Te Kaha Community Invited to Help Shape Long-Term Masterplan

Residents, iwi, hapū and others with connections to Te Kaha are being encouraged to help shape a new masterplan that will guide the area’s future development and investment.

Ōpōtiki District Council is inviting community members to share their ideas, priorities and concerns as work begins on a long-term vision for Te Kaha.

The masterplan is expected to help guide future investment in facilities, access, public spaces and other improvements while ensuring the area’s unique character and strengths are reflected in future decisions.

Council Strategy and Development Group Manager Antoinette Campbell said developing a shared vision would begin with listening to the community.

“Before any plans are developed, Council wants to hear directly from the community about what they value most about Te Kaha, the challenges they see today, and the opportunities they would like future generations to enjoy,” Campbell said.

She said the engagement process would give people an opportunity to identify what makes Te Kaha special, what should be protected and which improvements would make the greatest difference in the years ahead.

The council is encouraging anyone who lives in Te Kaha, has whakapapa connections to the area, owns property, works there, visits regularly or has strong family and community ties to participate.

Feedback will help identify community priorities and future needs, providing a framework for decisions about development and investment.

Campbell said working alongside iwi, hapū, stakeholders and the wider community would help ensure future development reflected local aspirations.

“The masterplan is there to ensure future development aligns with what the community wants,” she said.

“By working with iwi, hapū, stakeholders and the wider community, we can identify priorities, understand future needs and create a roadmap for how improvements can be delivered over time.”

Initial engagement has already begun with iwi and hapū, alongside early discussions with community representatives to identify emerging themes.

The council said an agreed long-term vision could also strengthen future funding applications and help ensure projects support the community’s aspirations.

Rather than determining specific developments at this early stage, the masterplan process is intended to establish the priorities that will guide future planning and investment.

Community members can learn more about the project and share their ideas through Ōpōtiki District Council’s Hono Mai engagement website.

Further opportunities for community engagement will also be held, with updates to be shared through the council’s Facebook page.