Tauranga residents are invited to check-out Tauranga City Council's draft 30-year plan to support population growth in Ōtūmoetai, Matua, Brookfield, Bellevue and Judea.

‘Take me to the future: Ōtūmoetai 2050' collected community feedback from March to April to develop a plan that would ensure the area has enough houses, suitable ways for people to get around and spaces to support community wellbeing.

Tauranga is projected to grow by around 78,500 residents by 2063, which will require around 34,400 new homes.

Central government policy requires council to enable more housing to be built within the city's existing footprint through greater housing density – the number of homes per hectare – and increased building heights. Future changes to Tauranga's City Plan would enable this.

Council has identified a number of key themes and projects, which have been laid out onto interactive maps.

Commission Chair Anne Tolley says council wants to create liveable neighbourhoods that allow people to live close to places that meet their daily needs.

'And we're looking to provide more housing choice by allowing for townhouses and apartments in Brookfield, Cherrywood, Bureta and along Ōtūmoetai Rd.

'Council also seeks to create better connected neighbourhoods that are supported by the amenities people need.”

Residents can give their feedback until July 3. Feedback will be used to refine the draft plan, which will be shared later this year.

Community drop-in sessions:

Monday, June 20, 4pm-7pm, Matua Bowling Club, 108 Levers Road, Matua.

Tuesday, June 21, 4pm-7pm, St Stephens Methodist Church, 9 Brookfield Terrace, Brookfield.

Visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/otumoetai2050