Signs of further growth for Motueka

February 14th, 2011

Some good news for those of us who are happy to see Motueka's steady continued growth. Two small statistics were reported in recent days that are pointers to such growth.

The TDC's Environment and Planning Committee reported last month that the number of new dwellings in the Motueka ward during the second half of 2010 totalled 38, compared with 28 for the same period in 2009. A small increase in growth rate, but significant nonetheless, and bucking some trends of slowing growth.

And Motueka High School achieved 40 extra enrolments than had been predicted, at the start of this year. So yes, More evidence that Motueka is "the Growing Region".

Comment by Ian Miller:
[Posted 19 February 2011]

There has been a shortage of affordable homes in Motueka for years and it's my guess that the two issues that stop growth here are the lack of jobs and the lack of (affordable) homes. The sooner some of the subdivisions planned, but apparently on hold at the moment, get going the better for the town.

We can't stay a low wage economic backwater for ever. There is room here within the Motueka urban area for more people and more services will surely follow any population growth rapidly.

The current downturn will not last long even if it feels like a lifetime since we had the last boom. You can be sure that lack of planning and a housing shortage will cause future problems. Council needs to start relaxing some of the development rules so that housing, retail and service zones can expand.

Comment by the Grumpy Old Men, written by William Cleaver:
[Posted 21 February 2011]

Grumpy old men have come to the conclusion that the Council's statement about growth is just another cover up to conceal the real agenda of the council. Firstly, to use 2009 figures would for starters be a little out of date. Secondly, growth for tourism and development is down according to the Council.

We have currently 80% of the cafes in town up for sale, one cyber cafe going under due to issues the council are ignoring, we have business closing down and because of new change-of-use issues and a so-called development contribution the building will never be tenated again. A local church had to close its doors due improper fire restictions and no parking available, yet a church up the road has no parking at all other than on the street front. As for the fire issue, that was easily solved by blocking of the offending area.

One contributer to the discussion group stated that Richmond is the Golden-Haired Boy at present with all possible development going that way. A new pool for Motueka "NO", upgrade the one in Richmond "YES" for the same amount Mot was asking for. Millions spent on a bypass for 10 min gained, yet the money should have gone to Riwaka-Kaiterere or upgrade the Motueka Bridge.

We have money being spent on a tourist cycle way and what end do they start at? Richmond no doubt. Subdivision developent like you wouldn't believe and Motueka on hold, and that brings us to the 10-year plan. One could almost say that the council has offered Motueka all these wonderful things just to say, Hey we offered! Knowing too well that the public are going to say we don't want it, thus shifting the blame.

We also ask what was done about Motueka winning The Best Town in NZ. If it was Richmond, TDC would probably declare a public holiday and put a statue in the forum.

These are views stated by regulars in around Motueka and in no way reflect on the opinions of the writer.

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