At the Council meeting on 23 July 2019, Council agreed to start the revitalisation of the Ōpōtiki town centre.

Consultation began in August and ended in November 2019. Community consultation had taken place in many forms such as Facebook, information sessions, community group meetings and events and Council thanks all those who took the time to engage with us. From that consultation, the community identified key themes that are unique to the character of the Ōpōtiki town centre. The themes then helped formulate the structure plan and guideline principles.

The Structure Plan will guide future decision-making regarding the revitalisation of the town centre. This will provide certainty to business owners; the wider community, and stakeholders about what development is likely to happen and when it will happen. It will also help Council; businesses and landowners to prioritise spending on activities within the town centre.

For more information on council decision making, affecting the Town Centre Revitalisation work:

Notes from Council papers and key decisions on 5 December 2023.

Upgrades to Cenotaph space ready in time for ANZAC services.

• The status of iwi and hapū as mana whenua is recognised and respected.
• Mana whenua and iwi are involved in the design of public buildings, street furniture and open space.
• Mana whenua, iwi and the designers of private buildings are encouraged to work together on the design of a building or item.
• The maintenance and sensitive development of the built environment is a primary consideration for the custodians of the town centre.

• Mana whenua and iwi are consulted on the history, spelling and use of Tāngata whenua names.
• Tāngata whenua names are used for unnamed public roads and laneways.
• Public signs and wayfinding signs use both Te Reo and English.
• Places of heritage and cultural significance have bi-lingual interpretative signage.
• The use of a Tāngata whenua name for a public building is encouraged, mana whenua and iwi are to be involved in determining the name.
• Town centre and surrounding precincts have Tāngata whenua names.
• The street grid is retained.
• The design and history of listed buildings is respected.

• Mana whenua significant sites and cultural landmarks are acknowledged.
• Mana whenua and iwi are involved in the wording of interpretative signage.
• Archaeological sensitivity is practiced during construction works. Ahi Kā - Iwi/hapū have a living and enduring presence and are secure and valued within their rohe.
• Open space areas are designed to allow for tūtakitanga (informal meetings).
• The pūtahi (meeting place) in the centre of the Church Street precinct is developed by the community as the town centre meeting place.

• Tarawa Creek is restored.
• Stormwater discharges are rubbish free and contain low levels of pollutants.
• Water sensitive design is encouraged.
• The dominant species in the landscape is indigenous vegetation, possibly Pohutukawa.
• Open space areas in the town centre are planned and include indigenous vegetation.

• Health refers to the built and natural environments and humans.
• Create a safe and stimulating environment for the whole whānau that nurtures, educates and inspires.
• The use of recycled materials where possible for new or building additions is encouraged where the Building Code can be complied with.
• The recycling of demolition buildings or materials encouraged.
• Local materials are used where possible.
• The adaptive reuse of buildings is encouraged.
• New buildings and substantial alterations should incorporate energy efficient features.
• The painting of buildings and signage is encouraged but bold corporate colours are not supported.

• Hazards are recognised addressed as part of development and the management of infrastructure.
• Buildings will be maintained and constructed in accordance with legislation and the Building Code.
• Flood (including stormwater) will be managed in accordance with the latest modelling and policy.

• Narratives can be captured through; street furniture, public art, bi-lingual interpretative signage for items of heritage and cultural value, building walls, display walls and murals.

• New development should be designed to accommodate information technology.
• Public space should enable information technology. connection and opportunities.
• Technology opportunities are encouraged including for remote business and education, community activities and tourism.

The town centre has strong connections to:

• The Volkners Island/Whitikau Park and Tarawa Park.
• The wharf/harbour area. If development in this area occurs, a master plan should be developed with linkages to the town centre.
• The district’s rural whenua, nga awa and moana are connected to the town centre.
• Movement within the town centre is unobstructed and encouraged.
• People with a disability are able to access town centre features and buildings.