A controversial proposal to bring Starbucks and Burger King to Tīrau remains on hold, with construction not set to start until beyond 2026 according to local council updates. Tahua Properties Limited secured resource consent for the development from the South Waikato District Council last October, following an application originally lodged in 2023.
South Waikato District Council Updates and Building Consent Status
The South Waikato District Council’s Growth and Infrastructure Committee received a progress report regarding ongoing developments across the district last month. According to council documents, Tahua Properties secured a building consent for retaining walls in May. However, the council confirmed that this remains the sole building consent lodged and granted for the site so far, with no applications received yet for actual restaurant buildings or drive-through facilities.
“The consent holder advised that works were not going to start this year,” the council update stated. While the resource consent imposes no strict deadline for construction to begin, standard statutory rules apply. “Unless given effect to by 13 October 2030, the consent will lapse,” the council noted, referencing the five-year lapse period set out in the Government’s Resource Management Act.
Did you know?
Tahua Properties belongs to Tahua Group, a New Zealand retail and hospitality investment company that operates Starbucks New Zealand, Burger King New Zealand, and Popeyes New Zealand. When asked for comment by Local Democracy Reporting, Tahua Group issued no statement through its barrister.
Community Response and Local Concerns Over Tīrau Development
Public notification of the resource consent in June 2024 drew 148 submissions, featuring 39 in support, five neutral, and 104 in opposition. Residents and submitters raised concerns regarding increased traffic, potential noise, impacts on the town’s character, and close proximity to Tīrau Primary School and Tīrau Community Church.
Tīrau Ward councillor Kerry Purdy told Local Democracy Reporting that constituents mostly opposed the project, though she recognized competing viewpoints. “It’s already a nightmare a lot of the time with the pedestrian crossing problems and ever-increasing vehicle volumes,” Purdy said, highlighting worries over local business impacts and infrastructure strain. Conversely, she noted that shift workers welcomed the prospect of late-night food options, adding that “after 3pm there are limited options in Tīrau but it’s even worse after 8pm.”
Strict Consent Conditions Imposed on Tahua Properties
Independent commissioners granted resource consent subject to operational and design conditions. Operating hours are restricted between 5am and 11pm. Additional mandates require the developer to install a speed hump, pedestrian priority markings, and a pedestrian visibility splay to keep line-of-sight areas clear for drivers and pedestrians.
Prior to any physical work starting, notification protocols must be met. Tahua Properties must notify the council and immediate neighbors in writing at least three days before construction begins. Furthermore, the developer must deliver a Construction Management Plan and a traffic engineering design plan 10 working days prior to site works, erect temporary noise screens before earthworks, and contact the council’s Monitoring and Compliance Officer at least 48 hours in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the resource consent for Tīrau Burger King and Starbucks granted?
A panel of independent commissioners granted the resource consent in October, following an application submitted by Tahua Properties Limited in 2023.
What are the current operating hour restrictions for the proposed site?
According to the resource consent conditions, the restaurants must restrict their operating hours to between 5am and 11pm.
When does the resource consent expire?
The South Waikato District Council stated that under the Resource Management Act, the consent will lapse unless given effect to by October 13, 2030.
Where is the closest Burger King to Tīrau currently?
The closest Burger King to Tīrau is currently located in Tokoroa.
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