Motueka Plans 2009-2029

This page contains plans and projects for the Motueka Settlement outlined Council's Long Term Plan and Annual Plan.

The Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022 is currently being considered. Updated information will be posted following its adoption in June.

Important Note About the Draft Annual Plan 2011/2012

The Tasman District Council Draft Annual Plan 2011/2012 was adopted by the Council on 10 March 2011. This contains proposed changes from the 2009-2019 Ten Year Plan and the final list of projects will be confirmed by the end of June 2011following consultation with the public.

Motueka Settlement Profile

Motueka is the second largest town in Tasman District and the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, Kaiteriteri Beach and Golden Bay. It is a hub for horticulture and at harvest times the town draws in many seasonal workers to help pick the crops that grow in the area.

A number of factors have influenced Motueka’s development. Most of the urban area of Motueka apart from the Thorp Street area is located on fertile Riwaka silt and sandy loam which supports intensive horticulture that contributes to the economic and social well-being of the District.

Motueka is a relatively low-lying area. Parts of the town have problems with the disposal of stormwater due to the limitations of the existing drainage systems. Historically, ribbon-type housing development has occurred along arterial routes.

These factors have made it difficult to provide for the future development of the urban area in the most desirable manner, that is: avoiding land that is of high quality and versatile for farming and/or flood prone and keeping a compact urban area. A significant proportion of the land in the town is in leasehold tenure.

The Motueka aerodrome is a major transport asset that contributes to the economic base of the region. It is also an educational and recreational facility. Detailed management of the aerodrome is provided through the Motueka Aerodrome Management Plan.

Motueka’s water comes from a large number of wells that tap the Motueka Gravel Aquifer beneath the town. The aquifer is vulnerable to spillages and contaminated run-off from overlying land uses, which could affect downstream wells.

Currently State Highway 60 (High Street) traverses central Motueka causing conflict between local and through traffic particularly at peak times. Further urban development in Motueka will require the upgrading of all network services, namely, water, wastewater, stormwater and the land transport network including the identification of a bypass route.

In 2005, Council commenced planning for the future development of Motueka. Council planning studies show that further land is needed for both residential and business development. Although there are various possible locations for urban development around Motueka, the area to the west of the town centre is most suitable. The north of the town is low lying and subject to flood hazard. Land to the east of the town is low lying, constrained by the coastal edge and largely developed. Land to the south is not constrained by hazards but more distant from the town centre.

Preliminary development plans provide for:

  • Mixed urban development in the land block bounded by High, King Edward, Queen Victoria and Whakarewa Streets, namely, residential along Whakarewa and High Streets, mixed business within the block and light industry at the western side of the block
  • Further residential development in the block bounded by Queen Victoria, Whakarewa, Pah and Grey Streets adjacent to the Marae
  • The development of a Manoy/Talbot Street link continuing through to Whakarewa Street.

Motueka Population Growth

Estimates from Statistics New Zealand project the Motueka population growing from 6408 in 2006 to 7742 in 2031. This represents an annual average growth rate of 0.76%

Motueka Settlement Area and Engineering Maps

The following PDF maps show the settlement area and planned engineering maps in relation to the 2009-2019 Ten Year Plan.

Motueka Zoning

Future residential demand is expected to be satisfied through a combination of infill on land already zoned residential and from the possible new residential development area located in Motueka West. Refer to the Motueka Settlement Area Map

Future business demand is expected to be satisfied from an expansion of the existing commercial centre and from possible new mixed business and light industrial areas located in Motueka West.

Major Projects Planned for Motueka - 2009-2019

These projects are part of the 2009-2019 Ten Year Plan.

Engineering

Refer to the Motueka Engineering Map

  • New walkways and cycleways in Motueka, including:
    • Wharf Road 2017-2019
    • Goodman Park 2012/2013
    • Rugby Park 2013/2014
  • Streetscaping in Motueka completed in 2025
  • Upgrading of Old Wharf Road from bridge to Trewavas Street 2013/2014
  • Carpark resurfacing – Saltwater Baths 2010/2011, TDC 2013/2014, Decks Reserve 2010/2011 and Salvation Army 2013/2014
  • Undergrounding of powerlines in High Street, Motueka 2011-2014
  • Motueka aerodrome, regrassing runway in 2011/12 and carpark renewal in 2013/2014
  • Motueka new water supply, treatment plant and reticulation 2011-2015
  • Motueka wastewater treatment plant and reticulation upgrade 2011-2014 and upgrade of pumping main from Motueka Bridge to ponds, upgrade wastewater gravity main in High Street 2009/2010 and upgrade Oaks Village pump station (Naumai Street) 2015/2016 and pipeline renewals through the 10 year period
  • Stormwater reticulation improvements in parts of Motueka:
    • Upgrade tidal gates 2015/2016
    • Provision of stormwater system to new development areas 2016-2019
    • Upgrade stormwater in Poole/High streets 2010-2012
    • Upgrade Wharf street gates 2016/2017
    • Old Wharf Road stormwater upgrade 2009/2010
  • Upgrade river protection works in lower Motueka Valley

Community Services

  • Motueka pool development 2011/2012
  • Development of carpark and facilities at Sportspark Motueka 2009-2011
  • During years 2012/13 – 2018/19 development of carparking at Memorial Park, Goodman Recreation Park and Motueka Recreation Centre
  • Upgrade the picnic and parking facilities at Motueka Quay 2009-2011
  • Upgrade the facilities at beach reserves during the 10 year period
  • Continue to develop garden areas at Decks Reserve 2009/2010, Pethybridge Rose Garden 2010/2011, and Sanctuary Ponds 2009/2010 and 2011/2012
  • Funding is allocated for new play equipment in Motueka 2010/2011 and to provide additional facilities at Motueka Skatepark area 2009/2010 and 2011/2012
  • Funding has been allocated for new play equipment as reserves are developed and for the replacement of aging equipment
  • Develop the natural burials area at Motueka Cemetery, carry out tree planting and extend the roadway area in 2009/2010, and continue the development of the Cemetery during 2012/2013 – 2018/2019
  • Develop the extension area to Fletts Road Cemetery 2011/2012
  • Further development of the Motueka foreshore during the 10 year period
  • Motueka Quay wharf repairs 2009/2010–2011/2012
  • Upgrade the Motueka Recreation Centre 2009/2010
  • Purchase land for sportsfields 2009/2010

Indicative Major Projects for Motueka - 2019-2029

These projects have been identified in the long term plan process past 2019.

Engineering

  • Cycle facility Old Wharf Road – shared use path 450m
  • Old Wharf Road reconstruction – urban reconstruction. Approximately 680m from Recreation Centre to Trewavas Street
  • Parker Street urban reconstruction
  • Whakarewa Street urban reconstruction
  • Fearon Street reconstruction – widening and kerb and channel
  • Thorp Street urban reconstruction
  • Swamp Road reconstruction
  • Town centre streetscaping of central business area
  • Motueka aerodrome carpark reseal and grass runway upgrade
  • Various wastewater pumping station, pump and electrical renewals
  • Goodman Park wastewater pumping station additional storage
  • Thorp Street wastewater pumping main renewal
  • Wastewater pipeline renewals (started in first 10 years and continuing into years 11-20)
  • Motueka completion of stopbank commenced in 2012/2013 by 2024/2025
  • Motueka water reticulation renewals
  • Motueka water meter renewals (started in the first 10 years and continuing into years 11-20)

Community Services

  • Ongoing development of walkways and cycleways throughout the District
  • Ongoing management, maintenance, planting and development of existing reserves and facilities
  • Purchase and development of new reserves and facilities to meet the needs of the District’s growing population