The Waharoa (Matamata) Aerodrome Committee (WMAC) are in the process of reviewing the Reserve Management Plan (RMP) and potentially creating a Master Plan for the Waharoa Aerodrome. It is considered good practice to review management plans at least every 10 years. The Reserves Act requires reserve management plans to be reviewed to respond to changing circumstances or increased knowledge. The Matamata Aerodrome RMP was written in 2010 and doesn’t take into account important developments such as the Ngāti Hauā Settlement Act 2014, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, or the formation of the WMAC.

Background

The land the Waharoa Aerodrome operates on was originally owned by Ngāti Hauā, but when World War II started, the land was taken to be used as a wartime airfield. The Waharoa Aerodrome was established in 1942 by the RNZAF but it was only ever considered for use in emergencies.

After the war ended, the aerodrome was retained by the Crown for civil purposes despite Ngāti Hauā objections. There are also a couple of neighbouring pockets of land that were bought additionally by the county – you can see these in more detail in the maps in the slideshow here.

The aerodrome then started operating as a recreational airfield, which included a flying school and various clubs. Due to the wind patterns created by the Kai Mai Range, the Waharoa Aerodrome is an especially good area for gliders.

Following the Ngāti Hauā Claims Settlement Act 2014, the Waharoa (Matamata) Aerodrome Committee (WMAC) was established to ensure joint governance between council and Ngāti Hauā.

Reserve Management Plan Review Process

The aerodrome land is subject to several pieces of legislation, which prescribes the process for reviewing the RMP and preparing a masterplan and restricts the actions that can be taken. The revised RMP will have to comply with all of the different Acts that govern the land. See the full list under ‘Related Documents.’

Council notified its intention to review the RMP in 2019 and received suggestions from Ngāti Hauā and the public. The committee has considered these suggestions and legislation changes to develop potential options for the aerodrome.  These suggestions and potential options are in the slideshow here.

Prior to drafting the new RMP the committee is seeking input from Ngāti Hauā, MAUG and other key stakeholders on the options it has been considering.  

Wider consultation will occur when the committee publicly notifies the draft RMP for two months of consultation and holds a hearing if submitters would like to speak to their submissions. Feedback will directly inform the RMP review and potential masterplan development and help the WMAC make the best decisions possible for the future.

RMP and Masterplan Slideshow - 13 Dec 23

Matamata Aerodrome Reserve Management Plan 2010

Ngāti Hauā Claims Settlement Act 2014

Airport Authorities Act 1966

Civil Aviation Act 1990

Health and Safety at Work Act 2015

Local Government Act 2002

Reserves Act 1977

Resource Management Act 1991

Public Works Act 1928

Meeting Minutes Council - 23 Aug 23 (Pg 123) and WMAC - 16 Mar 23, 1 Jun 23, 21 Sep 23 

Shared Resources

WMAC – Waharoa (Matamata) Aerodrome Committee

MAUG – Matamata Aerodrome User Group

NHCSA – Ngāti Hauā Claims Settlement Act 2014

RMP – Reserve Management Plan

RMA – Resource Management Act 1991

LGA – Local Government Act 2002

NZMA – Matamata Aerodrome

MPDC – Matamata-Piako District Council

NHIT – Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust