Western Bay's future growing up

By ROSALEEN MACBRAYNE

Intensified development in existing urban areas will be the face of the future in Tauranga and the surrounding Western Bay of Plenty.

A draft strategy for the next 50 years released by the SmartGrowth planning group, predicts the brakes will go on the relentless suburban sprawl of the past decade or so.

"People don't want the farmland used up for building cities," SmartGrowth project manager Ken Tremaine said.

But he said that although residential building would go up rather than out, most would be low-rise and medium density - about 30 dwellings to the hectare, compared with 100 for high-rise apartments and 15 in greenfield areas.

In 50 years, Tauranga would be the fourth largest centre in New Zealand, after Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

As well as protecting the unique natural environment people went to the sub-region to enjoy, tighter controls were needed on productive rural land now under pressure from urban expansion, Mr Tremaine said.

SmartGrowth was launched two years ago to co-ordinate future planning for the rapidly growing area.

The Tauranga and Western Bay District Councils and Environment Bay of Plenty approved the draft strategy yesterday and it is now up for public consultation.

Submissions close next month and approval of the final strategy is expected in April. The blueprint is for a shift from low- to more compact medium-density living in urban areas.

Mr Tremaine said high-rise apartments would continue in the centre of Tauranga, but would be cut back closer to the coast.

"You have to take care they don't act as a barrier between the water and the houses behind."

He was adamant Tauranga would not be a Hong Kong in 50 years time.

"Kiwis would never tolerate that. They want to have contact with the ground. There is a lifestyle that is uniquely New Zealand - a lot of green space, light and air, and a passion to live near the water."


Plan of action

What is SmartGrowth?

A 20- to 50-year action plan to sustainably manage future growth in the Western Bay of Plenty.

A partnership involving the Tauranga and Western Bay District Councils, Environment Bay of Plenty, tangata whenua and community groups.

Why SmartGrowth?

Western Bay of Plenty is one of the fastest-growing areas in New Zealand.

Every week 100 people arrive, 52 people leave, 32 new houses are built, 54 more vehicles go on the roads and 45 new jobs are created.

Future Growth Areas:

Consolidation and intensification of residential development in Tauranga, Te Puke, Katikati, Waihi Beach and Omokoroa.