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The purpose of this page is to provide information on the CBD Upgrade project. The information is provided in the form of a "timeline".
Click here to see the Masterton Council information on this project website.
The MRRA is investigating a number of issues with this project, including:
a. What is the cost increase from the original budget of $6.48m? (and how much is going to be ratepayer funded, and what is the impact on rates).
b. Has the scope changed from what was described in the LTP? (noting the MINIMUM scope was described in the LTP)
c. Which trees will be removed?
d. Who was consulted regarding the trees to be removed?
e. Why has NZTA not provided the expected funding for this project? (and why was it mentioned as reducing the project cost for ratepayers if it was not going to be provided).
f. Was it being "transparent" to use a public excluded meeting when the cost and scope of a significant project in the LTP was discussed? Was there a vote? Who voted for what? Could not at least some of the discussion (and any related report) have been in the public side of the meeting?
The Masterton Street Tree policy document applicable to the trees in the CBD (and elsewhere). This dates back to 2010.
Click the image to read the full 12 pages.
2024 to 2034 LTP which was approved in June 2024. This section is relevant to the "CBD Upgrade" (but called Town Centre Improvements in the LTP). The preferred option was approved by councillors (following consultation with the public), a project costing ratepayers $6.48m (less the contribution by NZTA).
Click the image to see the full 4 page extract.
Council Agenda for the meeting held 10th Dec 2025, showing a public excluded item to increase the budget of the CBD upgrade project.
Click the image to see the text full size
A section of the map available on the council website, showing the water main running along Queen St. The full map can be found Here (its the "Water Services" map).
Click the image to see a more detailed map.
Map of trees to be removed (marked in red), it is known around 75% of trees in the area of the renewed water main will be removed. Note this map has not been released to the public by MDC as at Jan 2026, but it is likely to be accurate.
The trees at risk are those between Jackson Street and Park Street.
Click the image to see a more detailed map.
Late December 2025: Times Age on the CBD project
Click the image to see the whole text.
Early 2026: Times Age highlighting trees to be removed.
Click the image to see the whole text.
Early 2026: Times Age providing more information on trees to be removed
Click the image to see the whole text.
24 Jan 2026 : Times Age article with information on the CBD upgrade from the Mayor (Bex Johnson). There is no mention of trees being removed, street furniture being replaced, or the need to spend more money than the $6.48m consulted upon.
Click the image to see the whole text.
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