Tauranga Tātai Whenua - A well planned city that is easy to move around
Tauranga is a well-planned and connected city, with successful compact centres, resilient infrastructure, quality community amenities and a range of safe, reliable and sustainable transport choices.
The term Tātai is associated with mapping the stars and tracing genealogy or whakapapa. It reflects a city developed in a considered order and arrangement, as with the stars and whakapapa.
Success looks like
- We have enough housing, with a variety of types, tenures and price points, and sufficient development-ready land to meet the needs of current and future communities.
- Our city centre is vibrant and welcoming, and our neighbourhoods are liveable, distinctive and connected, with urban form and design that supports safe, healthy and active lifestyles.
- People can reliably and safely access services, jobs, education, open spaces, community facilities and recreation.
- We use land efficiently around centres, bringing homes, services and employment closer together and making the city easier to move around.
- Our communities are served by a range of transport options, with public transport, walking, cycling and low-emission travel prioritised.
- Our public spaces, reserves and community facilities are accessible, fit for purpose and provide opportunities for people to connect, relax and participate.
- Our transport system supports the efficient movement of people and freight, including access to the Port of Tauranga and other key employment areas.
- Our neighbourhoods and infrastructure are well designed, resilient and built to last, protecting people from the effects of climate change and natural hazards.
- Our unique Māori and Pākehā history is reflected in the design of our city, with tangata whenua partnerships integral to planning and delivery.
- Transport emissions and reliance on fossil fuels reduce as low-carbon transport modes and alternative energy sources become more widely used.
Council will contribute by
- Planning for sufficient zoned and serviced land for housing, business, education, community facilities and other social infrastructure.
- Enabling well-designed intensification in existing urban areas and supporting new growth in Te Papa, Te Tumu, Tauriko and other appropriate locations.
- Integrating land-use and transport planning so people can reach local services within a 15-minute journey and sub-regional destinations within 30–45 minutes.
- Investing with strategic partners in resilient infrastructure that supports higher-density housing, high-value commercial development and sustainable growth.
- Delivering the City Centre Masterplan - Te Manawataki o Te Papa, the City Centre Action and Investment Plan and spatial plans for Te Papa, Ōtūmoetai and other parts of the city.
- Providing a well-planned network of reserves, public spaces, libraries, community centres, indoor courts and aquatic facilities that meets changing community needs.
- Promoting high-quality urban design that responds to communities’ access, mobility, recreation and living requirements.
- Improving road safety and working towards reducing deaths and serious injuries across the transport network.
- Supporting people and businesses to shift to public transport, walking and cycling to reduce congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Maintaining or improving reliable journey times for freight, commercial traffic and other road users on important routes.
- Working with regional and central government partners to secure funding and deliver an integrated transport programme, including improvements to State Highway 29, the Hewletts Road area and other key corridors.
How our approaches support an inclusive city
Planning neighbourhoods, public places and transport networks together helps ensure people of different ages, abilities, incomes and backgrounds can participate in city life. Accessible facilities, affordable transport choices and reliable connections to housing, employment, education and services help reduce barriers and support more equitable outcomes. Partnership with tangata whenua, communities and delivery partners ensures that growth and investment reflect local identity, aspirations and needs.