Planning for the future of Rotorua - the Spatial Plan Discussion
Consultation has concluded, we are now beginning consultation on the Draft Spatial Plan
The Rotorua Spatial Plan
As a community we need to talk about how we want to respond to population changes and the global and national trends that will influence the future growth and development of our district.
The Rotorua Spatial Plan will be a bold plan that will show how Rotorua will grow and change out to 2050. Driving this is the Rotorua Vision 2030. This is the galvanising force behind the Spatial Plan and all council, that ensures all activity is oriented towards one goal. The spatial plan expresses this Vision spatially. This is not the first such plan - Rotorua started out with a bold vision emerging from the Fenton agreement for a town to capitalise on the area’s geothermal wonders. This spatial plan continues that tradition by building on what we have to propel us forward to the next exciting stage of our district’s evolution.
The Rotorua Spatial Plan will describe a future where the population is significantly larger.
This recognises people will continue to be attracted here by the lifestyle and economic growth, and growth overspill from surrounding areas.
We need your help by:
- Use the 'Our Places' tool and 'pin' your thoughts to help us understand the potential for our district.
- Complete the 'Spatial Plan Feedback Form' - A number of questions have been left purposefully open at this point. We need to know from you, and others, what they think.
- Keep checking on this site for updates and your opportunity to submit on the Draft Spatial Plan.
The next step is to analyse the feedback, combine with research and develop a draft spatial plan.
Residential development in urban and lakes areas
There is pressure for more residential properties around lakes Ōkareka and Tarawera. It is suggested that this could happen but that it must be in keeping with the existing village character of these areas.
It is suggested that Ngongotahā and Hamurana could be an area of potential growth with new areas of residential expansion shown on the fringes. It is also suggested that the villages should remain separate and not be joined by thread development to the city.
The ability to expand up the caldera rim is limited by the height of water reservoirs and other infrastructure. It is suggested that much of the district’s growth can be accommodated within current urban boundaries. Limiting our urban footprint also supports climate change. This would require a degree of infill, higher density housing around the city and the change of some areas that are rural or have commercial/industrial uses.
Reinvigorating our existing neighbourhoods will be important to support this increase in density. Allowing iwi to develop their land to support our increasing Māori population will also be critical.
Please 'pin' areas within our district what other places should be highlighted for residential development in the urban and lakes areas.Environmental protection and rural land use
As we move into the future we need to protect what is special about our district while balancing the needs of our economy and people.
The demand for higher water quality from our lakes will result in changes to farming practices around the caldera rim. It is also considered important to protect farmland for local food supply and to consider climate change. For these reasons it has been suggested that farmland to the south and northwest needs to be protected.
As a district we are committed to ensuring the lakes are protected, for both their environmental qualities and as our outdoor recreational areas.
Please 'pin' mark out areas within our district what other places should be highlighted for environmental protection and rural land useIndustrial development/reduction and tourism zones
Currently we have residents living close to industry and that is causing conflict. It has been suggested, for instance, that we start to move from industrial land use in Ngongotahā, Ngāpuna and along Te Ngae Road to other land uses such as commercial or residential.
We also have growth pressure on our forestry and manufacturing sectors which will need additional land. It has been suggested these should be located on the edge of the city or closer to the forests and transport routes.
Tourism numbers are increasing in our district and there is pressure to continue growing our tourism offering. It is suggested that a tourism attraction zone be allocated to the northwest of the city around Government Gardens to capitalise on geothermal activity in the area.
Please 'pin' areas within our district what other places should be highlighted for industry, reduced industry & tourism zones
