Raahui Pookeka | Huntly Socio-Economic Master Plan

A shared plan for our largest township — its people, its place and its economy.

Have your say

What matters most to you about the future of Raahui Pookeka|Huntly? Your feedback will help inform the Socio-Economic Master Plan and guide future decisions for the community.

Complete the survey today and make your voice count.

Fill in the feedback form

Raahui Pookeka|Huntly is the largest township in the Waikato district, and it is full of potential. It sits on the Waikato River, which is both the physical and the cultural heart of the community.

The Socio-Economic Master Plan sets out a shared direction for the township over the years ahead. Unlike a traditional master plan, it is not only about land and buildings. It is about people — jobs, skills, housing, health, culture, and the environment we all rely on.

The plan was shaped by mana whenua, marae, businesses, community groups and residents. This page explains what is in it, what it means for the township, and how to read the full document.

Raahui Pookeka Huntly Socio-Economic Master Plan

pdf, 12697 KB Download

The plan in brief

If you only read one section, start here.

In brief	What this means
It is about people as well as place	A traditional master plan focuses on land use and layout. This plan also looks at jobs, skills, health, housing and culture, so growth can benefit the people who call this place home.
The township is growing	Around 8,500 people live here today, and the wider area is projected to grow to around 18,000 residents by 2053.
It has a young population	The median age is 35, which is younger than in many New Zealand towns. Around one in five residents is aged 15 to 29.
The local economy has strong foundations	Energy generation, strong road and rail connections, manufacturing and construction give the township an economic base that few towns of this size can match.
The challenges are clear	Water quality, wastewater capacity, flood risk, mine subsidence and access to

How we got here

This is a draft plan. It is with Council for consideration and is not open for feedback at this stage. We are publishing it now so the community can see what has come out of the conversations we have had over the past two years.

Learn more about the plan Feedback and what's driving change

The vision and our six goals

Unlocking growth in the township takes industry, employers, marae, hapuu, the community, and both local and central government working together.

Raahui Pookeka—Huntly will be a thriving community. A community where people are supported, culture is celebrated, the environment is cared for, and the economy grows.

Six goals sit under the vision:

Goal	What it looks like
Empowering rangatahi and workforce development	Support pathways into jobs, training and skills development.
Revitalising town identity and cultural expression	Visible expressions of our culture and history in community spaces and signage.
Unlocking land and infrastructure for growth	Upgrade essential services and unlock land for housing, business and community use.
Driving economic diversification and Maaori enterprise	Welcome new businesses and encourage industries that fit well with the existing local and Maaori economy.
Strengthening community wellbeing and safety	Safe, healthy community spaces and homes, and accessible services.

What happens next

The plan splits into two kinds of action: what Council will lead, and what needs several organisations working together.

Learn more

Frequently asked questions

No. The Socio-Economic Master Plan sets a direction. Any change to zoning or development rules would have to go through a District Plan change, which has its own public process, and any change to rates or Council spending goes through the Long Term Plan.

Yes. Brown water is caused by naturally occurring iron and manganese in the source water. It meets all drinking water standards. We understand it is unpleasant, which is why the pipe replacement and network cleaning programme is under way.

It varies by action. Some items are Council-funded through the Long Term Plan, some sit with IAWAI, some with central government agencies, and some rely on partnerships with iwi, business or community organisations. The plan identifies the actions; funding is decided through each organisation’s own process.

The surrounding rural communities are treated as part of the township — closely connected to it and influenced by it. Actions in the plan are not limited to the urban area.

Engagement began in 2024 and continued through collective hui at Te Oohaakii Marae, marae chairs hui at the Waahi Whaanui Trust offices, and individual conversations with marae chairs and mana whenua organisations.

Contact us

Get in touch if you have questions about the plan or would like it in another format.

info@waidc.govt.nz

Tip: Put ‘Socio-Economic Master Plan’ in the subject line of your email.

Or contact your local councilor or community board.

Is the information on this page helpful?

Yes No

How can we improve the information on this page? (Optional)

Thanks for your feedback!