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Planners will brief Kaipara District Council on a proposed spatial plan for Mangawhai on April 1, which aims to guide the town’s growth and development over the next 25 to 30 years.
Planners anticipate Mangawhai’s current population of about 5000 will reach more than 15,000 by 2043.
District planner Paul Waanders says the spatial plan brings together all the previous plans Mangawhai has had over the years, giving a “solid framework to build on the future”.
“The community of Mangawhai has been engaged and incredibly passionate about contributing to the building of this spatial plan – attending events, offering feedback and bringing helpful local knowledge to the process,” he says.
To successfully meet the demands of a growing population, planners have identified key challenges the town will have to overcome.
These include:
• Lack of public transport
• Lack of cycling and pedestrian networks
• Limited community facilities
• Lack of business-zoned land
• Limited information on stormwater catchments
• Traffic congestion
• Low visibility of Maori and early settlers’ history and culture.
Proposals to address these shortcomings and build a bright future include a new civic precinct, more sports and recreation facilities, expanded commercial and industrial areas with strong green buffers, optimisation of urban areas with more infill housing, protection of the coastal environment and heritage sites, and the provision of more safe walking and cycling options.
Mr Waanders says once the Council has been briefed on the proposed spatial plan, there will be more consultation and opportunities for the public to have their say.
“The work we are now doing, sets us up to ensure future work is aligned and has a firm foundation of local knowledge and insight,” he says.
Background on the spatial plan can be found at the Kaipara District Council website kaipara.govt.nz/council/consultation-and-public-notices/have-your-say
