A commitment...

...to the local community

The publication of this Community Plan for Ngaruawahia and the
surrounding area is the result of the hard work and dedication of the
people who believe in the future of Ngaruawahia.

This belief is based on the collective view of Ngarauawahia as a close,

supportive community with beautiful people and beautiful places.
Nourished by its strong sense of history and culture, the potential of
the area for growth and development has been largely untapped.

The Ngaruawahia Community Plan, as it is presented, is a framework

for achieving a positive social, economic and environmental future for
the town and its surrounding area. It is a commitment to the local
community which requires the support of the people, service/
volunteer organisations, sports groups, Council, Government Agencies,
investors, and funding organisations… to ensure that the ideas for
Ngaruawahia are achieved.

This Plan is a collection of people’s thoughts and ideas - a series of

plans which signpost the desired future development of the area and
which will guide the actions of all involved. It identifies what we value
about Ngaruawahia and, therefore, what we wish to have protected.

The development of a Community Plan began with a series of

questions:

·· What makes Ngaruawahia special?

How can we safeguard what we value?
·· Which development opportunities are right for this area?
What kind of community do we want for our people?

Whilst we don’t have all the answers, this document represents the
combined views of those interested in the future of the town and
surrounding area. Some of the comments may not be supported by
you personally, but this plan is a collection of ideas and initiatives. The
challenge now is to build upon the ideas presented here and move
forward as community partners.

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 1
 Ngaruawahia new era
2 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
Local Leadership
The town’s future and the options and opportunities for development
were the key goals of the Ngaruawahia Community Board when, in
late 2000, it approved the concept of a community plan.

Through the Ngaruawahia Community Plan, the Board hopes to see a

framework developed for achieving a positive social, economic and
environmental future for the town and its surrounding area.

A Community Plan signposts desired future development of the area

and guides the actions of all involved. The Community Plan must:

·· identify and protect what we value about Ngaruawahia

be community-approved - its success is dependent on such
support.

A description of the Ngaruawahia Community planning process

begins on page 4.

Right at the start eight key themes emerged as the principle areas of
focus for the future, and these form the structure of this document
(detailed from page 7).

An outline of how this plan can work for you begins on page 28.

If you would like to know more about this document or if you wish to
contribute to the development of Ngaruawahia and the surrounding
area, please contact a Ngaruawahia Community Board member, or
talk to Council staff at the Ngaruawahia office.

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 3
 The Community Plan Process
In September 2000, the Ngaruawahia Community Board approved
the concept of a community plan to look at the town’s future and the
options and opportunities for development. The first stage involved
setting up a group of 40 or so local people who could work with
Council staff and the Community Board to investigate what such a
plan might cover and who may be involved.

A series of workshops were held during 2000/2001 which resulted in

the publication and distribution of a discussion document (a fore-
runner to the Community Plan) to seek feedback from the wider
community and their involvement in planning for the future of the
town and surrounding area. At its September 2001 meeting, the
Community Board approved the release of the discussion document
Ngaruawahia: A New Era for public consultation.

The ideas/issues/projects that were generated at the workshops were

presented in the document to enable discussion on priorities,
resources and action plans to take place. Eight key themes had
emerged as the principle areas of focus for the future:

·· Community care
Education and training
·· Employment
Environment
·· History and culture
Lifestyle choice
·· Promotion/image
Recreation and leisure

An invitation to participate in the consultation phase was sent to all

households in the target area, and the interest and views of the youth
of the town were captured at a session involving the High School
Student Council representatives.

Media interest in the plan process was high, and project team
representatives undertook to promote the public consultation phase
through direct contact with, for example, local clubs and
organisations. Effort was put into going out into the community to
talk with people “on their own patch” - at open forums (which were
only moderately well attended) and the Saturday-morning market day
stall.

At the close of the public consultation phase, 68 submissions had

been received on the draft document. Members of the project team
and Council staff spent the next few months analysing submissions
and preparing this Plan.

This plan represents those ideas and proposals which the community
- through the consultation process - have identified as priorities.
There is still much work to be done on turning ideas into action.

Ngaruawahia new era

4 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
 Time and time again, project team members kept returning to
discussions on what Ngaruawahia meant to them now, and in the
future. Many expressed the need for the positive promotion of the
town and surrounding area as a great place to live, to counter some
of the negative perceptions out in the wider community and country.
An open competition to find a catchphrase (slogan) for Ngaruawahia
was held during November/December 2001, to coincide with the
community plan development project.

One of the main reasons for running a slogan competition was to find
those few magic words which would help promote a positive image of
Ngaruawahia.

The competition generated good media coverage in terms of print,

radio and television, which supported a second reason for the
competition - to increase awareness of the community plan
development process.

As a marketing and promotional tool, the slogan will also be directed

outside of the town – to potential investors, new residents, visitors
and neighbours (other towns and councils).

As a result of this successful promotion, we believe that Ngaruawahia

residents will feel increasingly proud to be a part of this town.

From the 140 entries, six finalists were selected for the purposes of a
public vote, and the slogan which received the highest number of
votes was “Ngaruawahia - to the point”.

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What’s Next?
With the publication of this Plan, the Ngaruawahia Community Board
and its many community partners are poised to take advantage of the
high level of interest in the future of the town and surrounding area.

Read on and determine how you can participate in the development

of your town.

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 5
 What’s special about Ngaruawahia?
Located at the confluence of two mighty rivers – the Waikato and the
Waipa – Ngaruawahia is one of the oldest and most historic
settlements in the Waikato District.

Strong cultural ties have long been a characteristic of the township,

which is recognised as being the centre for Waikato Maori.

The town’s rich European heritage is evident in much of the

architecture.

The Point, the meeting place of the two rivers, offers picturesque
views of the bush-clad Hakarimata Range.

Ngaruawahia Taupiri Horotiu Waikato New Zealand

District
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Population 4,788 402 765 39,855 3,737,277

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Occupied dwellings 1,569 159 258 13,530
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Ethnicity: NZ Maori
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(as a percentage of local population) 55% 38% 24% 26% 14%
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Average Age 30.5 34.8 32.4 33.5 35.4
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Household income (average) $37,117 $34,188 $50,651 $18,300 $18,500

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Source: 2001 census figures - area unit basis

We think Ngaruawahia and the surrounding

areas are special because:

·· A great community
Country style ·· Sporting
A lot of facilities
·· Scenic – picturesque
Close and supportive ·· Beautiful people
Young artistic talent
·· Waikato/Waipa confluence
Friendliness ·· Native bush backdrop
Generations of families
·· Turangawaewae
Central location ·· Strongly bi-cultural
No ‘class’ barriers
·· Strong sense of community
Smaller communities co-operate better ·· Untapped potential
Historical significance
· Unique Esplanade and hill views
· Peace and quiet

Ngaruawahia new era

6 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
 Key Themes for Future Focus

Page
Community Care 8
·· Nurture our people - our youth and children, elderly
Safety and security issues
· Provide a community centre
- Art, culture, leisure, education
- Legal services, government agency representation
· Consultation

·
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Education and Training 12 Provide a range of opportunities for ‘learning’:

- Reach out to the world through the Internet
- Kohanga Reo
- Community centre
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Employment 14
· Support what’s here/new initiatives:
- Industry?
- A retail shopping centre?
- New business = new residents

·
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Environment 16 Preserve/promote what we have:

- Sculptures, trees, picnic areas, rivers, walkways,
township, wide roadways, remove litter…
· Return to the natural environment of the past
- Get rid of/improve the dump site

··
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History and Culture 20 Recognition of tradition

Protection of what we value – our taonga/treasure
· Turangawaewae Marae

·
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Lifestyle Choice 22 Promote as a great place…

- Unique
- Nurturing

·
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Promotion/Image 24 Tourism opportunities:

- River-based activities, festivals – a place for events
- Upgrade food/leisure retailers
- Marae
· Marketing:
- Skite about our place to the world
- Improve outsiders’ perceptions
- Stand-out signage

·
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Recreation and Leisure 26 Provide a range of activities:

- Sports, art academies, entertainment (a movie
theatre?), gymnasium, host international events
(eg softball)
· Promote participation

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 7
 Community Care
A strong social environment will generate a sense of belonging,
community health and well-being. Individuals of all ages, families and
groups will feel safe and nurtured and, through participation in
decision-making, will be more willing to work together for the
“common good”.

Project Priorities
Feedback during the public consultation phase identified the
following as project priorities.

Project/Initiative Project Description

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CC1
Identify priorities for youth

CC1(a)
Youth centre/night club · This needs to be explored with a cross section of youth in our
area. Many good ideas were put forward, most of these around
some form of recreational centre rather than a night club, many
felt that utilising existing facilities would work. e.g. Ngaruawahia
High School. It will not work without the participation of youth.

·
CC1(b)
Holiday programme Ngaruawahia already has an excellent Christmas holiday
programme. Some issues were raised around this – lack of
publicity, supervision, but on the whole it is well supported by
parents and children.

The Waikato Safer Communities Youth Action group has plans to

run holiday programmes during the second week of each school
holiday excluding Christmas.

More promotion needs to be done around the programmes so

that people are aware of them.
CC1(c)
Community based child care · Childcare facilities are important and again there seems to be little
knowledge of what if anything is available. We found Barnados,
Waikato Homebased Childcare, kohanga reo.

Not sure if this is a council issue or private enterprise.

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CC2
Identify priorities for aged persons

·
CC2(a)
What facilities are required? More consultation with the aged. General consensus was that
there was a lot available, but again, the publicity around facilities
and services was not the best. Senior Citizens, Whakapuukaha
Kaumatua, Care & Craft. Anglican Church provides frozen meals.
Meals on Wheels. Comments were made on increasing the feeling
of safety for aged in our community. Waikato Safer Communities
is planning a senior’s safety project in Ngaruawahia, Huntly and
Raglan.

Ngaruawahia new era

8 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
CC2(b)
A retirement village · Again more consultation needs to be done. Council provides 8
flats that are often vacant for long periods, there is no longer a
waiting list for these flats. Turangawaewae Marae provides housing
for the aged at the Papakainga.

Many people felt as one submitter put it – Population, culture and

climate would not support this.
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CC3
Establish a common venue for
social services

CC3(a)
A community centre or
community house for information
and education on Welfare services,
Legal advice, Counselling,
Employment.
· These services are well catered for in Ngaruawahia, there is a
group looking at joining several organisations together and
establishing a local community house. Information on existing
organisations needs more promotion.
There is a need for more general information on Ngaruawahia to
be available, local maps showing services, areas of interest.

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CC4
Make Ngaruawahia a safe, caring
town.

CC4(a)
Community education and
awareness to combat crime,
· This is an issue of great concern to people and is not unique to
Ngaruawahia. Many agencies such as Community Health already
do things in schools. Police have a role to play in this area.
alcohol and drug abuse.
Waikato Safer Communities has several projects planned around
these issues, but will need community support to make them
effective.
CC4(b)
More Police and policing
resources
· Visibility of Police was an issue that came through. Needs to be
looked at. How are Police allocated? Would it be beneficial to the
community to have Maori Wardens/Night Owls in addition to the
Police?

CC4(c)
Improve and maintain street lights.
Lights in residential areas and on
· This was the highest priority. Many streets in Ngaruawahia have
inadequate lighting with large dark areas between lights. People
feel unsafe at night due to the lack of lights.
rights of way.
Is this an area monitored by Council? How is it decided when new
lighting is needed?

CC4(d)
Have a footpath maintenance and
development programme,
· The Waikato District Council has a specific programme for kerb,
channelling and footpaths - ensure that the community has
identified the priority works.
including kerb and channelling.

CC4(e)
Remove open drains · A high priority. Open drains exist in various residential areas in
Ngaruawahia. They are a health and safety hazard.

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 9
 CC4(f)
Lower speed limits around
towns - especially by schools
· Speed limits are in place around town. This is a Police issue.

CC4(g)
Put in seating and toilets at
cemetery
· This project was highly rated. It was felt that these are needed
when there is a burial and also when people are spending time
with loved ones.
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CC5
Become a “participative”
community

CC5(a)
Encourage people to be active in · This is an ongoing issue as it is not possible to “make” people
active in the community. Groups have projects and events that
community events they hope people will want to get involved in. Many events could
benefit from better advertising.

CC5(b)
Ensure community consultation
· There is a sense of community not being listened to. More
consultation is wanted as the feeling that many that work for the
is working well for decision council do not live in Ngaruawahia so it is not “their community,”
making but just a place to work. Community Board is seen by many as
the bridging between council and community. More public
forums. Updates and information in newspapers (e.g. The North
Waikato Tatler) on things the Council is doing, was requested.

Other comments
· Many projects/priorities raised in this area needed more consultation, particularly initiatives around youth and
the elderly.
·· It was found that there was a huge lack of knowledge around what is available within Ngaruawahia.
Most ideas require further investigation.
· Many organisations lack adequate publicity for projects and services that they have available.

Ngaruawahia new era

10 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
. Your notes

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 11
 Education and Training
Providing access to life-long learning opportunities and recognising
the value of varied educational experiences will mean that people of
all ages will have choice.

Project Priorities
Feedback during the public consultation phase identified the
following as project priorities.

Project/Initiative Project Description

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ET1
Maximise existing and potential/
new educational services

ET1(a)
After-school programmes
for homework/tutoring
· Viewed as a joint school and parent initiative with funding from
central government. The Ngaruawahia High School have a similar
programme in place. Extension of programme to upskill
community too.
ET1(b)
Establish a text book library/swap
centre
· Good idea to establish in the high school with parent and teacher
participation. Resources at library are good. Suggest utilising the
Community Centre as central point.

ET1(c)
Provide community education
programmes through schools
· This received the highest support under education and training.
Comments support resource people and good parenting
programmes to be established. Decision is not up to the town to
make.

ET1(d)
Share resources · Obvious support for resources to be shared within the
community. Who would liaise and control over-all? Groups
cannot be forced to share. What are the resources? Possible
extension to include halls, playgrounds and gymnasium.

ET1(e)
Art academy · Supported. Annual floral festival currently held at Turangawaewae
Marae. Suggestions to include this with the local high school and/
or museum. Diversify the arts by including cooking. Don’t limit to
just Maori art.
ET1(f)
Sports academy · Sports programme already at Ngaruawahia High School. Some
sports events held at Hopuhopu too. Is the programme at
Ngaruawahia High School limited to pupils? Should it be
extended to include the community?

Ngaruawahia new era

12 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
ET2
Improve access to technology

ET2(a)
Introduce senior net/computer
training for aged persons
· Indication that this is offered as night classes at Ngaruawahia High
School. Seen as a user pays activity. If training was set-up, liaise
with Ngaruawahia High School. Suggestion to set up an internet
café in town.

ET2(b)
More public computers in library
· Mixed comments. Five indicated fewer computers - consider them
a luxury and suggesting more funding be put into community
and Council offices activity rather than computers. There were only 2 comments to
increase public access to computers in libraries and offices.

ET2(c)
More computers in schools and · Comments indicate computer technology in schools is sufficient.
Funded by Central Government and other funding channels are
the knowledge to teach available to schools. Liaise with the schools in the town and ask
technology. what they want?
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ET3
Train for life, not just for work

ET3(a)
Parenting and family skills courses · This received the highest priority in the Education and Training
theme. Some services in town offer these courses. Consider doing
something through the high school. Similar courses are offered in
Huntly and Hamilton, need to have that in Ngaruawahia. Lots of
gaps in this area, education needs to be started at home and
greatly needed for teenagers.

All comments indicate support in this.

Other comments
·· Integrate the High School in Community Board and Council initiatives.
Consider implementing horticultural organic education within the schools. Start a garden/tree program to teach
children and get them interested.

○
· ○
Encourage people within the community with specialist skills to be utilised
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. Your notes

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 13
 Employment
Long term economic growth is a priority, with an emphasis on
providing for small-scale business opportunities and encouraging a
diverse range of full-time, part-time and self-employment opportunities
– a balance of economic development and protection of the
environment.

Project Priorities
Feedback during the public consultation phase identified the following
as project priorities.

Project/Initiative Project Description

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EM1
Attract more commerce/industry

EM1(a)
Encourage food franchises to set
up - McDonald’s? More than fish
· Majority of those surveyed did not respond to a time-frame. In
addition, 11.76% voted “no” to encouraging food franchises such
as McDonalds. Possibly because it could be detrimental to local
and chips? food outlets, local cafés employing local people would be more
beneficial. Indication of encouraging healthy lifestyles and healthy
eating into the town.
EM1(b)
Shopping centre/mall? · 14.71% said “no”. There is a concern for local businesses and the
village feel idea being lost. Concern also with vandalism if a nice,
new building is built. Concern also with the bypass and how that
may affect future business.

Only 17.65% in favour of having a shopping centre/mall.

EM1(c)
Promote a café culture
· This is supported. Put in the right place this could be very
successful. Local cafés, supporting local businesses employing
local people!

EM1(d)
Encourage craft outlets · Strong support for local arts, local talent and an industry to
employ local people. Consider the floral festival at Turangawaewae
marae and the local arts and crafts centre. Lots of talent in the
area, use of Maori arts.

EM1(e)
Develop theme/character of
business areas
· Indication to have a positive affect on the community whole. A
theme would assist in community involvement and may
consolidate the current village character.
EM1(f)
Must not impinge on environment/
lifestyle – needs to reflect the
· Strong support for local character and consultation with the
public. Consideration of local heritage, Maori and European, and
the community voice.
character of the town and the full
consultation with the public.

Ngaruawahia new era

14 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
EM2
Ensure Ngaruawahia is open

EM2(a)
Stronger promotion of the
Saturday morning market in
· The 4th highest priority over-all. 54% supported in relation to 4%
opposed. Suggestions include: market could be more diversified,
needs to be extended to include some sports and children’s activities.
Jesmond Street Great potential to be very successful and is supported greatly by
locals. Public awareness of current problems with the retailers and
stall holders. Great potential for this if conflicts were resolved.

EM2(b)
Can the shops open longer hours
to cater for local and travelling
· Support for longer hours, but for locals to use, not necessarily
travellers. Definite support for a chemist to be open during the
weekends and extending the hours of the medical centre.
customers?

EM2(c)
Make it easy for customers to have
access to business
· Applies to the availability of car parking rather than direct access
to shopping centres. Suggestion to utilise lease shops for youth
centre.

EM2(d)
Relocate pedestrian crossing at
· Comments for this indicate that the crossing should be relocated
because of safety. Where to relocate the crossing is the next
Pharo’s corner consideration. School bus and Hamilton buses currently stop at
the crossing. Council has considered moving the crossing in the
past but no action was taken.

EM2(e)
Consult on roading developments · Mixed comments on this indicate consultation is welcomed with
the public. Statistics and support are the same as for relocating
the pedestrian crossing (above).

EM2(f)
Keep width of roads · Strong support in keeping roads as they are. Consideration to slow
down traffic, and possibly review widths of SH1 in 4 years or so.
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EM 3
Sponsorship of community
activities by local businesses

EM3(a)
Sponsorship of community
activities by local businesses
· Indications that some businesses already sponsor community
activities and that it is voluntary. Issues of expense to local
businesses to be considered too.

EM3(b)
Paid/unpaid employment training
· Some of this already happening e.g. Task Force Green projects.
Local knowledge, local support, local employment – the benefits are
and work experience offered kept locally. Establish group projects to create community pride,
through schools, agencies. community achievements and ownership of community projects.

Other comments
· Obvious support for local employment initiatives. Consideration of establishing eco-friendly businesses and
utilising eco-tourism using the natural environment and utilising the cultural importance of the land and rivers.
·· Consider a watercress farm hydro, horticulture and agricultural farming.
Café culture with a difference – implement a Maori theme, a café that looks like a marae and serve traditional
food.
·· Important to recognise ‘other’ cultures, not just Maori.
Encourage promotion, stall and one-off regular entertainment or promotional items to get people into
Ngaruawahia.
· Attract light industries, but not heavy industries. Danger and fear of losing scenery (ranges and rivers) with the
development of industry in town.
· Strategize with something uniquely different, which is not available in Hamilton,
and establish a community recreational centre with adventure activities and tourism.
Ngaruawahia new era
A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 15
 Environment
We need to achieve a balance between growth and development
and the protection of the environment. We will not accept the
detrimental affects of commerce or industry on our lifestyle,
recreation or tourism opportunities. The key features of
Ngaruawahia’s natural and physical environment are the river and
the Hakarimata ranges.

What is our vision for Ngaruawahia’s physical environment?

The approach to improving/enhancing Ngaruawahia’s physical

environment must be co-ordinated and planned. There are many
aspects which must be considered to make the vision for
Ngaruawahia’s physical environment successful. These aspects
include:

· The look of the town, as you drive into and through it (State
Highway 1).
· The long-term health of our waterways, including the banks of
the river.
· The management and protection of the Hakarimata ranges to
maintain their integrity as native New Zealand bush.
· The maximisation of economic opportunity from our physical
environment without detrimental impact.
· The education of the entire community about the uniqueness of
our environment and how to care for it.

Co-ordination is the key. A plan of the town - enhancing the

colonial architecture, minimising the impact of the railway,
eco-sourcing plants for the riverbanks and linking all of this to an
environmental education and protection plan - is the best way
forward.

Project Priorities
Feedback during the public consultation phase identified the
following as project priorities.

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16 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
Project/Initiative Project Description
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EV1
Clean up the river and riverbanks

EV1 (a)
Establish native plantings on the
riverbanks – return to the original
· This is the highest priority project. The community can participate
most in this project. The redevelopment of the banks needs to be
incorporated into an overall plan for the community. All plantings
vegetation should be eco-sourced. Schools and community groups could be
mobilised to take responsibility for a section of riverbank and take
responsibility for the planting and weeding while the plants are
being established. There is also an opportunity for tourism in
terms of linking walkways by the river to the Te Araroa project.
EV1 (b)
The Point – Landscaping, flowers · Considerable achievements have already been made in this area.
There is some work still to be completed; for example, the Squash
Club mural needs to be completed. The Squash Club building
contributes almost nothing to the ambience of The Point; the
incomplete mural exacerbates this. The railway track needs to be
hidden/tidied up with small shrubs or trees. There is an
overgrowth of weeds around the buttresses by the bridge which
should/could be replaced with flowering plants.

As lots of work has been done at the point in recent years, it was
felt this is not as high priority as EV1 (a) and that the few points
noted above can be completed over the next 5 years.

·
EV1(c)
Transform the dumpsite – flowers, We understand that there are severe limits to utilising this land
concept gardens – purchase because of its previous life as a dumpsite. Therefore, this area is
additional land? not a high priority. Until more can be done, it should be
maintained as a tidy green space. Again, the outlook might
improve with trees used to screen the railway track, which is
untidy.
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EV2
Beautify public areas

EV2 (a)
Prepare a development plan for
State Highway 1 - fountain, sculp-
· This project links with the plan to redevelop the river and
ture, trees, paving ?
riverbanks and needs to be part of the overall plan for the physical
look of the town and surrounding areas. The colonial look of the
buildings in Ngaruawahia needs to be enhanced. The
redevelopment of the flour mill and bakery would further enhance
a colonial look. The streets of Ngaruawahia could be paved in a
uniquely Waikato (iwi) design to incorporate Maori images. A
native tree could be chosen as a symbol of Ngaruawahia and used
as a cornerstone to any further landscaping in the town centre, at
the entry points into the town and on private property so that a
theme could be created.

EV2 (b)
Improve the railway bridge
– use it as a point of character
· This is not a high priority project. The bridge certainly looks odd
now that it has been repaired. However there are significant cost
constraints to any further work being done. Therefore, we believe
it is something the community will have to live with.

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 17
 EV2 (c)
Ban cars from Jesmond Street · Almost all submitters rejected this suggestion. As was stated by
one submitter, the ease of parking is a positive aspect of small
town shopping. This initiative should not proceed any further in
the community plan.
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EV3
Encourage beautification of
private property
· In general, beautifying private property is difficult to prescribe.
Individual homeowners will always be constrained by their own
financial capability, physical ability and understanding of garden
and home maintenance. Private property owners can be assisted
by inorganic rubbish collections.

EV3 (a)
Annual best garden/best street
competitions
· This competition already exists. It should be expanded to include
the best school and the best commercial/industrial site.

EV3 (b)
Establish a common theme (colour
plantings, hanging baskets) for
· One of the worst aspects of the Ngaruawahia Township is the state
of the commercial buildings. We understand Cambridge insists
commercial building owners use a restricted pallet of colours,
businesses to follow which enhance the look of the town and contribute to the theme
of the town. Ngaruawahia would benefit from this sort of
intervention. This is a high priority project, which needs to be
incorporated into the overall plan for Ngaruawahia.
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·
EV4
Prepare an environmental It is understood that Environment Waikato and the Department of
education and protection plan Conservation hold a lot of the information, which could be
incorporated into an environmental education and protection
plan. A plan, once written, could be turned into teaching
resources for schools and community groups.

EV4 (a)
Work with schools on local
projects
· This project links with the plan to clean up the river and
riverbanks. This is a high priority project because of the long-term
benefits to the environment. By improving education of young
people about the environment, they are better equipped to care
for the environment.

EV4 (b)
Take part in national environment
/conservation activities
· This is a good idea. Generally, national activities are promoted by
television advertising campaigns, for example, Clean Up New
Zealand. This sort of campaign can be utilised to coincide with a
project in Ngaruawahia, such as cleaning up the riverbanks, or
planting the riverbanks. Again, this type of project would need a
co-ordinated approach to be successful. Council staff, community
identities, community organisations could co-ordinate activities
during these campaigns.
EV4 (c)
Ensure commercial/industrial
activities do not have an adverse
· The community relies on the Resource Management Act to act as
protector in activities such as those above. The community has
effect on our land, water or air. little power over businesses, which existed prior to the Resource
Management Act.

Ngaruawahia new era

18 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
EV4 (d)
Stop quarry defacing hillside · This initiative was clearly supported by the majority of submitters.
We understand that the ranges are part of the Department of
Conservation estate and believe that they should be protected.
The difficulty with the quarries is that not only do they create an
eye sore as they are being quarried but they also create cliff faces
which makes walking through the bush that much more
dangerous.

Other comments
· Prohibit further subdivision of the Hakarimata foothills. It seems pointless protecting the ranges from quarrying
if we are going to allow a proliferation of houses on the ranges.
·· Community permaculture garden. Hamilton Permaculture Trust could provide guidance on how to do this.
Fill in drains. Open drains still exist in various parts of Ngaruawahia, particularly in residential areas. They are
a health and safety hazard.
· Recycling. Raglan has a system for recycling. Ngaruawahia needs to take responsibility for its waste and
recycling is a good first step.

All of these ideas require further investigation.

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. Your notes

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 19
 History and Culture
The history, culture and tradition of the Ngaruawahia area is a
taonga/treasure to be preserved, respected and celebrated. The
special place of Turangawaewae and the influence of emerging
cultures is to be acknowledged and fostered.

Overall the strong pull is for the history to reflect both Maori and
European. The museum is a must and this would help our
community to learn and to know the history of Ngaruawahia, to
bring employment and visitors and locals together. A centre which
would bring people together to enjoy, also resource material put
together for the schools to come and do projects on our history/
culture.

Project Priorities
Feedback during the public consultation phase identified the
following as project priorities.

Project/Initiative Project Description

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HC1
Celebrate Ngaruawahia’s history
and culture

HC1(a) HCI(d)
Establish an annual celebration/
cultural co-ordinator or
· Views on this are divided, an annual celebration is only partly
done by the Regatta. We need support, funding, people to do the
hard yards to organise a celebration (being the centre of Tainui),
committee
but also to work in with the European side of our community.
This would be supported well if it was at the Point and at a
different time from the Regatta e.g. talent quest, kapa haka contest,
etc.

To bring out the talent in the young and old and also encourage
the two races to come together at a centre point - The Point,
Ngaruawahia.

·
HC1(b)
Promote the use of Maori and This is not a high priority, the community is divided here. We do
English for signage and an not need to clutter signs. But as for the language, more people
everyday language would like to learn if we could have a place for people to teach
English/Maori language.
HC1(c)
Prepare resource material for
schools
· A great deal of support for this - not only for local history, but
education packs about the area and council.

HC1(e)
Establish a carving school/shop
· This is a very high priority and needs a location, teachers and
funding and something that is well supported by most. We have
very good carvers in Ngaruawahia, at Hopuhopu, and with the
right resources this is a must. Perhaps attached to a shop to bring
in an income and for the tourists to visit.

Ngaruawahia new era

20 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
HC2
Preserve places/things of historical
significance

HC2(a)
Identify places of significance/
taonga and prepare plans for their
· This is a high priority. It should carry on from the heritage trail
and include Maori as well as European places of history that are
within the town. The Community Board has started looking this
preservation way at The Point with the heritage trail. It needs to carry on.

HC2(b)
Establish a local museum - the
bakery?
· This is a must, but not the bakery. Most people think the bakery
should be tidied up and maybe used as a carving school. A
museum would need to be on the main road with easy access for
tourists etc. To build a whare or meeting house with the history of
Maori within the town and also bring in the European history as
well. We would need to work closely with the community to get
this right as it could work within an information centre/museum
side by side within an area that is easy for locals, tourists to enjoy
and learn from.

HC2(c)
Identify the historical/cultural
character of the town and apply a
common theme to businesses,
signage, etc.
· This would have to be done by the Council and businesses
working together. The community would like to see the town
blend. We have a great building with the Council office so we
should get together with the business people and maybe paint and
colour our town to blend together as one. Maybe look at a giant
waka at the entrance of Ngaruawahia.

. Your notes

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 21
 Lifestyle Choice
With its geographical location and lifestyle, recreation and
employment opportunities, Ngaruawahia’s future population growth
will be planned for and welcomed. Growth will be managed without
detrimentally affecting the environment - whilst providing a range of
housing and lifestyle choices for a growing community.

Project Priorities
Feedback during the public consultation phase identified the
following as project priorities.

Project/Initiative Project Description

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LC1
Promote Ngaruawahia as a
lifestyle choice
· Highest priority in this project. Obvious importance of location in
relation to cities and other outlying areas e.g. beach. Possible
considerations could include the choice to live in rural area and
yet work in a city. Importance of cost of living in Ngaruawahia
LC1(a)
compared to living in Hamilton. Choice and availability of the
Easy commuting distance to rural aspect, hills and tress and view of the Hakarimata ranges.
Hamilton and North Choice of living in the ‘village’ rather than the ‘city’.

· Real estate is definitely affordable as opposed to Hamilton City

property prices. In conjunction with the LC1(a), both factors
contribute to the high percentage of support.
LC1(b)
Well-priced real estate-magnificent
scenery · The heritage, culture, character and history of the town contribute
to the ‘village’ feel. Health and lifestyle are important factors for
promoting lifestyle choice. Keeping a balance between occupying
the land and still keeping the environment in its natural state is
vital.

· Consideration that buying locally doesn’t mean people will take

part in local activities.

LC1(c)
Promotion through estate agents,
· All good ideas to promote. Too much promotion may lose the
‘village’ feel, word of mouth is best compliment. Keep in balance
advertisements on TV? At movies? with LC1(a) and LC1(b) .
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LC2
Identify Ngaruawahia’s character
and build upon it.

LC2(a)
Encourage a common theme with
business, signage
· Ngaruawahia is already known through Maori networks because
of its history and Turangawaewae Marae. Build on the theme
already established through history.

Encourage the creative flair of people within the community and

bring diversity into the town. Not just the Maori history, include
other cultures that live in the community too. But don’t forget the
original heritage of the town and its importance to the people who
are here now and who have passed on.

Ngaruawahia new era

22 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
LC2(b)
Develop a ‘village concept’ for
(new) works programmes.
· Support for this concept even though comments suggest the
community don’t know what it is, means or represents.

This may be read in conjunction to LC1(a) and LC1(b) and

interpreted as an extension of the rural lifestyle.
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LC 3
Ensure maintenance and
development plans are in place for
major infrastructure

LC3(a)
Footpaths, bridges, roading
networks
· Strong support for this. Cleaning footpaths, painting the bridge,
murals in town and general beautification of the town including
planing of wild flowers and shrubs.

Question in relation to the future of the railway bridge. Also, what

are Council’s responsibilities for current and future footpaths,
bridges and roading networks.

LC3(b)
Recreation facilities
· Support for this in relation to the District Plan provisions and
responsibilities, Part of the annual plan process in relation to
funding to build recreation facilities. Consider liaison with the
current recreational groups and recreational facilities in town.
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LC4
Accommodate a variety of lifestyle
choices

LC4(a)
Establish ‘community’ areas for
vegetable gardens, fruit trees
· Support for this, and comments relating to contribution from
whom and over-all control of such a project. Suggestions include
a permaculture co-operative garden. This could be part of the
maintained as an ‘allotment’. community house project or part of the Resource Centre project.
Encourage youth participation and could be included in the
parenting and family skills course (ET3(a)).

One comment that a similar project was established but it wasn’t

successful due to lack of interest.

Other comments
· Ngaruawahia has a unique feeling and cannot be appreciated until you become a part of it. Promote business
growth that is beneficial to the community. Tidy up the town and use local contractor for street cleaning needs
e.g. Saturday markets, and shop frontages could be cleaned up.
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. Your notes

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A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 23
 Promotion/Image
How do we want others to see us? Promoting Ngaruawahia as the
very best place to live, work, invest and visit will showcase the area
(and its people) to the rest of the world.

Project Priorities
Feedback during the public consultation phase identified the follow-
ing as project priorities.

Project/Initiative Project Description

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IM1
Be proud to be associated with
Ngaruawahia

IM1(a)
Promote pride in our town · Combination of environmental, healthy living, friendly, caring,
keeping the town clean factors, and good public relations.

IM1(b)
Assistance to new-comers
· High support for this, but only six comments. Three of the six
suggest neighbourhood responsibility, one suggests Council send
information to neighbours and the last two query in what way can
assistance be given.

IM1(c)
A warm welcome for visitors · The highest priority in this project and only seven comments. Two
comments refer to neighbours already doing this, better signage
may give the appearance of a warm welcome. Council could send
information to new residents in the town.

IM1(d)
Community care ideas · Suggestions include consider with the Community Care theme,
neighbourhood initiative. Consider free rent for certain period for
needy people.

·
IM1(e)
Support for local initiatives, clubs Suggestion that marae tours be part of this and the inclusion of a
and organisations boat on the river. One comment enquiring if it will be similar to
the flea market scenario.
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IM2
Highlight bi-cultural or multi-
cultural nature of area

IM2(a)
Signage in English and Maori · Mixed comments including: just English, why not Japanese, Chinese,
Indian and Arabic.

IM2(b)
Aim for correct pronunciation of
Maori language
· Comments suggest school, parents and family should do this, not
Council, and include English pronunciation too.

IM2(c)
Acknowledge the contribution of
· Focus on cultural awareness and bi-culturalism first, and
responsibility of each individual to acknowledge the contribution of
all cultures and ethnic groups to other cultures.
the community.

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24 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
IM2(d)
Promotion of information waka
at The Point, the railway station
· More comments about where the station was, and what railway
station. More promotion on The Point and information is
available, maps showing historical sites were requested.
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IM3
Be attractive to visitors, investors,
residents

IM3(a)
Beautification ideas
· Comments in support of this. Consider flower trials at both ends
of town, painting buildings like the Delta, and the railway bridge.

IM3 (b)
Get rid of the roller doors
· Questions raised in relation to the need for the doors as a result
of vandalism. If vandalism is stopped, then remove doors.
Comments support roller doors as an insurance precaution and/
or requirement. Painted roller doors look ok, could be enhanced
with hanging baskets. Consider video surveillance, but who would
pay for it? Doors could be cleaned and repainted occasionally.

IM3(c)
Tidy up the commercial/retail · Specifically the Grants building and Waipa Hotel.

areas

IM3(d)
Encourage a tourism collective
· Urgently, consider Turangawaewae Marae. Comment relating to
commercial activity.

IM3(e)
Focus on promoting the river
· Yes, urgently.

IM3(f)
Encourage a pavement café culture
· Good idea. Some suggestions that this is being offered now.
Cautionary comments on unemployed loitering. Consider a café
on The Point?

IM3(g) · Two comments – one said yes and the other no!

·
Prepare a marketing strategy
Idea of signage is supported - the new slogan could be utilised.
IM3(h) Consider using colour too. Sign on both ends of the town. Could
Adequate signage be seen as negative rather than positive.

IM3(i)
Old bakery – convert into arts and
· Idea is supported. Question arises to who will pay for the
conversion. Suggestions include using the Grants building.
Consider a museum too.
craft centre, information centre

Other comments
·· Reflect on the image of King Tawhiao and consider the strong Maori links in that.
Tourist potential if old bakery was renovated and used as arts and crafts centre. Potential for Maori culture
promotion/marae type café.

○
· ○
Overall support for the township and marketing Ngaruawahia positively.
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. Your notes

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A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 25
 Recreation and Leisure
A vibrant arts and crafts culture will be fostered and promoted.
Participation in a range of recreational and leisure activities will be
encouraged, with maximum use made of facilities and the natural
environment for local, national and international users.

Project Priorities
Feedback during the public consultation phase identified the
following as project priorities.

Project/Initiative Project Description

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RL1
Identify the recreation needs

RL1(a)
What further work is needed at
The Point
· More seating around, and close by, the playground, more
equipment for under fives.

RL1 (b)
Skateboard park on the main road · No. This has now been taken care of by the Ngaruawahia
Community Board as it has been decided to do a skatepark at The
Point.

·
RL1(c)
Expand the public swimming pool Most people would like a heated pool, but not a high priority. If
possible, it would allow the pool to be open longer hours.

RL1(d)
Build a BMX track · Yes, most think this needed. There was a lot of mention about the
track in Old Taupiri Rd, but this needs to be checked out.

RL1(e)
Build a sports/gym complex · Yes, this is supported. But most people think it would be good to
extend the high school gym and then both the school and
community can have full use of it. Another suggestion is to build a
youth sports club, on to the War Memorial Hall.
RL1(f)
A movie theatre (drive-in) · This is a low priority. The people who can remember the old
picture theatre said it would be nice to have one but not a
drive-in, and it would take a lot of funding and resources.

RL1(g)
River cruises · This would be a great idea but maybe a private operator should
pick this one up.

RL1(h)
Bush walks · We have bush walks at present but there is just not enough
advertising done in this area. No information centre for people to
know what we have to offer. Tourists that visit over the weekends
have no knowledge of the area.
RL1(i)
Glowworm trips - Hakarimata · Same as above - more advertising. Most said they have never
seen, or know of, glowworms in the Hakarimata.
RL1(j)
Fishing piers · With Council trying to get a fishing pier on the Waipa River side,
we should look at a different area, along the Waikato River. If that
one does not happen then maybe out from the squash club, or
close to the boat ramp across from the Marae.

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26 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
RL1(k)
Youth centre/night club · The idea of a youth centre is popular, as long as it is run correctly
and by the right people, to educate the youth and get them
involved in community activities. The night club idea is not
popular, at all, as alcohol and nightclub activities need to be
policed correctly.

RL1(l)
Bring sports clubs together
· This is a mixed bag. The people who have done a lot of hard
work and who are proud of their club would not see this as a
good idea.

RL2
Set up art gallery/community
complex
· Yes, this would be great, and the Twin Rivers Arts Council is
working on this. Extend to an information centre, make it like a
tourist attraction to visit and the displays available for purchase.

RL2(a)
Provide venue training/displays · This also relates to the above. There is a lot of talent in
Ngaruawahia and this could be done in conjunction with the high
school.
RL2(b)
Centre for performing arts/dance
and music
· Yes, this would be a great event at The Point, youth centre or
Turangawaewae. There is plenty of talent here and with the right
resources this could be a great idea.

RL2(c)
Annual talent quests · Most think Turangawaewae Marae does this, but we need to get
more local input into this.

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RL3
Establish Ngaruawahia centre for
sports/leadership

RL3(a)
Work with existing clubs/school/
teams
· Is this what Sport Waikato are trying to achieve?

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RL 4
Ngaruawahia as a destination for
adventure

RL4(a)
Have an Outward Bound style · Yes, this would be great. Maybe work in with the Christian Youth
Camp or find an area close to the Hakarimata and the river e.g.
course hiking in the Hakarimata, biking, canoeing on the Waikato River -
this could be done by the Youth Centre and run by the young
people.
RL4(b)
Utilise the river for recreation · This is up to the general public if they choose to use the river.

RL4(c)
Build a luge run from the
· As funny as this sounds, there was some support for this idea. But
as for the environment, it would not be good for the Hakarimata.
Hakarimata We would be better to promote the Hakarimata as a peaceful and
delightful bush walk.

. Your notes

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A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 27
 How will this community
plan work?
Local Leadership…
The Ngaruawahia Community Plan, as it is presented, is a framework
for achieving a positive social, economic and environmental future for
the town and its surrounding area. It is a commitment to the local
community which requires the support of the people, service/
volunteer organisations, sports groups, Council, Government
Agencies, investors, and funding organisations… to ensure that the
ideas for Ngaruawahia are achieved.

This Plan is a collection of people’s thoughts and ideas - a series of

plans which signpost the desired future development of the area and
which will guide the actions of all involved. It identifies what we value
about Ngaruawahia and, therefore, what we wish to have protected.

The development of a Community Plan began with a series of

questions:
·· What makes Ngaruawahia special?
How can we safeguard what we value?
··Which development opportunities are right for this area?
What kind of community do we want for our people?

Whilst we don’t have all the answers, this document represents the
combined views of those interested in the future of the town and
surrounding area. Some of the comments may not be supported by
you personally, but this plan is a collection of ideas and initiatives. The
challenge now is to build upon the ideas presented here and move
forward as community partners.

This Community Plan will:

· focus community debate and get people involved in making

decisions and taking responsibility for Ngaruawahia and the
surrounding area
· set direction and common goals, promote consensus and avoid
division
· safeguard the community and protect what we value about the
environment
· capture all good ideas and secure external funding for suitable
initiatives
· assist Community Board decision-making and allow more effective
use of ratepayer funds
·· help avoid haphazard development
help influence Waikato District Council’s programme of works
during its annual and long-term planning processes
· identify opportunities for individuals and groups to contribute to
future development.

Regularly reporting on and updating this Plan will enable the

community to record achievements, and to check that the identified
priorities are still correct. It will also be a chance to include new
information and new ideas.

Ngaruawahia new era

28 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
…Local Action

The Plan will be used to secure support from within and outside the
community for funding for specific projects, and will be reported on
regularly to the Community Board and the public. A suggested annual
review will enable success to be measured (and celebrated), and
information to be checked and updated. There’s plenty of opportunity
for your involvement at every stage of the process.

Individuals, groups and others will be able to pick up leads and develop
new activities that provide goods and services, and which may lead to
employment creation. The Community Board will take an active role in
promoting the Plan to the community and, where appropriate, facilitating
project development.

This Community Plan – a collection of thoughts and ideas for future

direction – is a community-owned document. It is a framework which
can be used to guide decision-making for local planning purposes.

For example, individuals and groups who may be searching for a

community project to undertake could use the Plan to determine
priorities for action or to support their requests for external funding.

As part of the Council’s planning process, the Ngaruawahia Community

Board could use the Plan to determine local priorities and to recommend
future work programmes to Council. In turn, for its annual and longer-
term work programmes, the Waikato District Council will need to take
into account the principles and priorities of the local community, as
outlined in the Community Plan and Council’s own Strategic Plan. The
Council could use the Community Plan as a basis for developing new
policies for desired growth within the District.

Others who have an interest in the future of Ngaruawahia and the

surrounding area will also find the Community Plan an essential planning
guide, these include:

·· Government Agencies
Other Councils
·· Developers/investors
Visitors and tourists.

Who will have access to the Plan?

This Community Plan is readily available from local offices and shops –
with the Council’s office on Galileo Street as the focal point for
information and advice.

The Council undertakes to give a copy of this Plan to every new

property owner in the local area, and to supply a copy to those
enquiring at any Council office or library about any kind of development
or activity for Ngaruawahia and the surrounding area.

Ngaruawahia new era

A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 29
 How will progress and success be measured?
A central record of activity will be kept at the Council’s office in
Galileo Street, and, through the Ngaruawahia Community Board,
progress will be reported to the community on at least a quarterly
basis. Maintenance of the Plan will keep it up to date and ‘alive’.

Maintaining the integrity of the Plan and monitoring its use is a

necessary part of the implementation. A review of the Plan’s
achievements and confirmation of the next highest priorities will be
carried out by the Community Board at a time to coincide with the
preparation of Council’s annual plan budgeting process.

A major review of this Community Plan may be called for by the

community, or by the Community Board, which will again involve
public consultation and input.

How well the whole process is working will be evaluated by Council

staff who, as part of the Council’s own strategic planning processes,
are required to report to the Council on the way in which a locally
developed plan is being utilised.
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How can new ideas be incorporated?

This is your personal copy of the Community Plan – you may use it
to keep a record of your activities and ideas. The central record of
activity, maintained by Council staff, will form the basis of the
quarterly reports to the community and the annual review for the
Community Board.

The Ngaruawahia: A New Era Project Team will also have a part to
play in ensuring that the plan is ‘working’ – that the concepts are
keeping up with current thinking.

All comments on, or contributions to, this Community Plan should be

made to Council staff at the Ngaruawahia Office.
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. Your notes

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30 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia
. Your notes

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A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia 31
 . Your notes

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32 A Community Plan for Ngaruawahia