News release
16 March 2012
Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui plan – have your say

A draft plan for Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui is out for public consultation. The plan outlines how Greater Wellington will manage the newest addition to its regional parks network, and forms a draft amendment to Greater Wellington’s Parks Network Plan.

Cr Nigel Wilson, Chair of Greater Wellington’s Social and Cultural Wellbeing Committee, says there’s been a high level of community interest and expectation around Baring Head since a Greater Wellington-led consortium purchased the land in June 2010.

“Meeting those expectations is challenging and we’ve worked hard to ensure that as many people as possible have had the opportunity to contribute their comments and ideas for the draft amendment,” he says.

Greater Wellington officers prepared the draft amendment assisted by research; feedback from the public; and discussions with iwi, DOC and key community groups such as the Friends of Baring Head Trust.

“The draft amendment gives the right level of protection for this iconic, significant site while providing for low-impact recreation activities such as walking, cycling and rock climbing. It also gives an appropriate level of flexibility around future uses – provided that they have a low environmental impact,” says Cr Wilson.

Key aspects of the draft amendment:
• The removal of grazing from the site – This is seen as benefiting native species and providing more opportunities for recreation
• Provision for low-impact activities only – To protect sensitive plants and animals as well as the area’s historical values. Motorised recreation will be prohibited
• Predator control – Greater Wellington will carry out predator control and monitor how key native species are doing
• Conservation of heritage structur es and sites – Preservation of Māori and colonial history, and the lighthouse complex. The draft plan provides for the future option of reusing the lighthouse keepers’ houses as tourist accommodation

Greater Wellington will hold drop-in sessions in April, giving the public an opportunity to ask Greater Wellington officers questions about the draft amendment [see dates below].

To view the draft amendment and make a submission, visit www.gw.govt.nz/have-your-say . Consultation closes at 4pm on Friday 18 May.

When finalised, the draft amendment will be incorporated into the East Harbour Regional Park section of Greater Wellington’s Parks Network Plan.

ENDS

Drop-in sessions:
Lower Hutt
Thursday 19 April, 5.30-7.15pm*, Pelorus Trust Sports House, Hutt Park
Wellington
Thursday 26 April, 11am-1.30pm, Greater Wellington Regional Council's Wellington offices, 142 Wakefield St, Wellington CBD
*Following the 19 April session in Lower Hutt, the Friends of B aring Head Trust are hosting h istorian Michael Kelly, who will talk about historical aspects of the Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui area - gold coin koha. It is recommended that people who wish to attend both sessions bring something to eat (tea and coffee is provided).

© Scoop Media