Our building and planning teams have been busy making a lot of changes since the last newsletter. Scott Devonport is the new consents and regulatory manager having taken over from David Greaves who left in March to take on a new role with a consulting firm in Tauranga. Since taking over the position, Scott has introduced some positive changes in the way we work.
A few words from Scott
Those who know me understand that customer service is an area I am passionate about and you will see this spread across the whole team as we continue to focus on providing an efficient, valuable service to our community. More >>>
Development Engineering
Overall district residential construction activity has increased to levels not seen since 2007. Development engineer Roger Stokes says Kinloch is the standout area, with the most house building activity he has seen in any of the 15 years he has been with us. If current annual trends continue there will be over 50 new dwellings consented by Christmas. More >>>
Flood hazard plan change
In 2009 we adopted the Lake Taupō Erosion and Flood Strategy, which identified the flood hazard around the margins of Lake Taupō. Following this, we engaged Opus to undertake flood hazard assessments on the major tributaries that flow into the lake and for the lake itself. More >>>
Population projections
Some of you may be aware of the work that has undertaken by The University of Waikato for population and household projections for the Waikato Region from 2013-2063. The report has recently been updated to take into full consideration the results of the Statistics New Zealand 2013 Census data. More >>>
Licensed Building Practitioners update
The 2014/2015 financial year has seen Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) complaints increase by 40 per cent, which represents significant growth and indicates greater consumer awareness of the LBP complaints function coupled with a boom in the construction sector. More >>>
Compliance update
Signage continues to be a hot topic for us, with continued pressure for bigger and more visible signs, particularly when it comes to tourism and real estate signage. We have recognised the need to relax some of the rules around signage and have done so through Plan Change 28. More >>>
Taupo residential market
The number of residential land sales around the Taupō District has been steadily increasing over the past five years following a period of very low sales in the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis. An average of 33 residential sites are sold within Taupō annually (excluding Kinloch). More >>>
Earthworks
Two words that seem to be constantly ringing around the office are earthworks and retaining walls. The Building Code and District Plan both have requirements that must be met for different reasons and the rules are slightly different between the two. More >>>
Commercial activity
We regularly get people wanting to work from home checking the requirements of the Building Code and District Plan. Generally parking is the bit that is difficult when starting up a home business. More >>>
Heritage and cultural matters
We only have a few listed heritage buildings in Taupo and they are found in Schedule 7 of the District Plan. We do however have many archaeological heritage sites around the district. Some of these are recorded and some not. More >>>
Introducing Brent Simpson
Brent started with the Consents and Regulatory team in June as development liaison manager. His career has involved eight years across a variety of national and international roles with Shell, followed by three years with Loyalty NZ (Fly Buys) and more recently in management at Euro Scaffolds Ltd in Taupō. More >>>
Introducing Derrick Thorley
Derrick has recently joined the Consents and Regulatory team as a technical building specialist. His role manages the functions for building warrant of fitness as well as supporting the building team with auditing and change management. More >>>
Christmas holiday info
Building and Resource Consents and LIM's will not be issued during the Christmas/New Year period. Applications for these should be lodged by 20 November.
Liquor Licences will not be issued during the Christmas/New Year period and should be lodged by 20 November.
Regulatory services, like animal management and noise control, will be available over the Christmas period. They can be contacted through the regular after hours phone service on 07 376 0899 or 0800 ASKTDC.