Public and industry comment invited for Hamilton Zoo Master Plan

New Zealand’s Hamilton Zoo has made public a master plan featuring proposals for its development over the coming decades.

Among the ideas included are an overnight ‘glamping’” experience and more interaction between visitors and animals.

The master plan, work on which began in 2014, is focused on setting the direction for Hamilton Zoo for as much as the next 30 years.

The plan is not funded, and any projects which stem from it will need to be considered as part of Hamilton City Council’s 2018-2028 10-Year Plan deliberations.

Stephen Standley, Hamilton Zoo Director, says with the Council having endorsed the plan for consultation, members of the public can now have a say.

Standley explains “Hamilton Zoo is owned by the people of the city, so they are a crucial stakeholder for us.

“The plan sets out a direction of travel for our zoo over the next 10-15 years, and we want to know what people think.”

Prepared by consultants from international zoo planning and design firm Studio Hanson|Roberts, the plan addresses aspects including the following:

• Identify Hamilton Zoo’s point of difference and marketing/promotion approach
• Visitor entry, circulation and amenities
• Extent of integration with Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park
• Visitor experience and engagement
• Animal exhibits and animal support facilities
• Services and support facilities

At present, the zoo consists primarily of a series of animal enclosures arranged along pathways. The master plan aims to develop a number of new exhibits and relocate others. Landscaping will be used to build a sense of place, and themed areas will be created for consistency of messaging.

The consultation closes on 18th May.

For more information go to www.hamilton.govt.nz/zooplan. 

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