Rotorua Lakes Council adopts Spatial Plan to guide growth

The Spatial Plan outlines where development could potentially occur, including at Lake Ōkareka. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua Lakes Council has approved its Spatial Plan after extensive discussions around the council table.

The plan sets out how the city and district will grow, develop and change over time. It guides where development may go.

The development of the plan first began in 2016 and the council's strategic development manager Portia McKenzie said at yesterday's meeting the plan was a "crucial building block".

"The spatial plan says 'What is important to us, let's identify it, these are areas we need to protect for our future generations but let us make sure that we're prepared and we're providing for a variety of lifestyle options for those arriving and enhancing the lifestyle for those who already live here'."

The key discussion point was development at Lake Ōkareka which some residents have previously opposed.

Councillor Charles Sturt said during yesterday's meeting he couldn't question the consultation process.

"However we have a pocket of individuals who believe they have not been involved in the process.

Rotorua Lakes Council met in the council chambers this week. Photo / File

"These are our ratepayers, these are people who live in our community ... that have a concern for the environment."

Sturt originally said he would not support adopting the plan but changed his tune after discussions.

"There are assurances and safeguards there that the community will have full and frank discussions on where that [development] occurs and if that occurs ... In view of that I will be supporting the Spatial Plan."

Chief executive Geoff Williams told the council adopting the plan didn't mean development would definitely happen.

"The decision is whether or not you are open to, and support the concept of, a further discussion with respect to development of Lake Ōkareka or the Lakes A zone.

"What the contrary decision would be is that ... there's no ability or you do not support any ... further discussion with regards to the notion of development in this area."

The Spatial Plan includes seven objectives such as growing jobs, building supporting infrastructure and building homes that match needs.

The plan identifies areas for potential new homes including Ngongotahā, Hamurana, Eastside, and Lakeside communities.

McKenzie said, on adoption, the council would start working on an implementation plan and timeline which would be taken to the RMA Policy Committee.

Lake Ōkareka resident Toni Withers previously opposed the area's inclusion in the plan and later told the Rotorua Daily Post she was disappointed it had been included.

"We'll certainly take every opportunity to consult when it does come up for review.

"We'll be involved when they are looking at reviewing the Lakes A zone."

Withers said she was concerned about the natural environment.

The full plan can be seen here.

Timeline
- 2016 - 2017: Research and investigation
- April 2017: Discussion document released
- April – October 2017: Hui, workshops, community meetings
- October 2017: Draft Spatial Plan released
- December 2017: World cafe hearings
- June 2018: Deliberations and decisions
- August 2018: Final Spatial Plan adopted