Feedback sought on Taraika
Consultation has begun on a proposal to change the designation of 420 hectares of land zoned for lifestyle blocks to make way for the most significant residential development in the history of the district.
The development, Taraika, is proposed for the southeast side of Levin and will become home to around 5000 people living in about 2500 homes. The development will have parks, reserves, a local shopping centre, a primary school, stormwater retention areas, and several roads and a shared pathway to ensure Taraika is an integral part of Levin.
Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden said the district needs more land that is zoned as residential if it is to meet the demand of the growing population.
“The latest independent prediction is that more than 62,000 people will call Horowhenua home by 2041,” said Mayor Wanden.
“Taraika is one of the developments that will help us meet this demand and offer a variety of housing types, while working to protect the lifestyle we love.”
Mayor Wanden said Taraika is the ideal location for more homes.
“Existing infrastructure networks can be extended to accommodate the new homes, which will result in a lower cost than if we had to create new infrastructure from scratch.”
Group manager customer and strategy David McCorkindale said the land in question is currently zoned as Greenbelt Residential or Greenbelt Residential Deferred. The land is primarily used for cow and sheep grazing and lifestyle blocks.
“This means that regardless of whether the land is rezoned through this process or not, the intention was for homes to be located here at some stage.
“We’re asking people to consider the density of those homes, the neighbourhood amenities and the connectivity to Levin.
“The submission process runs from Monday, November 16, 2020 through to 5pm on Monday, February
1, 2021. You can find out more about the submission by visiting horowhenua.govt.nz/PPC4 or by picking up a copy from council’s office on Oxford St in Levin, or any Council Library in Levin, Foxton and Shannon.”