Waikato District Council has welcomed the recent Government decisions that enable significant developments across the region, supporting housing supply, economic growth and long‑term regional resilience.
Mayor Aksel Bech said the approvals demonstrate the value of clear, enabling planning pathways that allow major projects to proceed while maintaining appropriate oversight.
“These decisions support real momentum for the Waikato,” Mayor Aksel said.
“They provide certainty for projects that will deliver new homes, create jobs and strengthen infrastructure across our district.”
Te Awa Lakes – housing growth enabled
The Government has approved the use of an Infrastructure Funding and Financing (IFF) levy to support the first stage of the Te Awa Lakes development on the northern edge of Hamilton, clearing the way for up to 1,500 new homes.
The decision enables up to $50 million in funding for essential water and roading infrastructure, allowing the development to proceed without placing additional pressure on existing council balance sheets or ratepayers.
“This a good example of how growth can be enabled responsibly, with infrastructure funded by those who benefit from it, while supporting wider economic activity across both Hamilton City and Waikato District,” Mayor Aksel said.
The wider Te Awa Lakes development, a three-phase development at Horotiu, spanning the northern edge of Hamilton and the Waikato District Council boundary, is expected to deliver around 2,500 homes over time, alongside recreation, commercial and retail activity.
The development provides a mix of housing, including more affordable homes, to help meet the needs of a growing population.
“Ensuring there are a range of housing options, including more affordable homes, is critical for the future of the Waikato and for supporting people who live and work in our district,” he said.
Green Steel – fast‑tracked industrial investment
Waikato District Council has also welcomed the decision by an independent expert panel to grant fast‑track approvals for the National Green Steel project at Te Kauwhata under the Fast‑track Approvals Act 2024.
The approval enables the development of a structural steel manufacturing plant using recycled steel as its primary input, representing a major investment in advanced manufacturing, jobs and skills within the district.
“The project is expected to create around 200 skilled jobs, supporting high‑value employment and building capability in advanced manufacturing. It will allow New Zealand to recycle and manufacture structural steel here at home for the first time, using scrap metal sourced from across the country rather than exporting it offshore,” he said.
“The fast‑track process has provided certainty for an investment that will support employment, innovation and a more sustainable construction sector, while still being subject to robust conditions.”
Supporting regional momentum
Mayor Aksel said taken together, the approvals underline the Waikato’s importance to New Zealand’s growth and resilience, enabling developments that support the national economy as well as regional communities.
“These decisions support the priorities our communities care about – more homes, better infrastructure, quality jobs and long‑term resilience,” he said.
“We welcome the Government’s continued focus on unlocking the potential of the Waikato by enabling developments like these, which deliver real benefits for our district communities and the wider region.”
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Photo credit: Te Awa Lakes
