Peacocke has been delivered early and under budget, marking one of the city’s most significant infrastructure investments.
The Peacocke Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) programme is now largely complete, providing essential infrastructure needed to support Hamilton’s growth.
Roads, bridges, pipes and services are all in place to support more than 7000 new homes over the coming decades.
The Peacocke HIF programme unlocked 243 hectares of land in the south of the city, giving developers, landowners and future residents the confidence to invest in a brand-new community.
The final HIF-funded project, Whatukooruru Drive, is expected to open by mid‑2026 and will mark the completion of all core infrastructure projects in Peacocke.
The programme has been delivered below its approved budget, with $41.2 million in total savings identified, including proceeds expected from the sale of surplus land. It has also been completed earlier than originally planned under the HIF agreement.
Mayor Tim Macindoe said the completion of Peacocke is a major achievement for Hamilton.
"Hamilton has long been one of New Zealand’s fastest‑growing cities, and the Peacocke development illustrates how that growth is taking shape on the ground.
Finishing a programme of this scale under budget and ahead of time, especially through a global pandemic and significant supply chain challenges, is something the city can be proud of.”
Funding to open up Peacocke came from a mix of central government support, developer contributions and Council investment.
This included a $180.3 million interest‑free loan and a $110.1 million subsidy from central government, helping accelerate delivery while reducing pressure on Council’s balance sheet.
Just as important as the physical infrastructure has been the way Peacocke was delivered. The programme is recognised as one of Council’s most successful partnership models, built on strong relationships with iwi, central government, developers and the local community.
Tangata whenua were closely involved throughout design and construction, helping embed cultural values, environmental stewardship and kaitiakitanga into the project.
Peacocke also represents Council’s largest-ever environmental investment in a greenfield area, with a strong focus on protecting waterways, improving water quality, and building infrastructure that can cope with climate change and future resilience challenges.
Council’s General Manager of Strategy, Growth and Planning, Blair Bowcott said
“This project shows what’s possible when councils, iwi, central government and the private sector work together. I also want to acknowledge the infrastructure team, led by general manager Andrew Parsons, who've put in a significant amount of work over several years to deliver this programme.”
“Peacocke has created the platform for a new community and put Hamilton in a strong position to meet housing demand, now and for decades to come.”
