News

What do you want Masterton to be like in 25 years?

4 November 2025

Masterton District Council wants to know what you want for Masterton’s future.

The Council is working with the community to develop a plan for the next 25 years that will shape what Masterton looks and feels like, what living here is like, and what opportunities are available for our community.

The project is called Our Future, Our Story – Masterton’s Vision Towards 2050.

The first step is to identify what our community wants (the vision). From now until Christmas the project team will be out and about seeking input from our community about what they want for the future. After analysing results, key themes and scenarios will be tested with the community early next year.

Feedback from both phases of engagement will then be used to create a development plan that works towards delivering the community’s shared vision.

The plan will cover our whole district - from Masterton’s town centre and urban neighbourhoods to rural areas and the coast. It will consider all elements of life in Masterton, from housing, transport and community spaces, to opportunities for our people, our environment, and our economy.

Mayor Bex Johnson said the project was a great way to start the new term.

“As a Council we want to work with our community to build the best future for Masterton. Engaging with our people to find out what is important to them and what they want is the first step in making that a reality.

“I want to encourage everyone to get involved.”

Council Group Manager Strategy Karen Yates says the plan represents a shift from reactive development to strategic planning.

“This process ensures our community shapes how we develop and where growth happens. We’ve had around 20 percent growth in the last decade, and we are expecting more growth to come," Ms Yates says.

"We're well positioned strategically at the heart of Wairarapa and close to Wellington with connections that make us attractive for both residential and business development. We have great schools and more affordable housing than some of our neighbours.

“Our district also offers a range of recreational and lifestyle options, from mountains and the coast to our urban and rural areas. The question is how we maximise these opportunities while protecting what our community values."

The development plan will set Council’s strategic direction and inform future council decisions about zoning, infrastructure investment, and development across the district. It will also integrate with the government’s proposed regional spatial planning, making sure we deliver for the district, Wairarapa, and the wider Wellington region.

There are multiple ways people can participate during this first stage, with the busy engagement programme including workshops, community pop-up events throughout the district, and online surveys accessible 24/7.

"We've designed multiple participation options because we want to hear from as many people as possible," Ms Yates says.

"Whether you're a student, a rural landowner, a young parent, a business owner, someone new to Masterton or a visitor, your perspective on the district's future matters."

Ms Yates said the project would examine how Masterton can leverage its unique advantages, geographic location, and existing infrastructure.

"The development plan will identify how to turn our strengths and assets into opportunities for our community."

The plan will address housing supply, business and industrial development, rural land use, transport networks, and environmental protection, while also considering social and cultural elements that reflect how we ‘look and feel’ as a town and community.

The online survey is live now, running through until December. We will be out and about seeking feedback at pop-up events over this period, and running targeted and community workshops in November.

How to get involved and share your ideas