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In a statement, Spiers said the agency supported the Ōhinewai factory and the jobs it would bring. It saw an appeal as a chance to “work constructively” with Sleepyhead to ensure the housing development has enough infrastructure and services for the community, including shops, schools, health centres, open spaces, public transport and walking and cycleways. Spiers said providing housing in Huntly and Te Kauwhata might “provide better outcomes for the region”. The agency also wanted enough public transport options around the development to ensure residents weren’t relying only on cars to move around. KELLY HODEL/STUFF Te Riu o Waikato chair and lifelong Ōhinewai resident Tawera Nikau said the Sleepyhead proposal means progress for mana whenua. ....
Residents of the quiet settlement beside the Waikato River say Sleepyhead's mammoth industrial and housing development over the expressway is progress. ....
“Everything else pivots off this decision,” Sanson said. The development would be a “game-changer” for the communities of Ōhinewai and Huntly, as well as the whole Waikato region, Sanson said. He expected there would be significant employment opportunities for those living in Huntly, as well as people travelling from Waipā on the expressway, or half an hour away in Paeroa. “It will bring jobs, revitalise the northern Waikato with affordable new housing, and encourage other commercial investment in the area.” Christel Yardley/Stuff “The biggest card has been played in favour of the development,” Waikato district mayor Allan Sanson said. ....