The Central North Island Region is entering a period of significant change.
From Hamilton through to Tauranga and across the wider upper North Island growth corridor, the region is managing rapid growth alongside major planning, infrastructure and local government reforms. As Central Regional Committee Chair Morgan Jones recently notes, one of the region’s defining challenges is coordinating growth across multiple councils, agencies and planning frameworks.
For our members, the key question is whether infrastructure and governance systems can keep pace with growth demand.
Property Council welcomes the announcement. This region has been ready for coordinated, ambitious growth planning for some time, and a framework that aligns central and local government around infrastructure, housing, and economic development is exactly the kind of signal our members need.
Infrastructure and Growth
Infrastructure delivery remains the primary constraint on growth across the region. This is particularly relevant in the Western Bay of Plenty, where the recently signed Western Bay of Plenty City and Regional Deal establishes a long-term partnership between central and local government to support housing, transport and economic development.
Property Council welcomed the deal and continues to engage as implementation planning progresses. While the framework provides a strong foundation, delivery will ultimately depend on infrastructure investment, funding mechanisms and clear governance arrangements.
SmartGrowth and the Hamilton-Tauranga Corridor
Another key development is the ongoing work of SmartGrowth and FutureProof on long-term planning across the Hamilton-to-Tauranga corridor. Last year, Property Council submitted on the Hamilton-to-Tauranga Spatial Study, which examined how major transport investments could influence growth patterns across the region.
The study found that growth is likely to remain concentrated in Hamilton and Tauranga in the near term, with increasing demand over time in corridor towns such as Matamata, Tīrau and Putāruru. It concluded that existing settlements can accommodate much of this growth, provided infrastructure constraints are addressed. The study also supports further investigation of industrial and logistics opportunities within the corridor and recommends more detailed infrastructure and constraint mapping to inform future planning decision.
Several Property Council priorities are reflected in the study’s recommendations, including stronger infrastructure funding tools, directing growth toward serviced areas and recognising the role of private sector participation in infrastructure delivery.
What Comes Next
The next phase for the Central Region is implementation.
Regional deals have been signed, growth strategies are being refined, and transport investments are progressing. The challenge now is ensuring governance, infrastructure funding and delivery mechanisms are aligned to support growth.
Property Council and the Central Regional Committee are actively engaging with councils and local authorities across the region to discuss these challenges and advocate for solutions that support investment and development. As planning reforms, infrastructure delivery and growth strategies continue to evolve, ensuring our members’ voices are represented remains a key priority.
If you’d like to learn more about our advocacy work in the region, raise an issue with the Committee, or get involved in shaping Property Council’s regional priorities, please reach out to Bella.
Author | Bella Leddy
As a Senior Advocacy Advisor, Bella supports the development of policy and advocacy initiatives that reflect the real-world experience of our members.
With a Bachelor of Laws and Politics from Otago University and previous experience as a policy intern at the Department of Internal Affairs, Bella brings both a sharp analytical mind and a genuine passion for public policy. She’s particularly energised by engaging with members to ensure our advocacy is grounded in industry insight and practical solutions.
Extroverted, thoughtful and service-focused, Bella thrives in roles that connect people and ideas. Outside the office, she channels her energy into teaching group fitness classes – including yoga, pilates and spin – and is always up for a good political yarn.
Climate reality check to take centre stage at The Property Conference 2026
Earthquake-prone buildings: Select Committee report due this month
Property Council members recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
Auckland developers face 20% increase for water infrastructure growth charges
On the Move | June 2026
