The first of 11 public open days detailing Hamilton's new Draft District Plan was held yesterday.
The current District Plan, written in the late 1990s, is being reviewed to ensure it meets the future urban design, growth and development needs of Hamilton.
The open days will be held across the city, to share information and seek feedback about five key areas:
Business and central city
Natural hazards - floods and erosion
High voltage electricity lines
Ruakura structure plan
Significant trees, natural areas, cultural sites and heritage buildings.
Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker says the city's development blueprint, the District Plan, is one of the city's most important documents.
"It is the document that determines how our city looks and feels, and what the future of Hamilton will look like.
"It sets the guidelines and rules for what can be done and where it can be done.
"The purpose of these feedback meetings is to check we are on the right track with our thinking.
"The draft so far is very different to what we have now and the focus is on making sure we have a plan that takes Hamilton into the future."
The new Draft District Plan has an emphasis on quality urban design, and clearly defined areas for business, shops and offices, housing, industry and green spaces.
Letters are being sent to a range of city property owners and interested parties to ensure they are aware of particular issues which may impact on them, invite them to open days, and seek their views.
All feedback up to the closing date of June 1 will be used to help make final decisions on the city's draft plan, which will open for formal public submissions in late October.
For further information including dates for open days, to give feedback in an online forum, or to view and comment directly on the 726 page Draft District Plan visit www.hamilton.co.nz
