North Island. It showed that the economic bases of the urban areas (Auckland and the Metro Area) focus on slightly different industries. Similarly, the composition of both these economies differ from the wider Waikato economy.

Table 3.1 summarises the various economies at play in the triangle of economic growth in the upper North Island by noting the percentage of FTEs in each sector.

Table 3.1 Summary of economies in terms of FTEs percentages

Hamilton Waikato Waipa Waikato Auckland Tauranga City District District Region Region

Primary 1.1 26.9 16.3 11.2 0.9 11.8

Manufacturing 11.2 13.3 11.5 12.9 10.6 9.6

Construction 10.5 14.1 12.9 10.7 9.6 12.3

Wholesale and 7.2 5.5 8.5 6.9 13.0 9.9 Distribution

Retail Trade and 17.2 9.9 18.0 17.4 17.5 17.9 Services

Business 19.3 10.2 11.8 14.5 25.7 17.0 Services

Arts and Recreation 1.5 1.6 2.6 1.7 1.5 1.2 Services

Social Services 32.0 18.6 18.4 24.6 21.3 20.4

4 Dovetail rural-urban linkages review

Economic relationships 9 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

This section demonstrates how these various economies, which feed into the overall New Zealand economy, do not stand on their own. These conclusions are supported by the Rural-Urban Linkages report, which “highlights that urban and rural economies are shaped by not only their own respective economic bases, but also by the interdependencies between rural and urban areas.”5 The report states that rural-urban relationships usually have:

 Interaction in the flow of goods and services (where these places exchange different kinds of goods and services and labour)

 Independence in the markets that each are focused on (where their resource bases and markets are sufficiently divergent from each other for there to be little existing economic relationship)

 Competition (to some extent) for populations that provide labour and fund public services (where they have similar specialisms and compete with each other for resources (including labour) and/or markets).

The relationships that may exist between urban and rural areas, according to the Rural-Urban Linkages report are summarised in Figure 3.1. It shows that cities usually carry out manufacturing, professional services etc., while rural areas perform primary production.

Figure 3.1 Rural-urban flows

3.1 Auckland and the Metro Area

Competing vs complementary economies

Auckland and the Metro Area are two New Zealand metropolitans located 125 kilometres from each other. The role and function of Auckland is to provide high-value business services and social services for the nation; the Metro Area and wider Waikato depend on Auckland to provide these services. However, the Metro Area’s economy is also dominated by the business services and social services sectors, and it also provides these services to wider Waikato.

As such, Auckland and the Metro Area do compete to some extent in the business and social services sectors. But they do have slightly different specialisations in these sectors, this slight independence in the markets that each are focused on facilitates complementary economies. In Hamilton City, 24 percent of its social services FTEs are employed by hospitals, while in Auckland

5 Dovetail rural-urban linkages review

Economic relationships 10 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

only 15 percent of its FTEs are employed by hospitals. In Auckland, 24 percent of its social services FTEs are employed by preschool and school education, while in Hamilton only 17 percent of its FTEs are employed by preschool and school education.

In regards to the business services sector, Hamilton’s professional scientific and technical services is 41 percent of FTEs, while in Auckland it is 33 percent. Auckland has a larger percent of FTEs in the finance sector (eight percent) when compared to Hamilton (four percent).

The primary sectors makes up 0.9 percent of the Auckland economy. Auckland therefore depends on the provincial areas to undertake these activities, in particular Auckland depends on wider Waikato to carry out primary sector production and processing. Auckland also depends upon the Metro Area to conduct services (predominately business and social services) for its provincial area to enable the provincial area to carry out the primary sector functions. Again, independence in the markets that each economy are focused on facilitates complementary economies.

Imbalanced economies

As discussed in section 2.2, the Auckland economy is operating on a significantly larger scale than the Metro Area and wider Waikato. This is highlighted by comparing the absolute values of FTEs and GDP in Table 2.2 and Table 2.3; 793,814 FTEs and $107,075 million in Auckland, and 201,094 FTEs and $25,771 million in the Waikato Region.

As well as a dominant economy in Auckland, it also has a dominant population of 1.57 million (as noted in section 2.4). The current and projected dominance of Auckland in population terms is amplified through the positioning of the nation’s primary international airport and seaport. This dominance has led, arguably, to an imbalance in the nation’s economic development as increasing congestion and consequent infrastructure requirements risk overwhelming the nation’s investment budget.

This potential imbalance can be summarised by the rank-size rule6, which suggests New Zealand’s second largest population centre should be close to 800,000. Or, the equivalent of Wellington (including Porirua, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt) and Christchurch cities combined. This gap, or ‘hole’, in the settlement hierarchy of New Zealand is highlighted by the growing concentration in the Auckland area of high-value economic and social services for the nation.

In this light, the Metro Area faces the prospect of becoming a de facto suburb of Auckland. Such a result would likely exacerbate the nation’s economic development challenges. Alternatively, progress for the nation’s economic development would be assisted should the Metro Area become a larger, well-defined metropolitan – attracting and providing an increased amount of high-value economic and social services.

As outlined above, the structure of New Zealand’s macroeconomy is increasingly reliant on the Auckland area conurbation for the generation of higher-value economic goods, services, and activities. While a significant proportion of export earnings continue to accrue from natural

6 This concept originates in economic geography literature. Broadly, this suggests the population size of the second-largest centre in a nation is approximately one-half that of the largest centre, with the third-largest about one-third of the largest centre, and so on. This was originally developed by George Zipf, with the precise ratios (i.e. one-half, one-third, and so on) varying across nations, in Zipf G.K. (1949), Human behaviour and the principle of least effort, Cambridge, MA, Addison Wesley. The concept was further developed by Berry with further quantitative analysis of actual ratios in Berry, B.J.L. & Garrison, W. L. (1958), Alternate explanation of urban rank-size relationships, Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 48, 83-91. A later review, and discussion of ratios can be found in Berry, B. J. L., Adam Okulicz-Kozaryn (2011), The city size distribution debate: Resolution for US urban regions and megalopolitan areas, J.Cities (2011) doi.10.1016/j.cities 2011.11.007.

Economic relationships 11 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

resource based industries in provincial areas, value added, research and development, logistics, marketing, and sales efforts, technology and innovation efforts, creative sector, look to population centres to generate economies of scale. Additionally, the potential for agglomeration benefits also help attract and accommodate these higher-value activities.

A challenge facing the New Zealand economic structure is the relative lack of large population centres within which these activities could thrive. Moreover, the relative lack of densely populated centres reduces the potential for agglomeration benefits to be enjoyed. In this context, the gap or ‘hole’ in New Zealand’s settlement hierarchy can be seen as a crucial constraint for future economic development. Critically, there are only two settlements outside of Auckland (i.e. Wellington7 and Christchurch), where these higher-value activities can look to locate. And, the growing size of Auckland risks reducing this list of potential locations further. The Metro Area is well-placed to assist in partially re-balancing this situation.

3.2 The Metro Area and wider Waikato

A critical role and economic function of the Metro Area is to service the wider Waikato. In its absence, the option facing New Zealand would be servicing this wider area through an ever larger concentration of activity in Auckland. Such an option would likely require considerably more infrastructure between Auckland and the range of smaller communities in the wider Waikato.

The Rural-Urban Linkages report found that there are clearly a range of relationships between the Metro Area, smaller towns and rural areas. However, it also stated “the lack of measurement of rural-urban linkages in the literature means that we can’t know the extent to which rural-urban relationships in the Waikato should be characterised as interactive, versus independent or competitive.”8

The Metro Area and the wider Waikato conform to usual rural-urban relationship functions; the Metro Area providing the high-value economic services and the rural areas providing primary production (as outlined in Figure 3.1). For example, FTEs in the primary sector makes up 1.1 percent of Hamilton City’s economy, while business services are 19.3 percent and social services are 32 percent. In the Waikato District, the primary sector is 26.9 percent of FTEs, whereas business services are 10.2 percent and social services are 18.6 percent.

The Waikato primary sector is diversified across various industries, the Economic Development Issues and Opportunities report outlines these industries:9

 Forestry and logging and wood product industries concentrated in South Waikato, Matamata- Piako, Otorohanga, Waitomo, Rotorua and Taupo

 Agriculture concentrated in Matamata-Piako, Hauraki, Waikato, Waipa, Otorohanga and South Waikato

 Tourism related industries concentrated in Thames-Coromandel, Waitomo and Taupo

 Specialised manufacturing and public service industries concentrated in Hamilton

 Mining related industries relatively concentrated in Waikato, Waitomo, Waipa and Hauraki

 Aquaculture concentrated in Thames-Coromandel.

7 Including Porirua, Hutt, and Upper Hutt. 8 Dovetail rural-urban linkages review 9 Economic development issues and opportunities – MartinJenkins

Economic relationships 12 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

The Metro Area supports these industries, not only by providing business and social services, but by also providing primary processing manufacturing services (i.e., the manufacturing the equipment that these industries need). For example, Gallagher is located in Hamilton. Gallagher provide innovative technology solutions for electric fencing, weighing and EID, access control, perimeter security and fuel systems, among other products. These manufacturing services are essential in the rural-urban relationship.

There is a range of goods and services that flow between the various local economies (Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and wider Waikato etc.), each of these relationships are fundamental in the ecosystem and the independence in the markets that each are focused on facilitates complementary economies.

3.3 Auckland-Metro Area-Tauranga triangle

A 2011 study for the Ministry of Economic Development10 looked into the economic linkages between the three centres in the upper North Island. Key-findings of the report are as follows:

 The three cities display fundamentally different economic foundations and that the economic prosperity of the three cities is strongly influenced by these foundations

 Auckland dominates in the business services and financial sectors, providing services to the other areas

 The Metro Area and Tauranga do not provide these high services to Auckland

 The Metro Area and Tauranga are strongly influenced by their regional roles of servicing the surrounding area

 Waikato has a strong dairy industry. The Metro Area has been able to use this strong economic base to expand into agri-science, advanced engineering activity, metals manufacturing. As well as research and development of advanced equipment to support the dairy industry of processes to increase the efficiency of dairy farming

 The underlying economic foundations for Tauranga are weaker because of its remoteness from other major areas and because there are limited opportunities for larger scale value added activities.

Since that study, the relative compositions and strengths of the Metro Area and Auckland economies have not changed noticeably. However, the strengths of the Metro Area in the agri- science and primary-related R&D activities have undoubtedly intensified, as evidenced in previous sub-sections. Further, the role of the university and higher education has become more prominent.

That 2011 study, however, was relatively cautious as to the future of beneficial links between the cities. It emphasised the importance of Auckland as a primary driver, the benefits of agglomeration, and the importance of good/better intra-city transport connections.

Interestingly, recent years have seen a modest strengthening of the inter-city connections between the Metro Area and Auckland (in particular, the expressway and port activities at Northgate). Further, developments and Ruakura have arguably shifted the prospects for strengthened inter- relationships between the two cities. While it is clear that Auckland will remain the overwhelmingly dominant partner in the relationship, the connections between them (even over the past seven to

10 Economic Linkages between New Zealand Cities, Ministry of Economic Development, 2011.

Economic relationships 13 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

eight years) are developing and have the potential to temper (or drive) the development of each of the city’s respective economic structures.

Of course, the finding that intra-city transport connections are critical should not be overlooked either.

Economic relationships 14 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

4 Review of current growth and development plans

4.1 Outline of current growth and development plans

The Metro Area and wider Waikato have a number of growth and development plans to support the future area to be well planned. This section summarises these plans.

Hamilton City Council

The combination of Waikato Regional Policy Statement (RPS), the Waikato Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP), the Hamilton Urban Growth Strategy (HUGS), and associated Neighbourhood Plans signal a preference for Hamilton City to grow with increased intensification. The HUGS tagline of ‘A Compact and Sustainable City’ makes the preferences clear. Further, Hamilton City Council’s (HCC’s) Long-Term (30-year) Infrastructure Strategy sees Council giving “priority to looking after what it has before building new assets”, in line with a preference for intensification.

Future Proof

The above preference is reinforced by Future Proof Strategy “Planning for Growth”. In particular, Future Proof Strategy “Planning for Growth” (May 2017) has a vision for growth in Hamilton City, Waipa District and Waikato District over the next 30 years. The Settlement Pattern published within the document provides “a blueprint for growth and development” in the three adjoining Territorial Local Authorities’ (TLA) and identifies the future locations of residential and business land.

Metropolitan Spatial Plan

The purpose of the Metropolitan Spatial Plan (MSP) is to determine a shared 100 year vision and spatial framework for the merging Hamilton-Waikato metro area, with a 30 year plan for priority development areas and enabling investment.

Hamilton to Auckland Corridor Plan

In February 2019, the Minister for Transport and Minister for Urban Development and Economic Development launched the Hamilton to Auckland Corridor Plan (Hei Awarua ki te Oranga - Corridor for Wellbeing). The Vision of the plan is to support sustainable growth and increase connectivity between Hamilton and Auckland.

Rapid Rail Business Case

In July 2019 the Ministry of Transport went to the market to seek suitably qualified professionals to develop an Indicative Business Case (IBC) for developing a rapid rail service between Hamilton and Auckland.

The objectives of the IBC are to consider the extent to which stronger intercity connectivity can:

 Harness the nationally significant economic contribution that the Hamilton to Auckland Corridor plays in increasing New Zealand’s productivity, including supporting agglomeration and investment, and better integrating the regional economies of Hamilton and Auckland

 Improve access to opportunities for those within the corridor, for example through increasing access to employment, improving transport choice and reducing congestion

Review of current growth and development plans 15 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

 Enable a more efficient and affordable distribution of growth within the corridor, for example by anchoring urban development and unlocking capacity for housing (especially affordable housing) at either end of the corridor

 Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the adverse effects of transport on the local environment and public health, for example through enabling sustainable transport choices.

Waipa 2050 Growth Strategy

Waipa 2050 aims to ensure that the Waipa District remains a great place to live, work and play, well into the future. By 2050 it is anticipated the Waipa District will be home to an additional 25,000 people. The purpose of this strategy is to provide direction as to where this population increase will be accommodated within the Waipa District, whilst ensuring that the special features of the Waipa District are retained.

Waikato 2070: Draft Growth and Economic Development Strategy

This strategy document provides a long-term plan to achieve the Waikato District Council’s vision of creating and nurturing liveable, thriving and connected communities.

The Waikato 2070 strategy is unique as it takes an integrated approach to future growth in the Waikato District. It combines economic and community development focus areas with future land use and infrastructure planning and growth patterns. This document will inform communities, businesses, investors, iwi, governments and neighbouring local authorities and the Council itself, to help deliver and achieve the communities’ vision.

The planning, design and management of our urban and rural areas, and the supporting of economic and community development activities will have long term impacts on the quality of life, social amenity, economic prosperity and wellbeing of our communities. The overall wellbeing of individuals is strongly influenced by the quality of the environments where we live, work, learn and play.

At a local level this strategy helps give life to and implement the relevant initiatives identified by the district’s various communities through Blueprints. At a sub-regional level this strategy helps deliver on the Future Proof Growth Strategy and spatial plans developed through the Hamilton to Auckland Corridor Initiative.

Waikato Blueprint

The Waikato District Council published the Waikato Blueprint document in June 2019. The Waikato District Blueprint will work to achieve the overall vision established by Council for the Waikato District, which is to create Liveable, Thriving and Connected Communities – He noohanga aahuru, he iwi whai ora, he hapori tuuhono tahi. The document provides local area blueprints for Tuakau, Pokeno, Mercer, Meremere, Te Kauwhata and Rangiriri, Ohinewai, Huntly, Taupiri, Ngaruawahia, Horotiu, Te Kowhai, Whatawhata, Raglan, Tamahere, and Matangi.

Te Waka Waikato Regional Economic Development Programme 2018 – 2022

The programme frames up packages of initiatives based on the priorities of the summit in August 2018 and the sectors identified as being competitive/potentially competitive in the Waikato Region. The programme captures initiatives which are already underway as well as those in the early stages of development.

Review of current growth and development plans 16 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

The summit consisted of 250 of the Waikato Region’s business, iwi, community and local government leaders together who were challenged to: “Agree what economic development initiatives will have the greatest impact for the Waikato and its people.”

Whakatupuranga 2050 Strategic Blueprint Waikato-Tainui

Whakatupuranga Waikato-Tainui 2050 is the blueprint for cultural, social and economic advancement for Waikato-Tainui people. It is a long-term development approach to building the capacity of Waikato-Tainui Marae, hapu, and iwi. There are the following three critical elements:

1) A pride and commitment to uphold their tribal identity and integrity

2) A diligence to succeed in education and beyond

3) A self-determination for socio-economic independence.

4.2 Review

We understand that these plans seek to establish the Metro Area and wider Waikato as a larger, well-defined metropolitan within the upper North Island and New Zealand more generally. These plans are (rightly so) extensive, but in essence the plans outline that to achieve these goals increased intensification in the Metro Area is required as well as increased connectivity, so that the Metro Area becomes a compact and sustainable metropolitan that achieves sustainable growth.

Review of current growth and development plans 17 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

5 International examples and lessons

There are various international examples of cities embarking upon a metropolitan strategic planning process. BERL has considered that the most relevant examples are those in which it is a city that is in close proximity to a large, already established metropolitan. For this reason, the following examples have been considered: London and Birmingham, Melbourne and Geelong, Sydney and Newcastle, and Waterloo and Toronto.

Table 5.1 Comparison of international examples

Hamilton and Birmingham Geelong and Newcastle and Waterloo and Auckland and London Melbourne Sydney Toronto

Population of 1.57 million 8.2 million 4.5 million 5 million 6 million larger city

Population of 160,911 1 million 280,000 576,000 580,000 smaller city

Distance 125 kilometres 200 kilometres 75 kilometres 160 kilometres 110 kilometres between cities

Table 5.1 compares international examples, it shows that some of the examples are better comparisons for Hamilton because of population sizes and distance between the two cities. This report focuses largely on the international examples that are better comparisons.

5.1 International examples

5.1.1 Birmingham and London

The Greater London Region is the largest city and metropolitan area in England, it has a population of 8.211 million. Birmingham is the second-largest city and metropolitan area in England, it is located 200 kilometres away from London and, as at the 2011 Census, has a population of 1 million12 people in the city and a population of 2.7 million13 in the wider West Midlands County.

Economic structure

Birmingham’s largest sectors14 are:

 Wholesale and retail trade (16 percent)

 Human, Health and social work activities (15 percent)

 Education (12 percent).

In Birmingham’s wider County, manufacturing is also a large sector (12 percent).

Greater London’s largest sectors15 are:

11 https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/our-key-themes/local-government-finance/population-and-census 12 https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/4564/2011_census_birmingham_population_and_migration_re portpdf 13 https://countrydigest.org/population-of-birmingham/ 14 https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/9760/2018_ks605_industryxlss 15 https://data.london.gov.uk/dataset/employee-jobs-by-sectors

International examples and lessons 18 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

 Professional, real estate, scientific and technical (16 percent)

 Administrative and support services (11 percent)

 Health and Social (10 percent).

The focus on different sectors within each of Birmingham and London’s economies indicates that the economies are complementary rather than competitive. However, London has an advantage because it offers higher-value activities.

Connections

The average journey time between Birmingham and London on the train is two hours, although it can be as fast as 1.22 hours16.

City development plans

In 2007, Birmingham City Centre Masterplan: Visioning Study was commissioned to consider:

 Why Birmingham matters

 What a Masterplan could do

 How well Birmingham has done

 How to make a serious city even more important.

This resulted in the Big City Plan being launched in 2008 and the Birmingham Big City Plan City Centre Masterplan in July 2011.

The Big City Plan17 is a 20-year City Centre Masterplan. It outlines that it's a vision to encourage and support Birmingham’s continuing transformation into a world class city centre. It covers every aspect of the built environment. This includes:

 Creating 1.5 million square metres of new floorspace

 Creating over 50,000 new jobs

 Contributing £2.1 billion to the economy each year

 Creating a well-connected, efficient and walkable city centre

 Providing 65,000 square metres of new and improved public spaces

 Providing 28 kilometres of enhanced walking and cycling routes

 Providing over 5,000 new homes with new leisure and recreational facilities to attract more families

 Valuing the city centre’s heritage and cultural assets

 Integrating sustainable development and addressing the impact of climate change as part of the future transformation of the city centre

 Delivering five areas of transformation supporting the growth of the city core.

16 We are attempting to unearth some more relevant commuting data. Will include here if we find any. This note also applies to the other case study examples below. 17 https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/20054/planning_strategies_and_policies

International examples and lessons 19 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

The Birmingham Development Plan (BDP)18 2031 was adopted by Birmingham City Council on 10 January 2017. The BDP sets out a spatial vision and strategy for the sustainable growth of Birmingham for the period 2011 to 2031, and will be used to guide decisions on planning, development and regeneration. This replacing the policies in the Birmingham Unitary Development Plan 2005.

The Big City Plan sits alongside the BDP as a non-statutory document that sets out a vision and framework for how the city centre will be transformed and the key proposals are reflected in the BDP.

5.1.2 Geelong and Melbourne

Melbourne is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria, it has a population of 4.5 million19. Geelong is the second largest Victorian city, it is located 75 kilometres away from Melbourne and has a population of approximately 280,000.20

Economic structure

Geelong’s largest sectors21 are:

 Retail Trade (14 percent)

 Health Care Services (ten percent)

 Pre-School, Primary, Secondary and Special Education (seven percent).

Melbourne’s largest sectors22 are:

 Business Services (18 percent)

 Finance and Insurance (14 percent)

 Health care and Social Assistance (nine percent).

The composition of the economies in Geelong and Melbourne are different; each focus on different industries. This indicates that the economies are complementary rather than competitive. However, again, the larger city (Melbourne) has an advantage because it offers higher-value activities.

Connections

The train from Melbourne to Geelong is an hour and fifteen minutes. Geelong has 4,961 residents travelling to Melbourne for work (4.8 percent).

18 https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20054/planning_strategies_and_policies/78/birmingham_development_ plan 19 https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/2GMEL 20 https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/203?opendocu ment 21 https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/geelong-employment-by-sector/resource/4749ab88-a56c-4403-9e0d- ddc704588bfd 22 https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/clue-2018-summary-report.pdf

International examples and lessons 20 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

City development plans

The G21 Geelong Region Plan23 is a strategic framework and agreed vision, looking toward 2050, for the Geelong Region Alliance (G21).

The plan identifies and addresses the challenges the region will face in areas such as environment, settlement, land use, community cohesion and the economy.

The plan was developed during 2007 and represents the work and opinions of hundreds of people and organisations including the five G21 municipalities, the state government, peak bodies and environmental, community and business organisations from across the region.

It is a collaborative approach to longer-term regional challenges, developed by the people of the region. The research supporting the strategy is robust. It includes information from regional, state- wide and national organisations, as well as specifically-commissioned research, analysis and extensive consultation.

When developed, the plan was unique in Australia. It created new opportunities for delivering priority projects to ensure the future productivity, liveability and sustainability of our region. The G21 Geelong Region Plan outlines important projects for achieving its objectives, including the following project:

 Regional rail connection

o Faster Geelong to Melbourne rail service

o Increase rail service between Geelong and Colac and Warrnamnool (cities that are west of Geelong).

5.1.3 Greater Newcastle and Sydney

Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales, it has a population of five million24. Newcastle is the second most populated area in the Australian state of New South Wales, it is located 160 kilometres away from Sydney and has a population of 150,00025. The Greater Newcastle population is 576,00026.

Economic structure

The largest sectors in Greater Newcastle27 are:

 Health Care and Social Assistance (16 percent)

 Property and Business Services (ten percent)

 Retail Trade (ten percent).

The largest sectors in Sydney28 are:

23 http://www.g21.com.au/geelong-region-plan-2006 24 https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/1GSYD?opendo cument 25 https://quickstats.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2016/quickstat/CED131 26 Greater Newcastle metropolitan planning 27 https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/-/media/Files/DPE/Reports/greater-newcastle-metropolitan-strategy- economic-prospects-to-2036-2017-11.pdf 28 https://economy.id.com.au/sydney/employment-census?BMID=20

International examples and lessons 21 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (19 percent)

 Financial and Insurance Services (18 percent)

 Public Administration and Safety (seven percent).

Looking at Greater Sydney29, the largest sectors are:

 Health Care and Social Assistance (12 percent)

 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (ten percent)

 Retail Trade (ten percent).

The economic bases in Greater Newcastle and Sydney are different. This independence in the markets that each are focused on supports complementary economies rather than competitive. Sydney and Greater Newcastle both offer higher-value activities. However, Sydney does have an advantage because it offers a significant amount of higher-value activities.

Connections

The express train from Newcastle to Sydney takes approximately 2.5 hours. However, the Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan (outlined below) seeks to create higher speed connections to Sydney to encourage new employment opportunities. Travel times between Sydney and Newcastle could be reduced to 2 hours, providing improved travel time reliability, increased capacity, comfort and amenity and improved connectivity to the surrounding region through integrating public transport services with the improved rail services.

Currently, 439 Newcastle City residents travel to Sydney for employment (0.6 percent).

City development plans

The Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Plan 2036 was launched on 17 September 2018. As Australia’s seventh largest city and global gateway for northern New South Wales, Greater Newcastle faces a new future with investment in aviation, transport, education, health and tourism.

This first-ever Metropolitan Plan for Greater Newcastle, and first for a non-capital city in Australia, aims to capitalise on this investment through a collaborative approach.

The Plan sets out strategies and actions that will drive sustainable growth across Cessnock City, Lake Macquarie City, Maitland City, Newcastle City and Port Stephens communities, which together make up Greater Newcastle.

The Plan also helps to achieve the vision set in the Hunter Regional Plan 2036 - for Hunter to be the leading regional economy in Australia with a vibrant new metropolitan city at its heart.

The vision for the Plan is for Greater Newcastle to be Australia’s newest and emerging economic and lifestyle city, connected with northern New South Wales and acknowledged globally as:

 Dynamic and entrepreneurial, with a globally competitive economy and the excitement of the inner city and green suburban communities

 Offering great lifestyles minutes from beaches or bushland, the airport or universities, and from the port to the lake

29 https://economy.id.com.au/sydney/employment-census?BMID=20

International examples and lessons 22 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

 A national leader in the new economy, with smarter cities and carbon neutral initiatives, and with collaborative governance that makes it a model to others in creating and adapting to change.

5.1.4 Waterloo and Toronto

Waterloo Metro Area (Waterloo) is a polycentric metro spanning three main cities - Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo. Its history of metropolitan collaboration is more than 40 years old, beginning when Waterloo Regional Municipality was established in 1973. This reform reduced the number of local governments in the area from 16 to eight and brought into being a two-tier system of local government – a Regional Municipality above the seven local governments.30 Waterloo is located in Southern Ontario, Canada. The Waterloo Metro Area has a population of 580,00031 and is 110 kilometres from Toronto, Canada, which has a population of six million.32

Economic structure

Waterloo’s employment by industry33 shows that the largest sectors are:

 Manufacturing (18 percent)

 Wholesale and retail trade (14 percent)

 Health care and social assistance (ten percent).

Toronto’s employment by sector34 shows that the largest sectors are:

 Health Care and Social (12 percent)

 Professional, Scientific and Technical (ten percent)

 Finance and Insurance (ten percent).

Waterloo and Toronto again focus on different sectors. The economies are complementary rather than competitive.

Connections

The train from Toronto to Waterloo Region takes approximately two hours. Implementation of high speed rail between these locations is underway, the future travel time will be 48 minutes between Toronto and Waterloo.

Commuters leaving Waterloo Region to work in Toronto is 3,075. While commuters coming to Waterloo Region from Toronto is 1,535.35 As mentioned above, the economic structures of the two cities are independent and complementary. It is likely that the independent markets have influenced commuters to travel both to and from Waterloo to work because the respective cities provide different career opportunities.

30 Metropolitan Strategic Planning – Case Studies Report for Greater Newcastle, NSW. 31 https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/doing-business/demographics.aspx 32 https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/data-research-maps/toronto-at-a-glance/ 33 https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-government/resources/2017_Labour_Force_Report.pdf 34 https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/95b8-Toronto-Employment-Survey-2017-Bulletin.pdf 35 https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/regional-government/resources/Census/Census-Bulletin-10-Place-of- Work-and-Commuting-ACCESS.pdf

International examples and lessons 23 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

City development plans

The Case Studies Report for Greater Newcastle states that one of the main impacts of the creation of the new governance structure in 1973 was that Waterloo began an entirely new urban planning process based on:

1) Intensification rather than sprawl, via the creation of an urban boundary

2) Protection of environmentally sensitive areas

3) Protection of vital water sources

4) Efficient use of public infrastructure

5) Maintenance of the farmland and the agricultural economy.

Figure 5.1 Water Regional Municipality Leader’s quote

By 1976, “the region had identified the catalyst to achieve these five aims: a ‘reurbanisation corridor’ that would run through the three main cities and that could provide a spine for rapid high-quality public transport.”36

Figure 5.2 Waterloo Metro Region light rail transit network

36 https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/~/media/files/dpe/reports/greater-newcastle-metropolitan-strategic- planning-case-studies-report-2017-07.ashx

International examples and lessons 24 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Since the corridor was implemented it has (and continues to) transition into light rail transit. And even though the light rail line has taken a long time to be established, it has already increased market demand for residential apartments along the line. The forthcoming transport links have allowed the metro to target three areas for its growth plan. These will become high density major employment centres.

In 1987, the different cities of Waterloo moved from competitive economies to establishing a loose collaborative arrangement on economic development initiatives. This gave birth to the non-profit ‘Canada Technology Triangle,’ whose promotion was co-ordinated to put it on the radar of potential investors. The Triangle helped to create spin-offs in technology and to host investment delegations. In 1998 Waterloo created a regional Economic Development Corporation to present a unified voice. At this time, Communitech was founded by entrepreneurs as an industry-led attempt to raise the profile of the Waterloo Region tech community.

The Case Studies Report notes that community engagement has been fundamental to Waterloo’s ability to deliver its growth plan.

Figure 5.3 outlines Waterloo’s three cycles of metropolitan development, according to the Case Studies Report.

Figure 5.3 Waterloo’s three cycles of metropolitan development

5.2 Lessons

The international examples highlight the following lessons:

 The importance of improving connectivity with other towns and cities in the wider region

 The importance of developing complementary economies rather than competitive economies

 The role of universities in metropolitan development

o The knowledge creation and talent creation of the universities, especially in maths, engineering and business management, was a catalyst for growth in technology firms and the emergence of the metro’s reputation as a centre for technology in addition to its long- standing insurance cluster

o The commercialisation of university and higher education research has helped cement the metro’s tech specialisation

 Alignment of transport and land-use planning has been key to the successful intensification process along the transport corridor

International examples and lessons 25 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

 Active search for co-investment solutions enables smaller metropolitan areas to move forward more quickly than others that have relied on 100 percent higher tier funding

 Enhancing the role of satellite towns (such as Cambridge and Te Awamutu) is likely to help improve economic outcomes in Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area

 Agreeing a package for improved rail connectivity between cities in a region can have a huge impact on the market demand for re-urbanisation. Light rail investment is a major signal to the business community about where future growth will take place

 The mobilisation of parts of the city’s existing business base to support the projects can be important in building appetite among the rest of the business community and citizens

 Clear demonstration of the costs of transport inaction, both in terms of competitiveness but also in terms of alternative road and congestion expansion, is an important part of the case- making process where there is a strong anti-transport instinct. Clear costing of all options and alternatives is also important

 Clarity about roles and responsibilities of Auckland, the Metro Area and wider Waikato

o Recognise the different identities and organisational ways of working of each

o Recognise strengthens and weaknesses of each.

International examples and lessons 26 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

6 Impact of changes on the Metro Area

The purpose of this report is to lay out the current role, function and purpose of the Metro Area which was outlined in section 2 and 3. The report then outlined what the future Metro Area and wider Waikato role, function and purpose should be in section 4. In section 5, international examples were analysed for lessons to provide insight on how to develop a metropolitan city next to large, and an already established, metropolitan city. This section outlines the various potential impact of changes on Metro Area achieving its role, function, and purpose. This section does not provide a recommendation, instead it provides potential impacts of changes to assist the relevant parties to make decisions.

There are many factors that will influence and impact on the Metro Area and wider Waikato, such as population growth, the Government, transport policies, technology, climate change etc. This section focuses on potential connection developments and potential economic developments to highlight the impact of these changes on the Metro Area and wider Waikato.

6.1 Scenarios of development

The following potential urban futures have been outlined:

 Status quo

 Compact and connected City

 Connected nodes.

Status quo

Under the status quo development scenario, the Metro Area will be a product of the current planning framework. The Metro Area will continue to grow in the manner in which it currently is growing.

Compact and connected city

Under this scenario for development, there will be city-focussed growth and intensification, which will result in a compact and connected Metro Area. To support the compact city to be connected, there will be a mass transit focus within the city centre to ensure that it is well connected. This could involve improved and comprehensive bus and/or light-rail train services within the area. Connection networks may also enable a wider range of mobility options (e.g. walking/bicycling/scooters).

Compact and connected city that is connected to the wider Waikato

The connected nodes approach seeks to create nodal growth, resulting in Metro Area being connected within the city, as well as to its surrounding areas. This may be a mass transit system focussed to support expansion and development of nodes beyond central city limits. There could be comprehensive bus and/or light-rail train services within Metro Area, and a combination of busses and regional commuter rail services to surrounding areas. Similarly, networks to facilitate other mobility options would be present across the wider area.

6.2 Scenarios of economic developments

The ‘gap’ in New Zealand’s settlement hierarchy provides the Metro Area with an opportunity to develop its offerings in the business services sector and provide higher-value activities.

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 27 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

To grow the Metro Area’s business services sector, the services would need to be complementary to Auckland (in line with international examples) rather than competing. Key sectors for the Metro Area to develop in the business services sector are the professional scientific and technical services as well as computer system design and related services. This could complement the Auckland economy by allowing it to focus on the Finance, Insurance and Superannuation Funds industry.

Another opportunity for the Metro Area is the wholesale and distribution sector. Interestingly, the wholesale and distribution sector is proportionately smaller in the Metro Area than it is in Auckland. A reduction in the proportionate size of Auckland’s wholesale and distribution sector would be consistent with more cohesive economic development in the upper North Island. In a future well- planned Metro Area, both the business services and wholesale and distribution sectors would be expected to be proportionately larger. In essence, relatively less wholesale, logistics, and distribution activities located in Auckland would enable that economy to focus on higher-value activities more appropriate for the nation’s largest population centre.

Further, by encouraging the Metro Area to develop as a well-planned city with intensive economic activity, the prospect of higher value sectors locating there and experiencing agglomeration benefits also increases.

This would include relatively more business services as well as social services (including R&D); in both instances exploiting potential economies of scale and agglomeration benefits. Consequently, from a national perspective, the Metro Area is well placed to accommodate relatively more of the wholesale, logistics, and distribution activities. In turn, retaining Te Rapa North (and Horotiu) as an industrial area would facilitate such an outcome, with consequential economies of scale and agglomeration benefits.

In summary, potential roles and functions of the Metro Area would be:

 Servicing for activities in primary sector hinterland

 Servicing for population in wider Waikato

 Related research and development, food innovation, and logistics

 University and higher education.

These functions are unpacked in this section. These roles and functions are not new ideas, they stem from the City’s current role and function, as well as the growth and development plans in section 4. One of the lessons in section 5.2 is, the mobilisation of parts of the City’s existing business base to support the projects can be important appetite among the rest of the business community and citizens. As these roles and functions are not unknown territory, in fact, the Te Waka Waikato Regional Economic Development Programme report included primary production and agri-technology, digital and ICT, freight and logistics in its sectoral priorities, mobilisation of existing business base will be achievable.

The Metro Area’s existing entities strengthens its ability to achieve these economic developments. These entities include the university and other higher education institutes, the hospital, the inland ports, airport, Gallagher, AgResearch, and Landcare Research. These entities will be important in accelerating advancement towards a Metro Area. The hospital will support the Metro Area to service the population. The remaining entities will support related research and development, food innovation, logistics, as well as supporting the primary sector hinterland.

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 28 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Servicing primary-sector

Servicing the primary-sector involves providing goods and services to the primary industry. As the Metro Area would be the dominant city within the wider Waikato, it will need to continue to be able to service the primary sector.

Data pertaining to this role, in terms of FTEs, GDP, and business units is reflected in the primary sector, construction and business services.

Servicing the population

Industries in this sector can be divided into those servicing individuals (e.g. hair dressing) and households (e.g. supermarkets) and those servicing businesses (e.g. financial, insurance, accounting, advertising, law, and management). These will be referred to as customer services and producer services respectively.

The latter includes very high value services – professional, creative and financial – that are termed advanced producer services. Advanced producer services are critical for ‘global cities’ because they house the management and servicing functions that have enabled globalisation of economic activities. GaWC Research Bulletin 349 ranked Auckland 40 for overall network connectivity. The GaWC assesses cities in terms of their advanced producer services using the interlocking network model. Therefore, Auckland is doing well in providing advanced producer services. The world according to GaWC 2018 gave Auckland a rating of Beta +. Beta level cities are important world cities that are instrumental in linking their region or state into the world economy. Therefore, Auckland is also doing well connecting New Zealand into the world economy.

As mentioned in section 5.2, it is better to develop complementary centres rather than competitive economies. For the Metro Area and Auckland to be complementary economies, it will require the Metro Area to step up in terms of servicing the population. This would alleviate the pressure on Auckland to provide these services so that Auckland could focus on building its advanced producer services and connecting New Zealand globally. The Metro Area needs to ensure that it is providing the full range of individual services and producer services for the Metro Area and wider Waikato.

These services also need to be accessible to attract people who currently travel to Auckland for these services. This involves providing these services to neighbouring regions, such as the Bay of Plenty. The Metro Area is conveniently located to service businesses in Tauranga; it is double the distance for businesses to travel to Auckland than the Metro Area, and this is without accounting for the traffic in Auckland. This (in combination with improved connectivity to Tauranga) provides the Metro Area with an opportunity to provide high quality services to businesses in Tauranga.

In terms of FTEs, GDP and business units, the function of servicing the population will be reflected in the following sectors: business services, social services, construction and retail.

Related R&D, food innovation, and logistics

The Metro Area has the opportunity to secure its position as New Zealand’s science and technology city. Crown Research Institutes and science entities providing research and development (such as Plant and Food), as well as the university and other higher education institutes are already established. A MartinJenkins report37 found that there were weak linkages between the research and education organisations and some industries. The lessons from Waterloo would suggest that these ties need to be strengthened to enable commercial research and/or spinoffs.

37 MartinJenkins (2013). Economic development issues and opportunities.

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 29 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Innovation, technology, research and development underpin all facets of the economy. It will be important for the Metro Area to provide this function. To achieve this, the Metro Area needs to grow R&D, especially R&D that is related to its role and function (such as agri-technology) as well as other R&D it currently carries out (such as food technology).

As mentioned above, it would also be necessary for the Metro Area to pick up a greater percentage of the FTEs relating to logistics (wholesale and distribution), to alleviate the pressure on Auckland to provide these services.

In terms of FTEs, GDP and business units, the function of servicing of the population will be reflected in business services, primary sector and wholesale and distribution.

University and higher education

Section 5.2 outlined the role of universities and higher education in metropolitan development. The research found that the knowledge creation and talent creation of the universities, especially with maths, engineering and business management, was a catalyst for growth in technology firms and the emergence of the metro’s reputation as a centre for technology in addition to its long-standing insurance cluster. The research also found that the commercialisation of university and higher education research has helped cement the metro’s tech specialisation.

This function will enable the Metro Area’s other roles and functions to grow and develop; knowledge creation, talent creation, and research commercialisation will help service the population, and will support growth in the primary sector, as well as related R&D, food innovation, and logistics.

In terms of FTEs, GDP and business units, the function of the university and higher education will be reflected in the social services sector and the primary sector.

6.2.1 Spatial planning considerations to support these opportunities

The Ministry for the Environment defines a spatial plan as “a high-level strategy for developing a region that relates to its geography, and seeks to achieve desired broad outcomes. Developed and implemented via collaboration between multiple parties, it provides a mechanism for agreeing joint priorities, actions and investment.”38

Supporting the potential roles and functions of the Metro Area requires the spatial plan to create a city that attracts people to work and live. Achieving this desirable city requires enhancing its connection to nature (in particular the Waikato river) and its connection to people.

38 https://www.mfe.govt.nz/publications/rma/building-competitive-cities-reform-urban-and-infrastructure- planning-system-12

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 30 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

6.3 How do these scenarios of development impact the economy composition?

The following system has been used to indicate how each development scenario will impact on each of these roles and functions.

Table 6.1 System used to indicate scenario impact on role and function

Impact System

Significant positive impact

Substantial positive impact

Strong positive impact

Small positive impact

No impact

Negative impact

The impacts on the roles and functions then link to the eight sectors in the following ways (and shown in (Figure 6.1):

 Servicing the primary-sector is reflected in the following sectors:

o Primary

o Business Services

o Construction

 Servicing the population is reflected in the following sectors:

o Business Services

o Social Services

o Construction

o Retail

 Related R&D, food innovation, and logistics is reflected in the following sectors:

o Business Services

o Primary

o Wholesale and Distribution

 University and higher education is reflected in the following sectors:

o Primary

o Social Services.

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 31 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Figure 6.1 How the role and functions link to the sectors

Servicing Servicing primary sector population

Construction

Retail

Business services

Social services Primary

Wholesale and Distn

R&D University and higher education

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 32 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Impact of the status quo approach

If and higher education centre continues to develop as it currently is, then there will be no dramatic changes in the economy composition. The composition of the economy will remain relatively steady, and as such, it will be as follows:

Table 6.2 Economy under status quo approach

Sector %

Primary 1

Manufacturing 11

Construction 11

Whole and Distribution 7

Retail Trade and Services 17

Business Services 19

Arts and Recreation Services 2

Social Services 32

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 33 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Impact of the compact and connected city approach

The Metro Area is currently New Zealand’s fourth largest economy, behind Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. While population and economy size may not follow directly, the respective rankings do so in this case. Accentuating agglomeration benefits (via improved employment and residential densities) would assist the Metro Area to progress towards a larger, well-defined metropolitan area. In this regard, there is strategic importance in the Metro Area becoming a high-value densely- populated centre, developing as a centre of economic activity with its own distinct features.

From the national perspective, strategic considerations reinforce the advantages of the Metro Area to develop as a relatively intensive centre with stand-alone high-value goods and services. Development under the status quo scenario would limit agglomeration gains (in either Auckland or the Metro Area), and undermine the efficiency of built infrastructure (again, in either centre).

If the Metro Area is developed to be a compact and connected city, it would enable the Metro Area to service its people better and would improve the university and other higher education institutes. It would be able to service the primary sector better, albeit only slightly better. It would also improve the R&D, food innovation and logistics.

Table 6.3 Impact of the compact and connected city approach

Role and function Impact

Servicing primary-sector

Servicing the population

Related R&D, food innovation, and logistics

University and higher education

These impacts on these sectors would alter the economic composition in the following ways:

 Improved population services and university / higher education will increase retail and social services

 Improved primary sector would proportionally increase primary and business services

 Improve R&D, food innovation and logistics increases business services, and whole and distribution.

Each of these sectors will increase in terms of absolute figures. The sectors that will increase proportionally to the other sectors (i.e. increase more than other sectors) will be retail and services.

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 34 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Impact of the compact and connected city that is connected to the wider Waikato

Section 5.2 highlighted the importance of improving connectivity between the Metro Area and towns in wider Waikato. Waterloo provides a great example of this, it has a corridor running through the three main cities (as shown in Figure 5.2), which provides a spine for public transport. Further to this, the lessons outlined that agreeing a package for improved rail connectivity between cities in a region can have a huge impact on the market demand for re-urbanisation.

The lessons also showed that enhancing the role of satellite towns such as Huntly, Cambridge and Te Awamutu is likely to help improve economic outcomes in the Metro Area; improving connectivity to the nodes would enable the enhancement of the role of satellite towns.

If the Metro Area transitioned into a connected city with nodal growth it would significantly alter the economy composition as it would ensure accessible and high-quality services. It would enable the Metro Area to provide high-quality services to the population, and would enable high-quality tertiary education through the university and other higher education. As well as, providing improved services to the primary sector and the R&D, food innovation and logistic sectors.

Table 6.4 Impact of the connected nodes approach

Role and function Impact

Servicing primary-sector

Servicing the population

Related R&D, food innovation, and logistics

University and higher education

This development scenario will increase each of the discussed sectors in absolute numbers. The sectors that will increase its percentage share will be business services, and wholesale and distribution.

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 35 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

6.4 How do connections to Auckland impact the economy composition?

Impact of the status quo approach

Improved connections with Auckland under the status quo approach will be disadvantageous for the Metro Area. This scenario may result in residents commuting to Auckland for work but living in the Metro Area, which would erode the Metro Area workforce and economy. The eight sectors would decrease in absolute value and in proportionate terms. Such an environment would further the competition between the cities.

Table 6.5 Impact of the status quo approach with improved connection to Auckland

Role and function Impact

Servicing primary-sector

Servicing the population

Related R&D, food innovation, and logistics

University and higher education

Impact of the compact and connected city approach

Improved connections with Auckland under the compact and connected city scenario would enhance the positive impact that was outlined above at the section titled ‘Impact of the compact and connected city approach’.

Table 6.6 Impact of the compact and connected city approach with improved connection to Auckland

Role and function Impact

Servicing primary-sector

Servicing the population

Related R&D, food innovation, and logistics

University and higher education

Impact of the compact and connected city that is connected to the wider Waikato

This approach would best achieve the Metro Area aspirations as would be well connected within the city and with the wider Waikato, which would enable it to be a complementary economy to Auckland. Increased connection between Waikato and Auckland in this scenario would enable both cities to benefit economically.

The H2A WSP International Experience found that fast rail is an enabler, it is not a catalyst on its own. It needs to primarily benefit economic development in knowledge based industries. Focusing

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 36 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

on developing the connections within the City and connectivity to the nodes will economically develop the four roles and functions of the Metro Area.

Fast rail will support the economic developments in the Metro Area and wider Waikato. Comparing Table 6.4 and Table 6.7 highlights the importance of improved connectivity between the Metro Area and Auckland. It shows that connectivity between Auckland and the Metro Area will have a greater positive impact than without this connectivity. As mentioned above, Auckland is successfully connecting New Zealand to the world economy and providing advanced producer services. It is necessary that the Metro Area will have improved access to these advanced producer services and improved connection to the global economy. Therefore improved connectivity between Auckland and the Metro Area is required.

Without improved connectivity between the Metro Area and Auckland, achieving these potential roles and functions are hindered. As Auckland provides global connectivity, it will be particularly difficult to increase the R&D, food innovation, and logistics sector without improved connectivity to Auckland. In terms of servicing the population, the Metro Area needs to focus on providing the core customer and producer services that are widely needed rather than the advanced services. To enable this, the Metro Area needs to be connected to Auckland so that those who require these advanced services can easily access them. This would alleviate pressure from the Metro Area needing to provide these services, so that it can focus on the core high-value services that are widely needed. The university and higher education requires access to advanced services and global connectivity, as such, its connection to Auckland is necessary.

The improved connectivity will also increase the Metro Area’s potential workforce, as it will have access to a larger labour pool in Auckland.

Table 6.7 Impact of the connected nodes approach with improved connection to Auckland

Role and function Impact

Servicing primary-sector

Servicing the population

Related R&D, food innovation, and logistics

University and higher education

6.4.1 How do connections to Tauranga impact the economy composition?

As mentioned above, the Metro Area is conveniently located to service businesses in Tauranga. Improved connectivity/public transport to Tauranga is required to support Metro Area to provide high quality services to businesses in Tauranga, as improved accessibility will encourage Tauranga businesses to travel to the Metro Area, rather than Auckland.

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 37 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

6.5 Summary

Table 6.8 shows that the largest impact on potential economic developments is from the compact and connected Metro Area that is connected to the wider Waikato and connected to Auckland.

Moreover, improved connections to Auckland accompanying a ‘status quo’ scenario for the Metro Area leads to a relatively negative outcome. This is essentially an outcome where the larger city in the relationship accentuates its dominance resulting in suffocating activity in the smaller city. This outcome reinforces the need for the Metro Area spatial plan which embraces a compact and connect city that is connected to the wider Waikato, developing and delivering high-quality activities complementary to activities undertaken in Auckland.

Table 6.8 Matrix of which scenario developments and potential economic developments will help the Metro Area achieve its role, function, and purpose

Potential scenarios of developments

Compact and connected city that is Compact and Status quo connected to the Connected City wider Waikato

No connection with Auckland

Connection with Auckland

The size and theme of the face shows the impact on potential economic developments.

Impact of changes on the Metro Area 38 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

7 Reference list

Title Author Date

H2A Intercity Connectivity - RfP HCC 2019

608-the-economic-impacts-of-connectivity NZTA 2017

Assessment of Key Busines Sectors Summary HCC 2017

Briefing to MoT Rapid Rail IBC team Council 2019

Draft scoping document for 23 Sept 2019 meeting HCC 2019 with GN

Economic development issues and opportunities Martin Jenkins 2013

ASCARI/BERL/Paling for Ministry Economic Linkages between New Zealand Cities 2011 of Economic Development

Future Proof Implementation Committee Agenda Future Proof 2019

Growth and Infrastructure Committee Report NZTA 2018 Passenger Rail Final Business Case

H2A Intercity Connectivity - RfP HCC 2019

H2A Intercity Connectivity - terms of reference MoT 2019

Hamilton-Waikato Metro Spatial Plan HCC 2019

HWMSP Presentation to MoT Rapid Rail IBC Team Council 2019

Local and Regional Impacts of High Speed Rail in the Professor Tomaney UK

Metro Spatial Plan - terms of reference HCC 2019

Rural-Urban Linkages Dovetail 2015

Single Stage BC Report - passenger rail Stantec 2018

Understanding Greater Hamilton Martin Jenkins 2019

Upper North Island Strategic Upper North Island Freight Story 2013 Alliance

H2A WSP International Experience - Australia WSP 2019 21.10.19

H2A WSP International Experience - UK & France WSP 2019 23.10.19

Reference list 39 Hamilton-Waikato Metropolitan Area Role and function now and in to the future Haratua 2020

Title Author Date

Presentation to Future Proof Waikato - Waikato Ports of Auckland 2016 Freight Hub

Assessment of Housing demand and supply NZIER for Fonterra 2017

Hamilton Urban Growth Strategy HCC 2010

Future Proof - Hamilton to Auckland Corridor Study Future Proof 2012

Future Proof Economic Evaluation Update Future Proof 2017

Future Proof Property Economics Future Proof 2010

Future Proof Strategy Future Proof 2017

HCC Infrastructure Strategy HCC 2015

Regional Land Transport Plan Summary Waikato Regional Council 2015

The Hamilton Plan HCC 2015

Waikato Regional Policy Statement Waikato Regional Council 2016

Waipa 2050 Growth Strategy Waipa City Council 2017

Big City Plan Birmingham City Council 2011

Geelong Region Plan G21 Councils 2006

Department of Planning and Greater Newcastle Metropolitan Strategy 2017 Environment

Department of Planning and Metropolitan Strategic Planning 2017 Environment

Waikato Regional Economic Development Te Waka 2019 Programme 2018 - 2022

Waikato 2070: Draft Growth and Economic Waikato District Council 2019 Development Strategy

Waikato blueprint Waikato District Council 2019

Whakatupuranga Waikato-Tainui 2050 Waikato-Tainui

Reference list 40