| 21 T T Sue Russell Major residential development for Levin Tara-Ika will be made up of a series of different subdivisions over time, with lots ranging in size to accommodate different housing forms. Horowhenua District Council: Tara-Ika REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT A significant residential development is unfolding on the eastern edge of Levin, promising to secure at least 3500 homes when it is completed. It’s an exciting project full of possibilities, with Horowhenua District Council’s engaged in leading the necessary District Plan Change and bringing services to Tara-Ika’s boundary, connecting it to the existing infrastructure network. Lauren Baddock, Council’s Integrated Growth and Planning Manager, says her connection with the 420ha block development stems back to 2018. The process of enabling Tara-Ika to proceed is a prescriptive one, set out in the Resource Management Act, determining Council’s role and responsibilities, and those of the developer. “There have been a number of steps, including consultation with iwi, public notification to provide submissions on environmental considerations and a hearing of independent experts. The project was selected in 2020 to receive Government funding from the Infrastructure Reference Group, managed by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing, previously known as Crown Infrastructure Partners. The fund was set up to enable recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.” Council funding amounts to $13million with the developers’ share deriving from development contributions. Through this funding, Lauren says, a number of benefits flow directly to the wider community, in the form of upgrading existing pipes and improving road safety with a new SH57/Tararua Road roundabout. When major housing developments, such as Tara-Ika are planned, developers understand they are responsible for the provision of infrastructure within the developments boundaries. “Developments of this nature are a good example of how the regulations enable partnership between private developers and Council, each carrying specific responsibilities. It’s Council’s role to provide enough zoned and serviced land to meet future demand for housing and business development.” Back in 2008 housing demand projections did not indicate great population growth, however from around 2015, the district began to experience population growth, given upgrading roading infrastructure, such as the Otaki to North Levin link, drawing people further north of Wellington/Kapiti. Then in early 2018, three owners independently approached Council to develop their piece of land. It made sense, Lauren says, that Council treated the three draft plans as one, for the purposes of working through the consenting pathway. “We realised it would generate around 1000 Lots and also saw there was an opportunity to develop open spaces, allocate spaces for a school, to better meet the demand that would eventually come from the community.” A master plan was produced which informed the subsequent development of structure and district plans. Public submissions were called from November 2020 to February 2021, followed a year later by a Hearing. “Commissioners released their decision which was adopted by Council, with a Plan Change becoming operative in March 2024. We now have the first 200 lot subdivision underway.” Tara-Ika will be made up of a series of different subdivisions over time, with lots ranging in size to accommodate different housing forms. A small scale neighbourhood shopping centre will be built, along with open recreational spaces. “With a range of different section sizes it will “We forecast population growth across the demographic spectrum, so Tara-Ika will reflect this in the diversity of people calling it home.” SERVICES WE OFFER: Certified Drain Laying Utility Service Connections HDPE Pipe Welding Dewatering – Pump Services Subdivisional Works Directional Drilling Engineering Services Traffic Management Proud to be a part of the Tara-Ika Development Project www.tatana.co.nz grow into a community accommodating different lifestyles. We forecast population growth across the demographic spectrum, so Tara-Ika will reflect this in the diversity of people calling it home.” A master plan of Tara-Ika is available on the Horowhenua District Council’s website which also provides up-to-date information on development milestones.
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