Proposed boundary change between Western Bay and Tauranga
The Local Government Commission is calling for submissions on proposals for three possible alterations to the boundary between Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City.
The Commission has released a short consultation document relating to each of the three proposed changes. You can read these on the LGC website here, or view in hard copy at any Western Bay service centre. Submissions close 31 July 2020.
The proposed changes would result in:
- approximately 260 hectares, adjoining State Highway 36 including Keenan Road, Gasson Lane and part of Merrick Road;
- approximately 150 hectares, adjoining the Tauriko Business Estate around Belk Road; and,
- approximately 57 hectares, between the Tauranga Link Road and Tara Road at Papamoa.
that are currently within Western Bay of Plenty District becoming part of Tauranga City.
The proposed changes flow from an application to the Commission by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council to change the boundary between the district and the city at Tauriko West. The process of considering that application gave rise to the suggestion that these additional changes might also be timely.
The changes around Keenan Road relate to an area previously identified through Smartgrowth planning processes as a likely location for future residential development. Similarly the area around Belk Road has previously been signalled as a future area for the extension of the Tauriko Business Estate.
For these areas the change to the council boundaries is a preliminary step towards future urban development that has been signalled for some time. Their effect would be simply to bring the areas within the boundaries of the city. This would mean that a Tauranga City Council would be responsible for the planning and infrastructure decisions necessary for development to take place.
The area adjoining Tara Road at Papamoa has for some time been cut off from the rest of the Western Bay of Plenty District by the Tauranga Eastern link Road. The boundary alteration would make it part of the city along with neighbouring area of Papamoa.
“The Commission is keen to hear the views of interested members of the public on each of these proposals. The feedback received will be an important part of the information the Commission considers when it comes to deciding whether or not the changes should proceed”, said Lead Commissioner Janie Annear.
The Commission has arranged two public meetings for people interested in the Keenan and Belk Road proposals. These will be at the offices of Western Bay of Plenty District Council on 22 and 23 July starting at 7:00pm. There will also be a meeting for those interested in the Tara road proposal on 23 July at the Papamoa Community Centre, starting at 2:30pm.
People wishing to make submissions can do so by post to:
- The Local Government Commission, PO Box 5362, Wellington 6145
Or email to:
