The Wellington Town Belt: Have your say about the capital’s playground

New laws that change the governance of Wellington’s natural public space are up for discussion and Wellingtonians are being invited to have their say to Parliament’s Local Government and Environment Committee.

The Town Belt was established 170 years ago as public space for all Wellingtonians to enjoy. It is made up of nearly 400 hectares of parks, reserves, and sports grounds.

The proposed Wellington Town Belt Bill modernises the belt’s governance arrangements, which are almost as old as the public space itself.

Chair of the Local Government and Environment Committee, Scott Simpson MP, said: “The committee is looking forward to hearing the view of Wellingtonians about the future of this important natural asset.”

“New Zealanders love the outdoors and Wellington City is fortunate to have such extensive green recreation space on its doorstep. It is important that it is protected for future generations.”

The town belt would be managed by Wellington City Council under its own legal framework, separate from the Reserves Act. The council would be required to prepare management plans for the town belt, and the public would be able to have input into this process.

Submissions to the Local Government and Environment Committee are due by 29 October 2015. The committee will report back to Parliament in March next year.

ENDS

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