A bold vision for one of the Upper North Island's most significant economic development opportunities has been recognised at the Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) Awards.
The North Waipā–South Hamilton Spatial Study has received the Integrated Strategy Award, recognising the collaborative work to establish a strategic framework for the area's long-term growth and economic potential.
Led by Waipā District Council through the Future Proof Partnership, the study brings together a unique collection of nationally significant assets, including Hamilton International Airport, Mystery Creek, Titanium Park, the Ruakura Superhub and the wider Hamilton metropolitan economy.
Waipā District Council’s growth, strategy and planning director, Katie Mayes, says the study is about recognising the scale of the opportunity and making sure the region is ready to realise it.
"We have an extraordinary opportunity on our doorstep. We're in the heart of the golden triangle, connected to major transport and freight networks, employment centres, education and innovation.
"But having these assets isn't enough. We need to think beyond individual developments and look at how we bring these opportunities together to create a connected, higher-value economic hub for the Waikato.
"Growth is no longer a distant possibility. It's already underway. This work helps us get ahead of that growth, make informed decisions and ensure we maximise the long-term economic benefits for our communities and the wider region."
The study looks beyond industrial land supply to consider how the area could support aviation-related employment, freight and logistics, agritech, innovation, events and higher-value jobs.
It also highlights the importance of getting infrastructure investment and sequencing right, protecting highly productive land and environmental values, and ensuring future development is coordinated.
Mayes says the project demonstrates the importance of regional partners working together with a shared vision.
"Some of our biggest opportunities and challenges don't stop at council boundaries. We need to take a regional view, think long-term and work together if we want to create the best outcomes for our communities and our economy.
"This is about creating the conditions for investment, supporting businesses to grow, attracting new employment opportunities and building on the strengths we already have.
"Waipā is a district with momentum. We're connected to opportunity, we have room to grow, and we're ready to work with partners who share our ambition."
The Future Proof Implementation Committee approved the study in June as the evidence base and spatial foundation for the statutory Regional Spatial Plan.
The next phase will focus on aligning infrastructure, land-use planning and investment priorities, alongside further work to progress economic hub master planning and strengthen partnerships with infrastructure providers, iwi and mana whenua, central government and the development sector.
“The award recognises not just the completion of a study, but the collective ambition to shape a significant economic opportunity for the Waikato and the Upper North Island,” said Mayes.
