The small town of Tapawera has a population of about 310 people. It services the surrounding agricultural and horticultural land uses, including the fast-growing hop sector. The Tapawera commercial centre includes a convenience store, food and beverage outlets, and a service station plus a mix of industrial services and community facilities. Houses are traditional, free-standing, one to two storey low-density.
- As Tapawera grows and changes, there is a risk that the productive land resource surrounding the town may be used inefficiently.
- There is a lack of industrial land to service the hop sector.
- The town centre lacks character and visual amenity.
- The range of housing choice in Tapawera is limited.
- Parts of Tapawera are vulnerable to flooding.
- Minimise urban expansion on land that is vulnerable to flooding or has productive values.
- Encourage landscape and streetscape initiatives that contribute to character and amenity.
- Support further business development in Tapawera and consolidate commercial activities on Main Street.
- Maximise the expansion opportunities to increase housing choice, with active connections to the town centre and greenspaces.
- Implement the Future Development Strategy which provides for additional residential and light industrial land.