Ashbourne is currently in the consenting stage under the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024. This Act is designed to speed up consenting for large-scale projects that deliver regional and national benefits. This includes infrastructure, housing, renewable energy, aquaculture, mining, and farming projects.

The project was referred by the Minister for Infrastructure on 13 May 2025. The substantive application was subsequently submitted and was deemed to not have any competing application for existing resource consents on 27 August 2025.  

The substantive lodgement application will be assessed by the expert panel in due course.

Economic

Ashbourne is expected to generate over $500 million in development activity and nearly $375 million in GDP. It will support over 380 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and is forecast to contribute $230 million in wages and salaries.

Once operational, the development is expected to support 64 ongoing roles and contribute a further $7.5 million to annual GDP.

Ashbourne is a large-scale development and will likely attract additional investment and lead to future growth in the Matamata-Piako District. It will bring new residents to the region and enhance the local community.

Facilities

Residents will enjoy recreational spaces within the greenway and greenspaces, including a proposed playground located at the heart of the community. The master plan is tailored to all ages and lifestyles, and will enable residents to transition from residential to retirement living. Our development includes accessible cycle and walking pathways to make it easy to visit loved ones across both communities.

The proposed commercial node is located centrally and is expected to include amenities such as local shops, a childcare facility, and a café. The level of amenity will be largely demand driven.

Supporting affordable housing

Ashbourne aims to provide high-quality, cost-efficient lots and homes. Lot sizes range from 350m² to over 800m², offering options for first-home buyers through to families seeking more space. Our master plan supports a broad range of lifestyle and budget needs.

The substantive application will be assessed by an expert panel shortly. While several steps remain before consent is granted, construction of Stage 1 is targeted for commencement in 2026, with title delivery approximately 12 months later.

Unity will develop plans to manage disruptions caused by earthworks and construction. This approach will ensure we remain mindful of neighbours while the development continues.

Unity has distributed letters to adjoining neighbours inviting them to share landowner/occupier contact details. These will be passed on to the expert panel to use at their discretion during the assessment.

Under the Fast-track Approvals process, consultation with neighbours is at the panel’s discretion. Unlike traditional plan changes through Matamata Piako District Council, this process does not include formal public notification.

Unity has carefully selected architectural designs and landscaping treatments to ensure the development blends in with the local aesthetic and character. Buffer zones, green space, and native planting will soften the transition between new and existing properties.

We’ve assessed existing fencing, planting, and the character of adjoining properties and have allowed for complementary landscaping and fencing treatments.

No. The solar panels pose no known health risks. They generate electricity by converting sunlight into electrical energy - a clean process with no harmful emissions or by-products.

A glint and glare study has been conducted as part of the consent and confirms there will be no impacts from the receptors. Panels have a non-reflective coating, operate virtually silently, and are designed to minimise visual and operational impacts.

The solar panels will be screened using fencing and planting buffers to reduce visibility and integrate into the environment.

Agrivoltaics is the combined use of land for both solar energy and agriculture. It allows for simultaneous farming and energy generation on the one piece of land. In Ashbourne’s proposal, pasture will be maintained under the panels, with plans to graze sheep beneath both solar farms.

The master plan includes a facility centre, aged care hospital, nurse accommodation, and parking. Unity will partner with a retirement operator and health providers to deliver on-site aged care, including hospital services. This will support residents and reduce pressure on local GPs and Matamata’s medical centres.

Yes. We’ve engaged with local mana whenua from early planning stages and will continue to do so. A cultural advisor has completed a Cultural Impact Assessment (CIA). We have incorporated the advisor’s recommendations into our planning.

Each lot will include a minimum of one off-street park, in addition to the internal garage, supplemented by on-street parking.

Unity is working with Matamata-Piako District Council and Waikato Regional Council to meet infrastructure requirements. Unity will pay costs for capacity upgrades associated with our development - these will not be passed on to existing ratepayers.

Ashbourne is well connected, with direct links to State Highways 24 and 27, and several bus routes servicing Hamilton and Morrinsville. Ashbourne is located within New Zealand’s ‘Golden Triangle’, with excellent access to Tauranga (45 minutes), Hamilton (55 minutes), and Rotorua (55 minutes). It approximately two hours from Auckland.