An advocacy group for the proposed new Claudelands historic heritage zone has been formed.
It is to be known as Guardians of Claudelands. GOC was established at a public meeting attended by 80 people at The Link, Te Aroha Street, on Sunday October 2.
The meeting was organised when the community became aware Hamilton City Council was considering
allowing a developer, Fosters, to build 262 apartments, in one 6 storey and 2 three storey blocks, with no carparks on the Opoia Pa/Sonning Car Park site.
If it proceeds, this would bring around 600 people to the almost one hectare site, about as many as live in the entire Claudelands Historic Heritage Area (HHA) zone. The development could be built as of right as the block
of land is zoned CBD and not part of the Claudelands HHA.
It is likely to be part funded by Kainga Ora.
The meeting also followed the recent Plan Change 9 to the council’s District Plan which involved consultation by council with the Property Council (Property developers), Kainga Ora and Iwi. The plan change would see Claudelands change from the West Claudelands Character Zone to the Claudelands Historic Heritage Area (HHA) in a move by council to protect the area from Government’s housing intensification programme (3 x 3 storey homes anywhere without resource consent).
In coming to this position, council failed to consult with key stakeholders, the homeowners, as there was no group representing Claudelands.
It therefore became an opportunity to form GOC.
The purpose of the GOC, unanimously voted on at the public meeting, is to:
- Advocate for, protect and enhance the historic heritage neighbourhood and environment of Claudelands.
- Seek recognition from the Hamilton City Council to become an interested party in planning and other issues relating to and affecting the Claudelands community.
- Take a pro-active interest on the future development of Opoia Pa/Sonning Car Park in River Road and seeks to be consulted with by the HCC.
- Support appropriate useage of the site that must reflect the values and aspirations of the Claudelands community.
- Initiate discussions with Ngaati Wairere to identify ways of moving forward to achieve an acceptable outcome for the sensitive Sonning Car Park.
Voting on the five point purpose statement was unanimous.
‘The meeting was also attended by Mayor Paula Southgate, councillors Angela O’Leary and Ryan Hamilton, chief planner Dr. Mark Davey, senior manager property, Nicolas Wells and developer, Leonard Gardner, chief executive of Fosters.
The committee nominated from the floor is Julie Hardaker, Darryl Ward, Kiri Crossland, Phillippa Milroy, Louise Hart, Gordon Chesterman and Matt Keen (see about Guardians of Claudelands). Bill McMaster has sincebeen co-opted.
Its first meeting was held on Sunday, October 16 2022 where Gordon Chesterman was elected chair.
Already, the committee has swung quickly into action.
- Achieved a promise from Mayor Paula Southgate at the public meeting to consult with GOC and Ngaati Wairere.
- Lodged six Official Information Act requests with HCC for answers to 35 questions (see OIA questions).
- Discussions (in person, telephone and email) with Ngaati Wairere, including with historian Wiremu Puke.
- Ngaati Wairere has held a hui to discuss the issue and Wiremu given full authority to oppose the planned development.
- Responded to media questions.
- Wiremu Puke has sent an extensive email on Opoia Pas history to Sir John Clarke, chair of the Maori Heritage Council, Heritage New Zealand, seeking urgent action. (Hapu alerts tribal leadership and reaches out to Maori Heritige Council).
- A copy of the email has gone to Tukuoirangi Morgan, chair of Te Aataura, Waikato-Tainui governing body, and to other iwi leaders.
- Tukuoirangi Morgan responded quickly with an email supporting Ngaati Wairere, forwarding it to the Maori Heritage Council and to Mayor Paula Southgate.
- Preparation of this first newsletter to the community and completing a letterbox drop.
- Written background letters to the Mayor and 14 elected councillors, including the two new Maori councillors.
- Developed a Code to guide governance of GOC being finalised.