13 September 2013

Kaiteriteri Visitor Experience to Be Enhanced

The Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve Board has lodged an application with the Tasman District Council for consent to proceed with implementing the first stage of its long-term development plan for the Reserve.

The purpose of the plan, which has been through an extensive public consultation process, is to improve the Kaiteriteri experience for all visitors and residents while protecting the Reserve’s natural and historical values and local ecosystems.

The project covers: enhancements to the commercial area, including replacing the general store, providing additional accommodation and a café courtyard; improved recreational and visitor facilities on either side of the road; extensive planting of native trees and shrubs; and construction of a boardwalk around the estuary edge. (Click here for details of the consent application.)

Board chairman Brian Gibb said there had been a great deal of constructive input into the plan from interested parties including the local community, iwi and regular visitors, and the Board was confident it would ensure better, more coherent utilisation of the land for all concerned.

“Kaiteriteri has a great reputation as a safe, family-friendly outdoor recreation destination in a stunning natural setting. But as a small seaside town that has grown quite rapidly to support a much larger surrounding and seasonal community, it has tended to spread along the beachfront rather than develop in a more coherent way.

“To meet everyone’s interests now and for the future, it needs better facilities that are well-linked and ensure public safety, pleasant, sheltered common spaces, more accommodation and a much better balance between functionality and aesthetics.”

Mr Gibb said the plan was designed to guide development of the Reserve for the next 20 to 30 years and to balance the many, diverse and sometimes competing priorities of all those with an interest or stake in it.

“We’ve been very mindful of the interests of permanent and seasonal residents, campers and other holiday-makers, day trippers, neighbouring communities, and visitors for whom Kaiteriteri is the gateway to the wider region. We’ve also consulted with local iwi and are keen to ensure the area’s unique historical and cultural values are preserved and highlighted.

“Ensuring the town is attractive, has good facilities and is in tune with its natural setting is also important to the commercial operators who contribute to the area’s value as a recreation destination.

“Another important driver is to reduce congestion issues at the height of the holiday season, where visitor numbers can run upwards of 9000 a day. We need to ensure visitors’ safety and enjoyment while also minimising the impact of recreational activities on the natural environment,” said Mr Gibb.

The plan will be complemented by the Board’s ongoing information and interpretation programme designed to promote better understanding of local iwi and European history. Planting and beach enhancement programmes and ongoing weed and pest control to support natural regeneration are further integral features of the development.

Note: The proposed development plan supports the purpose of a Recreation Reserve (as set out in Section 17 of the Reserves Act 1977) and is consistent with the relevant provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991 and the Historic Places Act 1993.

ENDS

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