Built to fit our hills, harbour and coast
The vision
Our city takes full advantage of, and fits sensitively within, its unique landscape and coastal setting. Radiating from Tauranga’s vibrant city centre, a network of transportation and open space corridors connect and define a series of 
neighbourhoods nestled into the landscape. Each neighbourhood has defined edges and a visible character, history and identity that is reflected in its architecture, planting and streetscape. They offer people a wide choice of housing types and ways of getting around. It is very easy to walk to local shops, schools and amenities, and pedestrian activity makes our neighbourhoods feel safe. Excellent new buildings and development complement established areas, heritage and landscape features.
Tauranga will have:
A city of neighbourhoods nestled into the landscape
Neighbourhoods together: The Urban Design Strategy has created a platform for discussion about the spaces, buildings and activities planned and contained within each of our neighbourhoods.
The District Plan also plays a key role in managing the character and scale of neighbourhoods. A review of the current District Plan is just getting underway. This will also address residential intensification issues.
Existing neighbourhoods are reinforced and new neighbourhoods are sustainable:
- We, the citizens of Tauranga, now have the opportunity to be involved in the
promotion of green buildings and business parks through the report of the same name. This report can be viewed on Priority one and is intended to build a case and promote this objective in the Bay of Plenty for the betterment of our living areas.
- “The Lakes” development at Pyes Pa, in the second stage of development, has been designed so the housing area is easy to walk and cycle through, and it has a natural stormwater collection system.
- The Greerton Village Square and the stage area is completed, with ongoing promotion of the stage for performances still being actioned.
- An early childhood facility for the community is currently being built, and The Merivale Action Centre was opened in 2005 as well as the popular Surrey Grove playground.
Strongly connected open spaces within and between neighbourhood and business areas
Into the future, now: The Council is considering opportunities to create infrastructure to support combining links like wastewater and stormwater areas with walkways. These opportunities are being considered in our Integrated Transport Strategy.
Connected places: Under the banner of our City Centre Strategy we recognise the green belt heritage values of the Elms, Wharepai Domain, Tauranga Domain, Mission Cemetery and the Redoubt. The Council has purchased more area around the Elms to support the area and the activities held within it.
Linking lakes and lanes: A walkway/cycleway is to be built linking The Lakes with Pengarry Lane on land purchased by the Council.
Recognise, protect existing and encourage future heritage buildings through excellent architecture and design
Archaeological and cultural heritage: For those of us who are interested in, or are intrigued by, our places from the past the Council has completed reports from various sites which are available to you from the council office.
Helping to protect our heritage: The New Zealand Historic Places Trust has developed a guidance series named “The Sustainable Management of Historic Heritage” which assists our local authorities, owners of heritage places, iwi, hapu and other stakeholders to protect and preserve historic heritage under the Resource Management Act (RMA) and other resource management and planning legislation.
Ensure a variety and choice of housing type and intensity
- Go to lifetime design to find out how which Tauranga businesses are designing and developing houses that are adaptable, usable, accessible and inclusive.
- The Tauranga Community Housing Trust has officially opened three, four bedroomed “accessible” dwellings designed for people with disabilities.
Tauranga's city centre is a strong centralhub or heart for a city
Our Art Gallery opened to the public, October 2007 - our much loved Arts and Jazz Festivals are held annually and enjoyed by many - a playground for our children on our waterfront is completed -Dive Crescent redevelopment is completed - Consents are being sought for the Coronation Pier redevelopment.
Indicators - how we measure - Built to fits our hills, harbour and coast