Stanley Park Partial Reserve Revocation

In response to a pressing need for affordable housing in Tokoroa, the South Waikato District Council engaged Veros to explore optimal uses for the underutilised Stanley Park. The project has evolved into a significant community and affordable housing initiative, leveraging part of the park’s land while enhancing communal facilities.

Project Development and Strategic Planning

Veros conducted a comprehensive initial needs and options assessment, which concluded that developing parts of Stanley Park for community and affordable housing was the most beneficial use of the space for both the community and the Council. Following this, a Preliminary Business Case was developed, facilitating the acquisition of $4.6 million in Better Off Funding to propel the project forward. This case included detailed feasibility studies for residential subdivision and provided high-level costings for vertical builds, ensuring financial and strategic viability.

Community Engagement and Consultation

A core element of the project was the meticulous community engagement process led by Veros, in accordance with the Reserves Act 1977. Drawing on valuable experiences from a similar project with Kawerau District Council, Veros guided SWDC through extensive community consultations. Early and ongoing engagement with mana whenua, local stakeholders, and residents near Stanley Park was crucial. The project team utilised various engagement methods, including face-to-face discussions, community BBQs, direct mail, and informative documents to ensure comprehensive community input and address any concerns effectively.

Communications and Legislative Process

Veros’s strategic advisory extended to developing a comprehensive Communications and Engagement Plan, which included a clear and informative Statement of Proposal and various avenues for community input into the playground design—ensuring it met the specific needs of local children. The team also expertly navigated the Council through the reporting and decision-making processes required for a formal application to the Department of Conservation for partial reserve revocation.