Potential extension for Waipuke Park following Karāpiro purchase

Waipā District Council has purchased 859 Maungatautari Road at Lake Karāpiro at auction today, doubling its land ownership on the lake shore alongside Waipuke Park.

The land was purchased by the Council for $5,320,000. The Maungatautari Road property is located immediately north-west of Waipuke Park with adjoining boundaries and comprises of 19.481ha of land along with a two-level concrete block house and farm sheds. Its current land use is farming.

Council’s Waipuke landholding is 40.5800ha.

Waipā District Council Deputy Chief Executive Ken Morris said the purchase was a win for the community in what was a fast-paced auction with many interested parties.

“This land holds much more than just a financial value. Now we have secured this great asset, we can look into more opportunities that will benefit our community and its local environment,” Morris said.

Potential possibilities for the land include extending the current Waipuke Park area or developing greatly needed recreational and accommodation operations.

“The purchase also enables protection, restoration, and extension of the significant natural areas and existing mature tree blocks; provides new opportunities to grow partnerships with mana whenua; and allows the connection of the Te Awa Cycleway through to Waipuke Park.”

“Now that we have secured this land, we can start to plan ahead on the best ways to utilise this asset for long-term community benefit, and make that part of our next long term plan.”