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2 The Urban Context in the Matamata-Piako District


2.2 The Existing Urban Character within the District

Traditional residential settlement in the Matamata-Piako district is consistent with late 19th and early 20th century New Zealand residential settlement types. The settlement layouts were typically a grid street and block pattern overlaid on the landform with very little attention given to the topography of the site. This is particularly evident in Te Aroha. Nevertheless, these patterns of development created a distinct settlement character and identity for each of the towns in the district. Many of the areas still display aspects of good urban design that can be applied effectively to subdivision and development of today.

 

Later subdivisions in the district’s towns, based upon a cul-de-sac pattern, have created a more fractured urban form, with reduced connectivity and potentially less flexibility for future growth.