Partnership to target development between Auckland and Hamilton

Thursday, 15 August 2019

An urban growth partnership between the Government, local councils and mana whenua was signed at Hampton Downs on Thursday.

Waikato Regional Council, Waikato District Council, Hamilton City Council and Waipa District Council are already part of a partnership known as the Future Proof Implementation Committee. 

Now the committee will expand to include central government, Auckland City Council and representation from Auckland iwi.

The partnership is designed to strategically manage development between Auckland and Hamilton, Urban Development and Transport Minister Phil Twyford said. 

The idea is to make sure housing and development will align with three key transport networks: The Waikato and Waipa Rivers, the Main Trunk Line and the Waikato Expressway.

The Hamilton to Auckland passenger rail service is set to begin in March or April 2020.

It is the first time two regions, along with central government, have joined together to coordinate the planning of building housing and transport services, Twyford says.

The committee will look at initiatives such as walking and cycling trails along the Waikato River to Manukau harbour, rapid rail services and a new mass transit network for the Hamilton-Waikato metropolitan area, he said. 

'Work is underway on a cabinet-mandated business case for a modern, rapid rail line connecting Auckland to Hamilton,' Twyford said.

Māori Development and Associate Housing Minister Nanaia Mahuta said a key priority was to unlock Hamilton's growth potential.

'With its outstanding transport connections, plentiful land and the key role it plays in the region's export economy, Hamilton is poised to become an even higher growth but affordable urban centre.'