HAMILTON
PLAN
Our plan to build a stronger economy and
a more attractive city for families
2015 - 2025
Where we want to be:
1. Our books are balanced
2. The third city economy in
New Zealand
3. Providing outstanding
infrastructure
4. Strongly connected to the river
5. Best garden in the world
6. An active, strong commercial
central city with distinctive
suburban villages
7. An urban garden
8. Access to affordable housing
9. Celebrated for our arts
and culture
10.Waikato is the capital of high
performance sport
2
Introduction
OUR PLAN FOR
HAMILTON OVER
THE NEXT 10 YEARS
In 2014 Hamilton celebrated 150 years since
European settlement was first established on
the banks of the Waikato River. For hundreds of
years before, Maori recognised the value of this
location, living along the river banks, cultivating
food and trading on the river.
Hamilton has been described as a teenager,
about to enter adulthood. There is a sense
of confident maturity emerging and we are
increasingly comfortable with our identity as an
economic leader and as a place people choose
to live for its lifestyle.
Today, Hamilton is emerging as a New Zealand
success story. A city built on a strong economy,
growing rich from the land around it. It’s fast
growing, with a current population of around
158,000, providing services to over 380,000
people in the greater Waikato.
The Hamilton Plan is our vision for Hamilton’s
future and it’s a plan that will build a stronger
economy and a more attractive city for families.
Hamilton is home to many young people and
families and is one of the only places in New
Zealand that will continue to have future growth
in its youth population.
The Council will focus on ten priorities over
the next ten years that will collectively redefine
Hamilton as a major New Zealand city. These
priorities centre on building on the lifestyle and
economy Hamilton already has, to maximise all
the opportunities.
The Hamilton Plan does not include all the
detail; plans, policies and actions already
exist to support many of the ten priorities and
are being implemented. Some are still to be
developed and other organisations have plans
that support the priorities, for example the
Tourism Opportunities Plan.
Our measure of success is achieving our
ten priorities.
The Hamilton Plan is Hamilton’s blueprint for the
next decade to build a stronger economy and a
more attractive city for families.
3
Where we want to be:
OUR BOOKS
ARE BALANCED
Where we are now
This means:
The City operates a balanced budget every year.
The Council delivers efficient and cost effective services
that are consistent with the role of local government.
25
2009-19
10YP
20
2012-22
10YP
•The current financial strategy
balances the books
2015-25
10YP
15
How we get there
$mil
10
5
0
-5
-10
Existing Plans and Policies
New Plans and Policies
-15
•10 Year Plan and Annual Plan
•The Financial Strategy
•Development Contributions Policy
•Partnership Funding Projects
•Investment Strategy
•Municipal Endowment Fund
-20
2025
2023
2024
2021
2022
2019
2020
2017
2018
2016
2015
2013
2014
2012
2011
2010
2009
2007
4
2008
-25
Where we want to be:
THE THIRD CITY
ECONOMY IN
NEW ZEALAND
This means:
Hamilton moves from 4th to 3rd, in New Zealand’s city
economy ranking.
Hamilton is known as the capital of the central North Island/
Waikato, and the place for business, retail and entertainment.
Hamilton is regarded as the place to invest and do business in.
Where we are now
How we get there
Existing Plans and Policies
New Plans and Projects
•Economic Development Agenda
•District Plan
•Central City Transformation Plan
•Transport Strategy
•River Plan
•30 Year Infrastructure Plan
•Stage 2 Economic Development Agenda
•Waikato Expressway
•Wairere Drive Ring Road
•Mayor Events Strategy
•Hamilton is the 4th largest city economy in New
Zealand, behind Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington
• Hamilton is the major city in the Waikato, providing key
services including education and health, head offices
and is the major entertainment and retail centre
5
Where we want to be:
PROVIDING
OUTSTANDING
INFRASTRUCTURE
This means:
Infrastructure investment is preparing the
city for growth for over 200,000 people.
Hamilton has outstanding roads and major
routes that connect the economic areas
within the city, the Waikato, and to the rest
of New Zealand.
Hamilton invests in a level of capital
expenditure that ensures we have
appropriate infrastructure to meet the
city’s future growth.
Where we are now
How we get there
•The Government has invested $1.2 billion
to fund the Waikato Expressway
•Wairere Drive Ring Road will be completed
in 2019
•A shared approach to water infrastructure
and water management is being investigated
•Hamilton is regarded as having the lowest
risk of natural disaster in New Zealand
Existing Plans and Policies
•30 Year Infrastructure Plan
•Transport Strategy
•Support for Ultra Fast Fibre
•Development Contributions Policy
•District Plan
•Biking Plan
New Plans and Projects
•Waikato Expressway to be completed by 2019
•Wairere Drive Ring Road to be completed by 2019
•Southern Links
6
Inland
Port
New Zealand’s largest and most
advanced inland port connecting 60% of
all rail and road freight in New Zealand.
$ 1.2 Billion
Waikato
Expressway
Connecting Hamilton to
Auckland and Tauranga
by 2019.
$ 84
100%
Ultra Fast Fibre
Rolled out to every
business and home.
Million
Wairere Drive Ring
Road contributing to
the most efficient city
roading infrastructure
in New Zealand.
30 Year
Future Proofed
Horizontal infrastructure:
water, waste, power and
ultra fast fibre.
7
Where we want to be:
STRONGLY CONNECTED
TO THE RIVER
This means:
At least five transformational projects from the River Plan
are completed.
Hamilton is known for the river and an activated river
edge, much like New Plymouth is known for its coastal
boardwalk and Auckland is known for the Viaduct.
RIVER CORRIDOR
Waikato River
Reserve
Central city
Significant Maaori and Historic sites
Existing river pathways
Existing bridges
Where we are now
Proposed Pedestrian Bridge zones
Existing jetty access
Possible future riverside connections
Key pedestrian loops
•The river runs the length of the city. It is a main feature, but under-utilised
•Hamiltonians have wanted to see the river developed for a long time
•The River Plan is completed and implementation underway
Existing Plans and Policies
Arts
Recreation
Development
Arts
Recreation
Development
Natural
environment
Recreation
Development
Natural
environment
Natural
environment
Tourism
Tourism
Development
Tourism
Natural Environment
Development
Natural
environment
Access
Arts
Natural
environment
Tourism
Tourism
Arts & Culture
Recreation
Development
Tourism
Development
Natural
environment
Tourism
New Plans and Projects
•River Plan
•Mayor Events Strategy
•Central City Transformation Plan
•Victoria on the River Development
•Biking Plan
•District Plan
•Open Spaces Plan
•Hamilton East Neighbourhood Plan
•Hamilton Gardens Strategic Plan
8
Arts
Recreation
Access
Recreation
How we get there
Access
Access
B
PARKS AND SITES
Access
Artist’s impressions
Pukete Pedestrian
& Services Bridge
Pukete Bridge
Whitiora
Bridge
Fairfield Bridge
Claudelands
Bridge
Proposed
Road Link
Cobham
Drive Bridge
Victoria Bridge
N
Arts
Access
Recreation
Arts
Access
Development
Recreation
Arts
Natural
Development
Recreation
environment
Tourism
Natural
Development
environment
Days Park and
Swarbricks Landing
St Andrews Golf Course
Braithwaite Park / Pukete Pa
Tourism
Natural
environment
Tourism
Access
Arts
Access
Recreation
Arts
Development
Recreation
Natural
Development
environment
Tourism
Natural
environment
Tourism
Access
CENTRAL CITY
Roose Commerce Park
Ferrybank
ArtsPost and Museum
Memorial Park and Parana Park
Opoia and Jesmond Park
Victoria Bridge to Claudelands Bridge
Claudelands Bridge to Fairfield Bridge
Hamilton East
Hayes Paddock /
Hamilton Gardens / Te Parapara Pa
Wellington Street Beach
Access
Access
Access
Access
Access
Access ArtsArts ArtsArtsArtsArts
Recreation
Recreation
Recreation
Recreation
Development
Development
Development
Development
Natural
Natural
Natural
Natural
Tourism
Tourism
Tourism
Tourism
Access
Access
Recreation
Recreation
Development
Development
Natural
Natural
Tourism
Tourism
environment
environment
environment
environment
environment
environment
Arts
Access
Recreation
Arts
Access
Development
Recreation
Arts
Natural
Development
Recreation
environment
Tourism
Natural
Development
environment
Tourism
Natural
environment
Tourism
Access
Access
Access
Access ArtsArts ArtsArtsArtsArts
Recreation
Recreation
Recreation
Recreation
Development
Development
Development
Development
Natural
Natural
Natural
Natural
Tourism
Tourism
Tourism
Tourism
Access
Access
Recreation
Recreation
Development
Development
Natural
Natural
Tourism
Tourism
environment
environment
environment
environment
environment
environment
Access
Arts
Access
Recreation
Arts
Access
Development
Recreation
Arts
Natural
Development
Recreation
environment
Tourism
Natural
Development
environment
ArtsArts
Access
Recreation
Recreation
Arts
Tourism
Natural
environment
Development
Development
Recreation
Natural
Natural
Development
environment
environment
Tourism
Tourism
Natural
environment
Tourism
Tourism
9
10
Where we want to be:
This means:
BEST GARDEN
IN THE WORLD
The Hamilton Gardens are completed in
10 years, consistent with the Hamilton
Gardens vision.
Hamilton Gardens are internationally
recognised as a uniquely themed garden.
More international visitors come to see
the Hamilton Gardens.
Where we are now
•An outstanding and award winning
garden known internationally
•One of Waikato’s major attractions
How we get there
Existing Plans and Policies
•Hamilton Gardens Strategic Plan
•River Plan
New Plans and Projects
•Hamilton Gardens Project to complete five
gardens and infrastructure in five years
11
12
Where we want to be:
AN ACTIVE, STRONG
COMMERCIAL CENTRAL
CITY WITH DISTINCTIVE
SUBURBAN VILLAGES
This means:
The central city has a strong
commercial centre, is connected
to the river and residential living
is starting to grow.
Suburbs like Hamilton East and
Frankton have their own identity
and distinctiveness that makes
them attractive for investment
and for people to live and visit.
Where we are now
How we get there
•The central city economy is growing after a
period of static economic activity since 2008
•Renewed investment in the central city in
the past five years with new buildings and
mall development
•Claudelands Event Centre is attracting
conferences and events
•Overnight stays growing
•Office vacancies down in the central city
Existing Plans and Policies
•Central City Transformation Plan
•River Plan
•Hamilton East Plan
•Frankton Neighbourhood Plan
•District Plan
•Transport Strategy
•Economic Development Agenda
•Heritage Plan
•Safety Plan
•Gateways Policy
New Plans and Projects
•Stage 2 Economic
Development Agenda
•Victoria on the River Development
13
Where we want to be:
AN URBAN
GARDEN
This means:
Hamilton is green; with parks, trees, beautiful
gardens, and street plantings.
Hamilton grows its proportion of green and
open spaces.
Destination playgrounds have been
completed as planned and Hamilton is known
in New Zealand for amazing playgrounds.
Where we are now
How we get there
• Hamilton is a very green city with tens
of thousands of trees and plants in
streets and parks. We have many
parks, reserves, and major attractions
which provide quality greenspaces
Existing Plans and Policies
•Open Spaces Plan
•Hamilton Gardens Strategic Plan
•Waiwhakareke Business Plan
•Playgrounds of the Future Plan
•Biking Plan
New Plans and Projects
•Playgrounds are completed consistent
with the Playgrounds of the Future Plan
•Hamilton Gardens project to complete
five Gardens in five years
•Zoo Master Plan
14
15
Where we want to be:
ACCESS TO
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
This means:
Hamilton continues to provide a balanced supply
of housing options to meet the city’s growth.
Where we are now
How we get there
• Hamilton, overall, has lower house prices
than other major New Zealand cities such
as Auckland and Tauranga, but the median
house price has risen sharply over the past
two years. Maintaining a range of housing
options is a priority and is challenging
Existing Plans and Policies
• Hamilton’s housing affordability index,
used by the government is 5.1
$437,000
AKL
HMN
WLG
CHC
Hamilton median house price
(June 2016 REINZ)
16
•District Plan
•Hamilton Urban Growth Strategy
•30 Year Infrastructure Plan
•Development Contributions Policy
Where we want to be:
CELEBRATED
FOR OUR ARTS
AND CULTURE
This means:
Hamiltonians recognise the
importance of art, music and
culture in our everyday lives.
Hamilton is known for
having a strong arts culture.
Audience engagement
has increased.
Theatre and performance spaces
(council and university owned)
in the city can cater for
2,200
and Claudelands
Events Centre can seat
6,000
Where we are now
How we get there
•Art and the appreciation of its value is growing
•We do not have a national profile for arts
•Creative Waikato operates to support the
development of the creative sector
•Philanthropic groups like MESH and TOTI gift
public art to Hamilton
•Theatres Review completed and
being implemented
•Founders Theatre is closed
Existing Plans and Projects
Over
38,000
objects in the city’s art and social
history collections housed at the
Waikato Museum
•Arts Agenda
•Regional Facilities Plan
New Plans and Projects
•Major Events Strategy
•Rebuild Founders Theatre
24
major pieces
of public art across the city
17
Where we want to be:
WAIKATO IS THE CAPITAL OF
HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORT
Where we are now
How we get there
This means:
Hamilton and Waipa are known
as the home of New Zealand’s
high performance sport.
Hamilton has a commitment to
community sport.
Participation in organised and
recreational sport increases.
International standard sport
facilities within Hamilton and
surrounding the city, such as:
•Ruakura Chiefs Training Facility
•Avantidrome
•Lake Karapiro
Existing Plans and Policies
•Waikato Stadium
•Seddon Park
•Claudelands Event Centre
•Waikato River
Waikato is holder of many
national and international
championships and has a
strong sporting tradition
New Plans and Policies
Generates around
1,700 9
jobs in Hamilton
18
international
standard venues in
Hamilton and Waipa
62.7%
of people participate in an
activity at least once a week
$115m (pa)
•Sports Waikato Regional
Sports Plan
•Major Events Strategy
•Subregional Sports Plan
contribution to Hamilton
economy GDP
$447m (pa)
contribution to
regional economy GDP
19
VERSION 2, 2016
Office of Mayor Julie Hardaker
and Office of the Chief Executive
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +64 7 838 6375
Find out more at: www.hamilton.co.nz