NEW HORIZONS
Pip Crombie explores Te Awa Rise, Cambridge’s newest residential subdivision offering elevated living with connected greenways, native landscapes and effortless access to Waikato’s Golden Triangle.
Considering a move? I could be. I recently spent a morning strolling around one of Cambridge’s newest prime residential subdivisions, Te Awa Rise. Situated just minutes from the distinctive charm of the iconic Waikato town, it’s a carefully developed neighbourhood bringing elevated living to those ready to engage.
The unique early morning light the Waikato/Waipā District is known for hangs about the green open spaces, landscaped reserves, natural waterways and distant view to Mount Pirongia, providing exceptional appeal. Spending the morning with CEO of the Sanderson Group, Jared Boronian, and sales manager for the project, Anthony Merrington, afforded me a rare view into their passion for this slice of Godzone, the careful planning that has gone into the 54 lot development, and what it has to offer new residents of all walks of life, ages and stages.
Te Awa Rise sits at the intersection of Cambridge's rapid growth and the Waipā District Council’s ambitions for a more connected, less car-dependent town. The council has been explicit about sustainability in their development plans. New neighbourhoods must provide open spaces and connect new developments through a network of ‘green’ pedestrian and cycleways, while also preserving existing natural areas like river terraces and waterways. Te Awa Rise’s built-in cycle paths and walkways align well with the Waipā 2050 strategy’s vision.
The Sanderson Group worked closely with the council’s principal engineer, Tony Coutts, who was impressed with the developer’s communication, shared vision and commitment to achieving the 2050 regional goals. “Kudos to them for working so closely with us to progress and work to make this cost effective and timely. From the land-acquisition stage through to planning and providing road networks, and the bridge that spans the natural waterway – it’s been a fun and interesting project.”
Perhaps you’re already one of the many people in on the secret of what the Waipā District has on offer. The designated area the district encompasses is in the heart of the Waikato region, south and south-east of Hamilton city. It includes the key towns of Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Pirongia, Ōhaupō and Kihikihi. The fertile land, nurtured by the mighty Waikato River that flows through the region, supports a wide variety of agriculture and outdoor activity, and in recent times has attracted a veritable boom in residents.
The strong rural-urban mix of the Waipā District and a council working closely on developing the region with critical infrastructure is evident. Arterial roads, bridges, amenities, and a key focus on strengthening the Hamilton-Waipā corridor for better transport and economic outcomes, including a 9.8 million-dollar extension at Hamilton Airport, means this area is not only a beautiful location to live in, but also provides streamlined transport systems within the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga).
Just minutes from the delightful town of Cambridge and seamlessly connected to the wider Waikato, Te Awa Rise is a north-facing community offering elevated views across treetops and native bush. The clever design of the Sanderson Group’s latest development address affords new residents an enviable lifestyle, as described by Jared. “The nearly 10-hectare development has been layered across two terraces. This adds incredible character to the ‘aspect’ of most of the properties on offer, the two elevations and the way the individual sections have been sized and arranged. It means they’re north-facing with east-west perspective, open and private. The four original homes add character, as does the historic pā site that will remain, various green spaces and top-notch landscaping.”
The lower level includes a reserve and natural waterway that’s home to a variety of native birds and will be accessible to residents. Significant attention has been paid to landscaping – whole areas planted in native plants already attracting native birds, feature specimen trees that when fully grown will create privacy. Paths are extra wide; envisage yourself (as I did), walking or biking them, doing your daily laps, or connecting to the adjacent neighbourhoods and Cambridge township itself.
“The bridge at the bottom of Te Awa Rise is the perfect example of the outcome of engaging with one of the most progressive councils we’ve worked with,” explains Jared. This pre-built bridge – that was ‘dropped in’ by crane to span the waterway – is now a critical link through the subdivision for both residents and others to connect on to the Te Awa River Ride Cycle Network, touted as 65km of one of the most accessible and scenic cycling and walking trails in New Zealand.
Sarah Ulmer, trail manager at Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust says: “It’s so awesome to see Te Awa Rise and Waipā District Council teaming up to make it easier and safer for people to get around town without needing a car. A key walking and cycling link is now complete at Te Awa Rise, meaning you can get safely from Kaipaki all the way up to Cambridge Park.”
So, back to you and your new home – what can you look forward to? With a number of builds underway from the 11 design-and-build options on offer, you can see the calibre of the neighbourhood unfolding. Should you wish to engage your own architect and builder, you can, but with respect to the design guidelines in place. “Our own house and land packages offer architectural perspective – roomy contemporary houses (around 180m2 plus), four-bedroom or three plus an office or workspace, and double garaging,” says Anthony. “In order to protect the value of the buyer’s investment, independent designs need to be in keeping with the overall standard of the quality materials we’ve used.”
So, back to you and your new home – what can you look forward to? With a number of builds underway from the 11 design-and-build options on offer, you can see the calibre of the neighbourhood unfolding. Should you wish to engage your own architect and builder, you can, but with respect to the design guidelines in place. “Our own house and land packages offer architectural perspective – roomy contemporary houses (around 180m2 plus), four-bedroom or three plus an office or workspace, and double garaging,” says Anthony. “In order to protect the value of the buyer’s investment, independent designs need to be in keeping with the overall standard of the quality materials we’ve used.” for, take a moment to explore 6 Awarua Crescent, the three-bedroom option (220m2) with a detached, private flat, plus two-car garaging and a generous section size of 523m2. With a range of other sites available, up to 1,000m2, there really is an option for all. The lots themselves are well considered from an urban design perspective, with a focus on ‘liveable design’.
“We engaged a top-tier urban designer, who has produced a neighbourhood that’s so well connected by the interior roads and pathways to the adjoining arterial roads, landscaping and reserves,” Jared tells me. “Each of the lots is a regular shape, to make sure buyers don’t have wasted space, and do have privacy, light and aspect.”
There are also a number of four-bedroom townhouses being built. Each is designed to be as low maintenance as possible, so you'll spend more time enjoying your home and life. Dual entry provides privacy for shared living, as do the two outdoor living areas.
“Although six properties have already sold or are under contract, there’s still a good range of properties available,” adds Jared. “You just need to get in quick to secure one of the best remaining sites.”
If you’re wondering who you might be living next to, current sales suggest a cross-section of residents, from empty-nesters to young families looking for proximity to schools, as well as professionals enjoying the quick commute to Hamilton, the airport (15 minutes), Waikato Expressway (8 minutes) and Karāpiro (10 minutes). You might even see me.