Vision set for fast-growing Horowhenua
Horowhenua is growing, and it’s growing much faster than population projections made less than five years ago forecast.
The district’s population increased by more than 5000 people between 2013 and last year, according to Stats NZ.
Current estimates indicate there could be an additional 26,008 people calling Horowhenua home by 2040.
How to cope with that growth was firmly on councillors’ minds as they voted in favour of adopting the Horowhenua 2040 Blueprint and an updated growth strategy at a council meeting on Wednesday.
The district council’s customer and strategy manager David McCorkindale said the blueprint would provide clarity going forward, shifting the focus from developing strategies to implementing them.
The plan included 12 action areas, and was designed with the hope of developing a clear, community-informed position on issues and challenges affecting Horowhenua.
Several of them related to the region’s growth, such as enabling more affordable housing choices, attracting more community housing providers, and unlocking land supply for development.
Councillors also voted unanimously in favour of an updated growth strategy.
The Horowhenua Growth Strategy 2040 was originally adopted in 2018, when a population increase of 9200 people was projected by 2040. But more recent forecasts put the influx at 26,008 people, 71% population growth over 20 years.
Councillor David Allan said the blueprint was about not just making plans but delivering on them. It was about committing to making Horowhenua a great place to live.
‘‘I know for a fact that no-one out on the street is going to find their pulse quickening tonight when we adopt this document . . . . but they should become excited.’’
Councillor Wayne Bishop said it was important the blueprint was monitored and adjusted when needed.
‘‘For it to be all that it can be, we need to revisit its effectiveness on a regular basis.’’
Councillors Sam Jennings and Christine Mitchell said they were excited about parts of the blueprint but questioned whether some aspects were part of the council’s role.
Mitchell said an action point such as ‘‘nurture and promote a food culture’’ was one that could be better driven by private enterprise rather than council.
Councillor Ross Branningan said the role of the council was evolving.
‘‘The way our communities have changed, and are changing, and the world’s changing, we have to change with it.’’
Other actions in the blueprint included supporting and enabling iwi aspirations, securing jobs in key sectors and attracting more visitors, and supporting education and skill development.