Rezoned land to pave the way for 780 new homes

• Published date: 10 March 2022
• Publication title: Taupo Weekender

Taupō District Council has voted to accept a panel’s recommendation to approve a private plan change request to rezone the land

In 2020, the council accepted a private plan change request to rezone 77.79ha in Nukuhau from rural environment to a mix of general residential and medium-density residential, as well as a shopping centre overlay and areas for stormwater and recreation reserves.

The land identified is to the west of Acacia Bay Rd near the Lakewood Drive area and north of Poihipi Rd where it joins Wairakei Drive.

The request is proposed by three co-operating landowners and will enable the development of about 780 dwellings in an area identified as a future growth area in the Taupō district 2050 Growth Management Strategy.

Public submissions on the proposed changes were received last year, with hearings held in November. The hearings panel was selected under the Joint Management Agreement between Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and Taupō District Council. This means that one panel member was selected by Tūwharetoa Maori Trust Board and one by Taupō District Council. The third panel member (and chair) was selected by the first two panel members.

General manager policy and strategy John Ridd says the hearings panel recommended the council approve the plan change, with some amendments.

“The key changes to the plan include heightening the...