Steering Committee:
Although visible progress may seem minimal to the public eye, we continue to make headway in the compliance and regulatory space. Our biggest target remains the resource consent for a zone change—from rural lifestyle to commercial. This is a significant task, as we’re aiming for consent that fits our long-term vision, not just a 5 or 10-year plan.
To achieve this, we must complete several smaller pieces of the puzzle before submitting. These include compliance with traffic and noise regulations, maximum building sizes, operating hours, and appropriate land use documentation. Each of these elements undergoes multiple review processes, which can each take 3–6 months. We’re hoping to submit our first full application by the end of the year.
Looking beyond the immediate work, the steering committee is also undertaking a strategic review of their structure, strategy, and approach to ensure the Park. This is to ensure the project is well-positioned for the years ahead, and also includes some changes at the board level, as some members near the end of their 2-year tenure.
A&P and Education:
The A&P have secured classification as a “Royal Show” for this year’s A&P show - a major accomplishment. The team is now focused on preparations, including the acquisition of new toilet facilities and the construction of an additional shed.
Equestrian:
The Equestrian team has secured partial funding from the TET for their development and is now working towards the commencement of initial facility construction.
These facilities may be scaled back from their original plans, but will enable the team to start their journey.
The Trust have also piloted an Equine Assisted Learning programme with local high schools. It is an unmounted programme, which helps kids with personal development, emotional regulation and relationship building. This was very well received and will continue to be developed.
Overall, there is plenty of ‘behind the scenes’ happening, and the vision is steadily becoming a reality.
Motorsport:
The Stratford Park Motorsport Complex (SPMC) is currently focused on three key areas:
1. Resource Consent | 2. Infrastructure | 3. Fundraising
Consent:
A resource consent specific to the drift pad was submitted in January. It returned requiring additional work, particularly around vehicle access and noise concerns.
The team has since completed a positive review with KiwiRail regarding the railway crossing and is now awaiting the NZTA road impact review. These reports will determine the scale of events we can host using the current entrance.
Noise testing has also taken place on the concrete pad, using various vehicles (from rotaries to go-karts). Following these tests, additional noise reduction measures have been implemented, and further testing completed. The latest results will be submitted alongside the KiwiRail and NZTA findings.
Fundraising:
The drift venue cannot be used for public events or private hire until consent is approved- Until then, any activity is strictly for testing purposes.
However, the wider venue is available for hire or lease. The grounds are suitable for a range of uses; from outdoor club events (not just motorsport) to equipment storage or leased yard space. Please get in touch if you see an opportunity—we are always looking for ways to generate income beyond our current grazing and maize cropping operations.
In addition, SPMC is now releasing its final 30 safety barriers for advertising space. If you’re interested, please visit our website for details.
Infrastructure:
With a toilet and office block already secured and water installed, we are making steady progress. Power is scheduled to be connected in the first week of August, with the septic system next in line. Completing these steps brings us closer to opening the venue for public use
