Media Release

16 September 2016

Town plan project for Mangawhai gaining momentum

With continued growth putting pressure on Mangawhai’s infrastructure, the Kaipara District Council is working on the development of a new town plan.

Working with the community, the Council will be looking at roads, stormwater, water supply, landscapes, land development and density, and urban design, Council Chief Executive Graham Sibery says.

“Growth in Mangawhai has been significant and we need planned growth, with infrastructure to support it. This means, not just providing roads and pipes and water, but the right types of development to cater for a range of needs and sensitive environments.”

“This is a significant, exciting and long-term project that will involve the community,” he says.

“It is important that Mangawhai grows in a considered way, understanding the amount of traffic we can expect, how pedestrians and vehicles interact, where our walking or cycling tracks might go, the health of our beach and waterways, and the type of homes that are built and where they’ll go.

“We know Mangawhai residents choose to live here because of the beautiful environment and great lifestyle. We need to look ahead now, so that our infrastructure and town design will be appropriate for the long-term and the outstanding qualities of Mangawhai are preserved.”

A Community Panel has been appointed to represent the community’s views, provide feedback to the Council as the plan is developed, and guide the process. The panel chair is Belinda Vernon, who will be joined by Joanna Roberts, Dr Ian Greenwood, David Wingate, Richard Gunson, and Kelli Sullivan.

Former Council Acting Chief Executive Dr Jill McPherson will support the project team.

As the project team develops options, the community will be able to see the possibilities and voice their own thinking about what could be put in place.

“We plan to have open days and workshops to gain this feedback about potential solutions, because that will help us shape the draft document for the Mangawhai Town Plan,” he says.

There will be formal consultation on the draft plan, when it is completed, around June 2017.

ENDS

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