Services

Matamata-Piako District has undertaken various studies to determine the capacity of water and sewage treatment plants to meet forecast demand. A detailed report for each reticulated service and its capacity is due for completion by the end of 1999.

As a result of residential development in the district over 1997/98 period, $10,000 in roading contributions has been collected and $247,929 in reserve contributions. This money has been collected from developers to assist Council in providing works and services to residential communities.

Water

Water supplies for Matamata, Morrinsville and Te Aroha are provided by streams in the area that are either dammed (in the case of Morrinsville) or collected and stored in a reservior (in Matamata and Te Aroha). These systems have recently been investigated recommendations made for improvement. Council is currently considering these recommendations.

Sewerage

Investigations have recently been undertaken on sewerage treatment and disposal facilities in Morrinsville, Matamata and Te Aroha. It has been recommended that the Morrinsville system have a significant upgrade and the Te Aroha system have minor works. The Matamata system is working well and has significant capacity left to cater for future growth.

Stormwater

Stormwater disposal has traditionally been runoff into the nearest stream or gully system or into individual property soakholes. Runoff into gullies and streams is no longer acceptable with today’s environmental standards and the continued use of soakholes should be investigated if water supplies are from underground aquifers and bores. Stormwater collection, treatment and disposal need to be addressed in all three urban centres. Studies have been undertaken into the issue of stormwater disposal and options are being considered.

Community Perceptions

The residential growth of a town is strongly linked to how attractive it is seen to be by the community, and also the facilities it provides like schools, shopping, employment, recreation, etc. In a 1998 survey, 61% of those surveyed in the Matamata-Piako District considered that their local township or community had become either “a little”, or “much more” attractive.

Response

Council continues to monitor growth rates and in particular population, numbers of new households and labour force growth forecasts to ensure that enough land is available for residential growth and that new growth can be adequately serviced.

What Can You do to Help?

Support and encourage residential development in line with the Council's resource management policies