The journey to review and update the Reserve Management Plan (RMP) for the Waharoa (Matamata) Aerodrome is gaining momentum. The initial phase of engagement has wrapped up, and the process is now shifting into a collaboration and drafting phase. The Waharoa (Matamata) Aerodrome Committee (WMAC) met recently to hear from representatives from Ngāti Hauā - Ngāti Te Oro, Ngāti Rangi Tāwhaki hapū, the Unified Waharoa Aviators (UWA), one of the independent facilitators, and staff to confirm the direction forward.

Who are the Waharoa (Matamata) Aerodrome Committee (WMAC)?

The WMAC was established following the Ngāti Hauā Claims Settlement Act 2014 to ensure joint governance between Council and Ngāti Hauā.

The purpose of WMAC is to make recommendations to Council in relation to the Waharoa Aerodrome land. The WMAC is made up of three Council representatives; the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor and one other Councillor, as well as three Ngāti Hauā representatives.

The WMAC is currently made up of the following members:

• Mayor Adrienne Wilcock (co-chair)
• Deputy Mayor James Thomas
• Councillor Kevin Tappin
• Ngāti Hauā - Mrs Rangitionga Kaukau
• Ngāti Hauā - Mr Deacon Paul
• Ngāti Hauā - Mr Muna Wharawhara

Why review the Reserve Management Plan?

RMPs are developed by councils to help manage the parks and reserves in their district. It is considered good practice to review management plans at least every 10 years and the Reserves Act requires a review in response to changing circumstances or increased knowledge. The Matamata Aerodrome RMP was written in 2010 and therefore needs an update to address significant developments that have occurred since then, including:

• Ngāti Hauā Claims Settlement Act 2014
• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• The formation of the Waharoa (Matamata) Aerodrome Committee.

This review process began several years ago but was delayed by Covid-19 and restarted officially last year. You can read more about the background and process to date here.

Pre-engagement stage recap

The pre-engagement stage started with a joint hui that included representatives from Ngāti Hauā - Ngāti Te Oro, Ngāti Rangi Tāwhaki hapū, aerodrome users from various flying groups and Waharoa community members who had submitted feedback during the first round of the RMP consultation. Each person there had a chance to share their connection to, and aspirations for, the aerodrome land, as well as having the opportunity to meet each other and the staff involved.
 
Following that, independent facilitators met with the groups separately to help identify and clarify the issues and opportunities around the aerodrome. This phase allowed two strategic groups to emerge – representatives from Ngāti Hauā - Ngāti Te Oro, Ngāti Rangi Tāwhaki hapū, and formation of the Unified Waharoa Aviators (UWA). It was also a useful information-sharing exercise, and we were able to learn more about the history of the land, and the way it is currently used. Having the most accurate and up-to-date information will be critical when shaping the revised RMP.

Impartiality and decision-making by WMAC

Members of WMAC opted not to participate in these facilitated discussions, as they are responsible for making decisions about the RMP and wanted to remain impartial. At their committee meeting on 24 October 2024, WMAC members received detailed reports from Ngāti Hauā - Ngāti Te Oro, Ngāti Rangi Tāwhaki hapū and UWA representatives, as well as feedback from one of the facilitators and council staff with suggested ways forward.

The committee resolved to keep progressing the RMP review, recognising the community’s interest in the aerodrome’s future. Council staff, along with consultants from Xyst (contracted by council) are now working with representatives from Ngāti Hauā - Ngāti Te Oro, Ngāti Rangi Tāwhaki hapū and UWA to confirm the approach for the next stage, which is the drafting of a reviewed RMP.

Legal considerations

A key part of the RMP review involves carefully considering various legislative frameworks to ensure compliance with the laws related the land, including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
• Ngāti Hauā Claims Settlement Act 2014
• Local Government Act 2002
• Resource Management Act 1991
• Civil Aviation Act 1990
• Reserves Act 1977
• Airport Authorities Act 1966
• Public Works Act 1928

What does the Ngāti Hauā Claims Settlement Act 2014 actually say? 

In relation to Ngāti Hauā’s connection to the Waharoa Aerodrome land, in part 1, section 9 (11) of the settlement it states:

“The Crown acknowledges that –
(a) it did not consult Ngāti Hauā before surveying their land at Waharoa for a military aerodrome in 1942. The aerodrome was retained for civil purposes after World War II; and
(b) the Ngāti Hauā owners objected to the Crown taking the aerodrome land under public works legislation in 1951, on the basis that they had a strong understanding that the land would be returned to them at the end of the war; and
(c) to this day, the Waharoa land has remained alienated, and this has been an ongoing source of grievance and sorrow for the original owners and their descendants and for Ngāti Hauā as a whole."

The Waharoa Aerodrome is referred to again in part 2, section 95:

"Waharoa Aerodrome land may be vested in trustees –
(1) This section applies if the Minister or the administering body (as relevant)—
(a) considers that all or any part of the Waharoa Aerodrome land is not required for aerodrome and ancillary aviation purposes; and
(b) exercises the Minister’s or body’s powers under section 24 of the Reserves Act 1977 to revoke the reservation of the Waharoa Aerodrome land (or part of it) as a reserve by notice in the Gazette.
(2) The Minister must not give notice in the Gazette revoking the reservation of the Waharoa Aerodrome land (or part of it) as a reserve until the expiry of 1 month after notice has been given under section 97.
(3) On revocation of the reserve status under subsection (1)(b), that part of the Waharoa Aerodrome land vests in the trustees."

You can read the full settlement document here.

Who currently uses the Waharoa (Matamata) Aerodrome?

The Waharoa (Matamata) Aerodrome is used by various flying clubs, and people who lease hangers for private planes.

The main groups involved are:

• Piako Gliding Club
• Matamata Soaring Centre
• Matamata Aero Club
• Sport Aircraft Group
• Skydive Waikato
• Matamata Piako Model Aero Club
• Hangar lease holders
• Walsh Memorial Scout Flying School

You can learn more about the aerodrome facility here.

Next steps: drafting and public consultation

Once a draft plan is prepared, it will be submitted to WMAC for endorsement. Following this, a two-month public submission period will open, giving the community a chance to review and provide feedback on the draft RMP.

To stay informed about progress and future consultation opportunities, sign up here for updates or keep an eye on our project page here.