WeKA

Council's growth management strategy - Taupo 2050 - identifies the need in future for a new roading link between Taupo and Kinloch to cater for projected growth west of Taupo in the centre of the Mapara Valley.  An application seeking a designation over land for the proposed new 13 kilometre road known as the West Kinloch Arterial ( WeKA) was publicly notified on July 10 2007. The application was heard by three independent commissioners in November 2007 and has subsequently been confirmed subject to the outcome of any appeals. Once the designation is confirmed the route will be included in Council's District Plan – protecting it from development in the short to medium term. Discussions about funding options and a timetable for design construction are due to get underway in the second half of 2008 when Council begins the process of updating its LTCCP for the 10 year period 2009-2019. Current projected costs for the route, including land purchase are around $37 million.

The  proposed  route is approximately 13 kilometres long. Stage 1 - Poihipi Realignment would run from a new roundabout on State Highway One at the Huka Falls intersection along a realigned section of Poihipi Road. Stage 2 runs from Poihipi Road through the Mapara Valley connecting with Whangamata Road near Kinloch.

Notice of Requirement Decision

The Notice of Requirement confirms the roading corridor for the route and will ensure it is not compromised by future development.  It includes a full assessment of environmental effects, including landscape, noise, traffic and archaeological reports along with iwi and landowner consultation.  It also outlines the estimated costs and time frames for design and construction, and options for staging the construction phase. The Notice of Requirement, responses and supporting documents are available on CD by contacting Environmental Services, Gillespie Plaza, Heu Heu Street, Ph: 07 3760899. 

To view the Notice of Requirement Decision click HERE. ( 288 kb PDF )

Latest News and Issues

• Media release January, 2008: WeKA Designation Approved.  A Taupo District Council application for a Notice of Designation to confirm the route for a proposed new 13 kilometre road between Taupo and Kinloch has been approved, subject to conditions.
• Public Notice January, 2008:  West Kinloch Arterial (WeKA) Decision on Notice of Requirement.  An application by Taupo District Council seeking a designation over land for a proposed new 13 kilometre road between Taupo and Kinloch known as the Western Kinloch Arterial (WeKA) was publicly notified on July 10, 2007. 

Previous News and Issues

• Public Notice July, 2007: Requirement for Designation of a Public Road.  The Taupo District Council gives notice of its requirement for a designation of a public roadway being: The Western Kinloch Arterial (WeKA), Taupo.
• Media release July, 2007: Proposed WeKA route location notified .  An application is being made seeking to officially confirm a suitable route for the proposed West Kinloch Arterial road (WeKA) between Taupo and Kinloch.
• Media release November, 2006:  Information Day to Discuss West Kinloch Aterial Roading Project. An information day is being held December 5 to update and seek input from the public, on investigations into a suitable route for a proposed new key transport link between Taupo and Kinloch.
• For more about the information day click HERE. ( 34 kb PDF )
• Media release September, 2006: Council Moves to Protect Proposed Route for West Kinloch Arterial Road. The need for a major new transport corridor to service future growth west of Taupo, in the centre of the Mapara Valley, is identified in Council’s new growth management strategy...