Media Release

Release date: 17 December 2014

Planning for Domain’s future

Council’s new draft Reserve Management Plan for Waihirere Domain is out now for public comment.

Waihirere Domain on Waihirere Road, located around 14km from the city off Back Ormond Road, is an iconic destination reserve for the region.

The last management plan was prepared in 1987, since then there has been many changes at the Domain.

“This draft Plan seeks to establish the desired mix of uses and values for the reserve and to set in place policy to guide day-to-day management,” says planning and development manager Nedine Thatcher-Swann.

“Preserving native wildlife, plants and water quality is a key objective of the plan,” says Ms Thatcher-Swann, “maintaining the bio diversity of the reserve will encourage educational opportunities.”

“Waihirere Domain in its glory days was renowned for the whanau picnics and popular for summer events, due in large part to the popularity of the swimming pool.”

While there are no plans by Council to reinstate the pool, the domain’s large open space and tracks continue to see a large majority of local visitors for tramping, fitness and family use.

The draft plan proposes to maintain parking, playground and walking tracks to a safe standard and keeps grounds and buildings tidy and litter free.

“In future council may consider providing for gas barbeques during summer to encourage day picnics, but camping overnight will be prohibited,” says Nedine Thatcher-Swann.

The draft plan proposes co-management of the reserve with mana whenua.

“Council are working together with the hapu and community to support, promote and educate on cultural, ecological and recreational values of the reserve.”

Mayor Meng Foon supports the draft plan, “Waihirere is a beautiful domain and we thank the Waihirere community for their guidance on appropriate use.”

A hui will be held early in 2015 at Waihirere Marae to present and discuss the draft plan.

From 15 December 2014 until 20 February 2015, Council are seeking public submissions on the draft management plan.

People can collect a copy of the plan and submission form from council offices and HB Williams Memorial Library or view online at www.gdc.govt.nz .

Council is required to prepare management plans for reserves held under the Reserves Act 1977.

ENDS

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