Ōtorohanga Town Concept Plan

Ōtorohanga Town Concept Plan (ŌTCP) demonstrates Resilio Studio, Drawn and WSP’s effective track record in applying landscape planning, urban design, mana whenua engagement and participatory design in a rural town similar to those of South Waikato. Working closely with council, mana whenua and community, Resilio Studio, Drawn and WSP have helped to develop a widely supported visionary spatial plan and action plan for the Ōtorohanga ward and town centre.

Resilio Studio, Drawn and WSP were engaged by Ōtorohanga District Council to lead the development of a spatial plan for the Ōtorohanga Ward, concept plan for the town centre and an action plan to help guide the development of the town over the next 30 years. The ŌTCP provides a blueprint for the ongoing development and growth of Ōtorohanga, guiding sustainable infrastructure investment and promoting the increased vibrancy in the Town.

Integrating traditional environmental planning techniques with more contemporary engagement methodologies, the ŌTCP has required the design team to ground and embed themselves in place, spending significant periods of time in Ōtorohanga. For the ŌTCP, the design team included local artist and curator of the Ōtorohanga Museum, Nicky Deeley to ensure that local knowledge and connections were embedded in the design team. The process required the developing close working relationships with council staff, elected members, mana wheuna and community to identify, consider, evaluate and reconcile ideas, issues and opportunities, and then present these back as a coherent, integrated plan for action that reflects community and stakeholder aspirations. The outcome has provided the Ōtorohanga District Council, project partners, and other agencies and organizations with a framework to guide future activities and service delivery within the local community.

The ŌTCP will inform a future review of the Ōtorohanga District Plan (operative 2014) as well as other council policy and planning work, such as the long-term plan, infrastructure and financial strategies and reserve management plans. As of writing, Resilio Studio is finalizing the ŌTCP for adoption by the council prior to local elections.