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Hamilton City Council Elected Members, mana whenua representatives, project team members and development partners came together today to commemorate the beginning of the project that will unlock future development of Rotokauri. |
New homes in Rotokauri are one step closer as the construction of a new greenway gets underway.
A sod turning and blessing ceremony early today (Thursday 30 October) marked the official start of a key stormwater infrastructure project in the northwestern growth suburb of Rotokauri in Hamilton Kirikiriroa.
Delivered in partnership between Hamilton City Council and developer Hounsell Holdings Limited, the Rotokauri greenway is a 4.7km long stormwater swale that will provide active transport options, flood storage and some treatment of stormwater flows from the upper Rotokauri catchment at Lake Waiwhakareke to Lake Rotokauri.
Hamilton Mayor Tim Macindoe said this project is essential infrastructure and will unlock Rotokauri’s true potential for housing growth, industrial land and employment areas in the city.
“The development of this incredible piece of infrastructure will not only enable much needed housing and growth in Hamilton, but also provide access to jobs, schools and other facilities our community needs to provide a great place to live,” said Mayor Macindoe.
When complete, the development of the greenway will enable 4000 homes to be built in the Rotokauri area, bringing the total homes in Rotokauri to 8500. It will also unlock a further 280ha of industrial land, employment areas, new primary schools and a neighbourhood centre.
Mayor Macindoe said the project had the benefit of both delivering a core infrastructure need, while also building on the area’s environmental assets, at no extra cost.
“This is a transformational project, which will benefit our city for generations to come.”
The greenway will also create a meeting space for the community, as well as a central space for residents from both Rotokauri and further afield to enjoy and spend time connecting with each other and with nature.
This is a joint project that will be delivered in partnership with Hounsell Holdings Limited, who will fund the upfront cost of construction of the greenway, coordinated with arterial roads and water infrastructure. Construction will take place over a four-year period with pauses for wet weather in winter, starting by Lake Rotokauri and moving east to Lake Waiwhakareke. The project kicks off in December 2025 and will continue until 2030.
“This innovative funding model is a great example of a private-public partnership delivering the core infrastructure we need without placing significant burden on ratepayers. It’s the type of model I hope to see replicated as we look for new ways to fund core infrastructure in the city.”
For more information on the Rotokauri greenway project, click here.