Simon Berry was appointed by the Franklin District Council to chair a hearing committee  which considered submissions on the Franklin District Plan Change 24 ("PC 24") which for significant expansion of the Pokeno township to accommodate growth from the existing population of around 500 to a population of almost 6000. The impetus for the plan change was the Franklin District Growth Strategy 2007, which recognised the potential of Pokeno's strategic location to serve a significant role in accommodating growth pressures in the district.  Franklin District Council subsequently worked with members of the Pokeno Land Consortium, comprising major landowners in the Pokeno Area, including Winstone Aggregates, Dines Group, Fulton Hogan and Hynds Pipe Systems, to develop PC 24 and promote quality urban design outcomes.

The hearing occupied 12 hearing days during August and September 2009. The committee heard evidence from over 50 witnesses on a range of complex issues, including the extent of Business Residential and Industrial zone; provision which should be made for retail activities in the Business Residential and Industrial zone, provisions which should be made for the Queen's Redoubt (General Cameron’s headquarters for the Waikato War in 1863 – 1864) and detailed issues relating to stormwater catchment management planning, etc.

Simon's committee approved the variation in a lengthy written decision and strikethrough version of the Plan Change which reflected a significant number of amendments, including the development of an entirely new special zone. The decision can be viewed by clicking here. You can also click here to view a recent NZ Herald article on the redevelopment of Pokeno.