appendix dg4 - central kihikihi character guidelines · dg4.5.5 building heights should reflect and...

Waipa District Plan Appendix DG4 - Central Kihikihi Character Guidelines

Page Version - 1 November 2016 of 6

Appendix DG4 - Central Kihikihi Character Guidelines

DG4.1 Introduction

DG4.1.1 This character description is a guide to future development within the precinct area of Kihikihi. People wishing to erect new buildings and/or extend or alter existing buildings in this area will require a resource consent. The purpose of this consent process is to promote development that builds on the existing character of the area. The information that follows describes the existing character and will be of assistance to people in the preparation of resource consents. It is recommended that applicants talk to Council in the early stages of the resource consent process to ensure that they are made aware of design elements that must be considered.

DG4.1.2 Both a Town Concept Plan and Analysis Report have been prepared for Te Awamutu and Kihikihi and these documents provide an additional source of information relating to the existing nature and potential future development of the area.

DG4.2 History

DG4.2.1 Kihikihi provides a strong sense of history with both ends of its main street being marked by historic church buildings and hotels. The Town Hall (Photo 1), War Memorial (Photo 2) and Water Tower (Photo 3) as well as the restored police house along State Highway 3 (Lyon Street) all add to the heritage character of Kihikihi.

Photo 1: Kihikihi Town Hall (1904), State Highway 3.

DG4.2.2 The commercial buildings along the main street of Kihikihi (the State Highway) represent a range of periods in the development of the town, with heritage buildings from the Victorian Period (1870-1914), others from the Inter War Period (1919-1945) and many constructed in more recent times. The Kihikihi War Memorial Hall is a key heritage building in Kihikihi (Photo 2).


of 6 Page Version - 1 November 2016

Photo 2: Kihikihi War Memorial (circa 1920), State Highway 3.

DG4.3 Streetscape

DG4.3.1 Along the main street, there is an absence of consistent tree planting, however, there are some large old trees throughout Kihikihi and these could provide a species reference for more consistent landscape treatment.

DG4.3.2 Kihikihi is not extensively developed and retail shops in the centre do not offer a continuous pedestrian environment. Buildings are grouped rather than running along the length of the State Highway through the town. New development in the area will assist in addressing this issue.

DG4.3.3 The grid layout of the street system in Kihikihi is not obvious because of the undulating topography and the meandering nature of the State Highway running through it. Elevated views from the ridge along Lyon Street to the surrounding countryside reveal this topography and the rural hinterland and mountains in the distance. The view from many of Kihikihi’s local streets is of the surrounding rural landscape and even, from the main street, it is clear that Kihikihi is a rural community (Photo 3).

Photo 3: Rural surrounds, view from State Highway 3 towards water tower.



DG4.4 Building character

DG4.4.1 The majority of buildings located along the main street are single level, however, the two-storey hotels located at each end of Lyon Street (Photos 4 and 5) provide a significant built remnant from the 1880’s. The majority of commercial buildings are located close to the street edge, framing the journey through the town along the State Highway.

DG4.4.2 The majority of heritage buildings located along Lyon Street are timber weatherboard. The presence, number and scale of signs detract from the buildings architectural features and character and it is recommended that this is better controlled, particularly in the development of future buildings.

Photo 4: Alpha Hotel, at the northern entrance to Kihikihi, State Highway 3.

Photo 5: Star Tavern, southern entry to Kihikihi, State Highway 3.

DG4.4.3 Awnings/verandahs on buildings along the main street make a positive contribution to streetscape character (Photos 4, 5 and 6). Infill development along the State Highway will create a stronger street edge, reinforcing the ‘main’ street feel and providing a more cohesive centre for the community. While infill development is encouraged in the main town centre area (between Galloway and Whitmore Streets), protection of views to Mount Maungatautari and Mount Kakepuku should be encouraged, reinforcing the rural nature of Kihikihi. These views are illustrated in Framework Plans 7 and 10, pages 54 and 59 of the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Town Concept Plan.



Photo 6: Commercial strip, State Highway 3.

DG4.5 Design statements

DG4.5.1 The following design statements provide guidance on key architectural and design features that should be considered as part of any application to amend or construct a new building in the Kihikihi precinct area. Council planners will refer to these design statements when assessing applications for resource consents in this area.

DG4.5.2 Encourage a continuous building façade in the town centre to emphasise the ‘main street’ feel, whilst maintaining the significant views identified in the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Town Concept Plan Framework Plans 7 and 10, of the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Town Concept Plan.

DG4.5.3 Buildings should be located along the front boundary of the site, creating a consistent setback along the street edge in line with existing buildings.

DG4.5.4 Verandahs are encouraged as part of a continuous building façade, providing for community space, all-weather pedestrian protection and reinforcing the heritage character of existing buildings. Some of the existing verandahs in Kihikihi are sloped and supported by posts and this style is encouraged.

DG4.5.5 Building heights should reflect and be sympathetic to surrounding built form. The majority of buildings located along the main street of Kihikihi are single storey with some two storey buildings. This height limit should be maintained.

DG4.5.6 The building width should match the proportions of adjacent buildings or other buildings in Kihikihi.

DG4.5.7 Buildings and their elements should reflect their context. Kihikihi’s heritage buildings are small in scale and feature stylistic elements that could be echoed in new designs. Elements such as parapets, horizontal cornice relief, recessed entrances, sash windows and verandahs should be considered for new developments.

DG4.5.8 New designs should not replicate heritage buildings. Faux or replica Victorian buildings are strongly discouraged.

DG4.5.9 Repeating windows at regular intervals needs to be considered with attention given to the design and placement of windows to reflect existing (heritage) buildings.



DG4.5.10 Use details drawn from historic architectural styles present in Kihikihi. An example of how this could be done is included in Figure 1 where the scale, proportion and façade detailing is continued over to the more modern development – such as verandah height, parapet height and window placement. This example could be further improved through use of a more sympathetic colour, complimenting the adjacent heritage building.

Figure 1: Continuation of architectural details in a modern development located adjacent to a historical building.

DG4.5.11 Views to the surrounding rural landscape, particularly Mount Maungatautari and Mount Kakepuku should be retained. Please refer to the Te Awamutu and Kihikihi Town Concept Plan - Framework Plans 7 and 10, pages 54 and 59 which identify these views.

DG4.5.12 Materials that are to be used are similar in appearance to those used in the historic heritage buildings along Kihikihi’s main street such as timber weatherboard.

DG4.5.13 Use colours to complement the form of the façade and surrounding heritage buildings. Heritage colour charts may be of assistance. Refer to Resene’s Heritage Colour Palette for example.

DG4.5.14 Ensure signs on existing and new developments do not detract from the buildings architectural features. It is discouraged to mount signs:

(a) On the front edge of the verandah fascia that extend more than 10cm above and below the fascia board.

(b) On top of the verandah frames.

(c) In places where they cover large segments of façade obscuring features, like windows, verandah fretwork, roof profile and other architectural features.

DG4.6 Contextual considerations

DG4.6.1 A key factor for the design of a building is its context and is not only the architectural context that needs consideration. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles should be referenced when designing a new development. This will help to ensure that consideration has been given to the surrounding context and a safe environment is created. Key CPTED principles for consideration:



(a) Access - safe connections, well defined routes/entrances.

(b) Surveillance and sightline - buildings overlooking the street/public spaces.

(c) Layout - clear and logical orientation enhancing the perception of safety.

(d) Activity mix - encourage a compatible mix of uses to generate a high level of human activity.

(e) Sense of ownership - showing a space is cared for and encouraging respectful/ responsible behaviour.

(f) Quality environments - well designed, managed and maintained.

appendix dg4 - central kihikihi character guidelines · dg4.5.5 building heights should reflect and...

Documents