The plan splits into two kinds of action: what Council will lead, and what needs several organisations working together.
What Council will lead
Council-led investment in infrastructure, planning and community spaces is critical to the township’s long-term wellbeing and prosperity. These investments contribute to cultural, economic, social and environmental wellbeing — supporting jobs, strengthening social connection and community pride, protecting the natural environment, and recognising the cultural identity, heritage and aspirations of tangata whenua.
Water infrastructure
Addressing long-standing water discolouration — brown water — remains a priority. It is caused by naturally occurring iron and manganese in flows from the Mangawara Stream and the Waikato River, which is the township’s source water. These minerals build up in the network and, when disturbed by changes in flow or pressure, can show up at kitchen, bathroom, and outside taps.
The water is still safe to drink and meets all drinking water standards, but Council and IAWAI recognise that residents and businesses may be concerned or see it as a nuisance.
- Since 2021, more than 4 kilometres of pipe has been replaced, with a further 7 kilometres planned.
- Pump station boosters have been upgraded and professional network cleaning completed in 2025 and 2026.
- The cleaning programme continues, which will lower mineral build-up and improve water quality.
- Water supply, wastewater network and wastewater treatment plant upgrades are identified in the IAWAI Water Services Strategy.
Transport
A safe, well-connected transport network lets people reach work, education, services and community spaces, and lets goods move in and out of town. The main bridge over the river is the only one in the Waikato district that can carry 50-tonne trucks, which makes it a vital piece of infrastructure for the district’s productivity.
- Review speed limits in residential areas, near schools and around community spaces.
- Upgrade and improve main roads, with regular repairs and resurfacing.
- Upgrade sections of Great South Road.
- Review and prioritise footpath upgrades and extensions, guided by the Connectivity Strategy.
- Explore traffic-calming measures in residential areas.
- Five specific intersection and rail crossing projects are proposed, along with continued investment in the Raahui Pookeka—Huntly train station as a public transport hub.
Land use and planning
- Investigate zoning, infrastructure capacity, accessibility, market demand and land suitability to identify sites for new business development.
- Support growth within the areas identified in the Waikato Growth and Economic Development Strategy (Waikato 2070).
- Investigate rezoning sites along Wight Street and Park Avenue from industrial to residential.
- Investigate extending residential zoning along East Mine Road.
- Provide planning support to help deliver the Davies Park residential development.
- Monitor land in the subsidence area overlay and assess its future use.
Open spaces and community facilities
- Shade for BBQ areas and playgrounds, and additional public toilets.
- Upgrades to existing playgrounds, skateparks and sports parks.
- Library upgrades to make better use of the space, including a technology space and a larger community meeting space.
- Consideration of additional parks, or redesigning existing ones, as the population grows.
- Reserve management plans that reflect and strengthen cultural identity and honour local heritage.
What we will do together
Supporting positive social, economic, environmental and cultural outcomes is a shared responsibility. Council plays an important role, but meaningful progress relies on strong collaboration across agencies, organisations, mana whenua and the wider community.
The back of the plan sets out a detailed action table. Each action names who it came from, what it involves, and when it is expected to happen. The actions are grouped into five focus areas:
- Economic — workforce training, business development and support, economic growth and revitalisation, tourism, and procurement and funding.
- Social — safe and welcoming environments, identity and heritage, health and wellbeing, and coordinated social services.
- Environment — restoring the lakes and awa, conservation and enhancement, and waste minimisation.
- Infrastructure — community transport.
- Land use planning — using existing assets, planning documents, planning that supports wellbeing, monitoring, and heritage.