What's happening in Hautapu?

Hautapu, on the northern edge of Cambridge, is a primary location for industrial growth. That’s not a recent decision. It is the result of long-term planning through the Waipā 2050 Growth Strategy, developed with our community.

Hautapu sits at the heart of New Zealand’s economic golden triangle – the Auckland-Waikato-Bay of Plenty corridor that handles a significant share of the country’s freight and industrial activity. Businesses are already in Hautapu, more are on their way, and demand for industrial-zoned land continues to accelerate.

Growth is good news and not something we can opt out of. It needs to be planned and managed, not just happens to us. Growth only delivers on its promise when the infrastructure is ready, not scrambling to catch up.

That's why we're investing now, doing six projects together to ensure Hautapu has everything it needs to support safe, sustainable, and well-serviced industrial growth.

What the programme covers

The six projects

These six projects are planned and funded. They are designed to work together, delivered in a coordinated sequence to minimise disruption and maximise value for the community.
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  • Allwill Drive stormwater basin and swales

    A large 2.3-hectare soakage basin at the end of Allwill Drive, with stormwater swales along the road. Reduces flooding and manages stormwater for current and future development.


    Construction: July – December 2026

    Read more 

  • Wastewater reticulation

    A new Council wastewater network for the existing Hautapu industrial area, giving businesses the option to move off private septic systems.


    Construction: August – December 2026

    Read more 

  • Water supply upgrades

    New water supply pipes and connections across the industrial zone, plus a pump station upgrade to meet growth and fire flow requirements.


    Construction: August 2026 – March 2028

    Read more 

  • Hautapu Road upgrades

    Transforming Hautapu Road from Peake Road southward with new kerb and channel, shared pathways, a signalised intersection, underground power, and streetlighting.


    Construction: Late 2026 – Mid 2028

    Read more 

  • Hautapu Road roundabout

    A new two-lane roundabout at the Hautapu Road and State Highway 1B intersection - safer and better designed for the heavy vehicles and growing traffic volumes using the area.


    Construction: April 2027 – March 2029

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  • Hautapu reservoir pump station

    A new pump station at the Hautapu reservoir site to meet future water demand, including fire flow requirements. Lays the groundwork for a future 10-million-litre reservoir.


    Construction: Summer 2026/27

    Read more 

Work on the Allwill Drive stormwater basin is expected to start in July 2026.

Why now?

Our infrastructure has not always kept pace with growth, and we have heard the frustration.

The Hautapu Infrastructure Programme exists because we are determined not to repeat this. We are investing ahead of development, not trying to catch up with it.

  • Plan ahead, not react: we build it before it comes a problem
  • Costs less to build early
  • Growth is planned and managed

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Working with others

A programme of this scale does not happen in isolation. We are working closely with:

Respecting the history of Hautapu

Hautapu's future cannot be planned without acknowledging its past. The area holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for mana whenua. Some sites pre-date 1900, and connections to the land and waterways go back much further.

A Cultural Impact Assessment, including an archaeological assessment, is being prepared across the programme area. Mana whenua and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga are guiding this process. Where culturally significant sites are identified, they will be protected throughout construction.

This is not a compliance exercise. It reflects our genuine commitment to our partnership with iwi, and our understanding that good infrastructure planning means respecting people and place - not just pipes and pavements.

Who benefits and how?

The benefits of this programme extend well beyond the boundaries of the Hautapu industrial area. They reach across the district and into the future.
  • More reliable water supply and the option to connect to a modern, Council-managed wastewater network removes the cost and risk of ageing private systems
  • A safer, better-designed road environment that handles heavy vehicles and everyday traffic more efficiently
  • Greater certainty about future infrastructure, making investment decisions easier and able to me made with more confidence.
  • Hautapu’s location, with easy connections to the Waikato Expressway, places it within the productive “Golden Triangle” of Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty. This area holds over 50% of the country’s population, generates over 50% of NZ’s GDP, and manages a significant portion of national freight. 40% of the nation’s freight movements go into, out of, or through Waikato.
  • A fully serviced, well-connected industrial location with the infrastructure already in place
  • A clear signal that Waipā District Council is a proactive partner in supporting economic growth and not being a barrier to it
  • Access to a growing industrial community with strong road connections to the Expressway (SH1) and also SH1B
  • More industrial jobs and businesses mean more rates income, which helps fund the services and facilities that all residents value
  • The shared pathways and cycling connections being built alongside road upgrades benefit not just workers but residents and recreational users of the area
  • Better stormwater management reduces flood risk, not just in Hautapu but in the wider catchment
  • A well-planned industrial area keeps industrial activity where it belongs, reducing pressure on residential and town-centre land.
  • Infrastructure corridors being protected now will still be available in 20, 30, and 50 years - at far less cost than if that work were left to future decision-makers
  • Native planting in the stormwater basin creates an ecological asset for the long term
  • A 10-million-litre reservoir, when constructed in the early 2030s, will provide water security for decades of growth.

What to expect during construction

Construction across the programme runs from July 2026 through to 2028, with some elements continuing further into the future. We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum.

Where works will affect access for businesses, residents, the school, or emergency services, advance notice will be provided.

  • Businesses and residents near active works will receive direct letters with specific details at least four weeks before construction starts.
  • A dedicated point of contact will be available throughout construction for any questions or concerns.
  • Regular updates will be shared through this page and social media.

  • Construction starting July 2026 - Allwill Drive

    The stormwater basin at the end of Allwill Drive is the first project to begin, with construction expected to start in July 2026. This is currently out for tender.

    Businesses in the area should expect an increase in heavy vehicle movements during the earthworks phase. Further details will be provided once the contractor is confirmed.

    Learn more 

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Why choose Hautapu?

Stay informed

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  • Community information day

    We are looking at having an open day where you can meet the project teams in person and ask questions.

    Date to be confirmed.

  • Have a question or concern?

    We would love to hear from you.

    Email us 

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