Waipā District Council is inviting proposals for the future use of the former Bunnings building and gully site in Te Awamutu, as it moves to sell its interest in the property.
Council purchased the leasehold interest for the Arawata Street site in 2021 with the intention of supporting the development of Te Ara Wai Museum. While that project remains important, the site is no longer considered suitable for that purpose following further assessment. This includes ongoing discussions with mana whenua.
Mayor, Mike Pettit said Council has a responsibility to ensure its assets are delivering value to the community.
The leasehold interest will be offered to the market through an open tender process, with proposals assessed on both price and broader community outcomes.
“This is not just a financial decision,” Mayor Pettit said.
“We’re looking for proposals that bring real value to our community — whether that’s through jobs, services, environmental sustainability, or strengthening connections with local people and place.”
Tenders will be evaluated using a weighted framework, with price forming the majority of the assessment, alongside strategic priorities such as:
- Benefits to the local community and whānau
- Cultural recognition and responsiveness to mana whenua
- Environmental sustainability and kaitiakitanga
- Long-term stewardship of the site.
Council will retain the discretion to select the proposal that delivers the best overall outcome, rather than simply the highest price.
The land is owned by the Parish of St John Te Awamutu Trust, and Council will continue to work constructively with the trust, mana whenua and stakeholders throughout the process.
Mayor Pettit said it was important to emphasise that the decision does not signal the end of Te Ara Wai project.
“We remain committed to working alongside mana whenua to explore the right way forward for Te Ara Wai. This decision reflects that the current site is not the best fit, not a loss of commitment to the kaupapa,” he said.
The building has been vacant since May 2025, with leasing options limited due to restrictions on permitted use until a recent change to allow it to be used for a warehouse, storage, distribution and associated commercial purpose. Council has been working with the landowner to explore options to enable viable use of the site.
The open tender process got underway yesterday.
