A new destination spa could sit within the Te Aroha Domain, after a council decision to develop the $18.9m complex as part of its long-term plan. After two days of public submissions and passionate deliberations, Matamata-Piako District councillors agreed with the 34 per cent of submitters who wanted to move ahead with the biggest proposal in its 2021-31 long-term plan. While the majority of submitters (41 per cent) preferred to only spend $5.3m on the complex, and 25 per cent didn’t want it to go ahead at all, councillors agreed that if it was to be done, it needed to be done properly.
It will remain in force for six years and remains until a further resolution takes effect. Te Aroha Councillor Russell Smith, who abstained in this week’s vote, said because he was unable to go out for consultation and follow what the people in Te Aroha want, he was unable to vote either way. “I was told to be strong, show my kia kaha,” he said. “By not going out for consultation, we’re not being transparent, consultation is important to me. “To my fellow councillors, congratulations for being strong and sticking to your beliefs on a landmark decision.”
KELLY HODEL/STUFF
Nothing happened until now. At a recent Speed Limit Hearing and a month-long public consultation period, the Matamata-Piako District Council agreed to permanently reduce the speed on Buckland Rd – despite almost half of the submissions voting against the idea.
BROOK SABIN/ONFLIGHTMODE.COM Some say speed has never been an issue. From Puketutu Rd to Hobbiton, speed will drop to 80kmh and for the remaining part of Buckland Rd towards the Karapiro/Taotaoroa Rd intersection - and including Mathieson Rd - speed will be reduced from 80kmh to 60kmh. Currently, all roads in the vicinity, including Buckland, Mathieson, Puketutu and Hopkins roads have a 100kmh speed limit and according to traffic counting data most traffic on the Waipa side of Bucklands Rd travel below 65kmh.
11 8 per cent rate increase for Matamata-Piako District stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.