Entry received from: Waikato District Council
Category: The BERL Award for Excellence in Collaborating for Results
The Waikato District Council variation introducing the Medum Density Residential Standards (MDRS) led to submissions from Kāinga Ora supporting increased heights and housing density around the Ngāruawāhia town centre. Tuurangawaewae Marae submissions were opposed to this, arising from their concerns of the potential effects on cultural values, including impacts on the significant connection of the Marae to the Hakarimata ranges and Taupiri Maunga.
To understand the cultural impact, the Council commissioned Mr. Dave Mansergh to map the potential effects with 3D visualisations.
Collaborating with Kāinga Ora and Tuurangawaewae Marae the effects were better understood, and the issue was largely resolved. At the hearing cultural evidence was presented by a senior kaumatua, Karu Kukutai, from Tuurangawaewae Marae which provided the evidential basis for the significance of the relationship between Tuurangawaewae Marae and the Hakarimata Range, Taupiri Maunga and the Waikato Awa.
The work is notable for its method and its connections with the marae, rather than the final product, which seems like a standard amendment to a district plan. What sets it apart is the purpose behind the work, especially the focus on identifying and documenting cultural viewpoints, the collaborative approach taken, and the innovative response to incorporating recognition of cultural values into the District Plan provisions in a clear and appropriate manner.
This approach is the reason the project has been entered into the Taitura Award for Excellence Collaborating for Results.
Thank you to our category sponsor