Decisions Pending on Kai Iwi Lakes Usage

The TDGC (Taharoa Domain Governance Committee) is currently reviewing the 1023 submissions received on the Kaipara District Council’s unpopular Draft Kai Iwi Lakes (Taharoa Domain) Reserve Management Plan 2015 and Kai Iwi Lakes Draft Bylaw 2015.

The heat is on the TDGC as the controversial proposal to ban powered water craft from the popular Kai Iwi Lakes decision time draws near. The community has sent a clear message. With 898 (92.5%) of Submitters indicating they want to keep boats on Kai Iwi Lakes and only 7.5% supporting the ban. Similarly results regarding the proposal to close Promenade Point Campground realised even more overwhelming opposition, with 867 (93.8%) opposed to closing it for camping and 54 (6.2%) supporting closure.

Furthermore a survey (of 145 people) undertaken by ‘Friends of Kai Iwi Lakes’ community group over the holiday period also indicated overwhelming support to keep powered crafts on the lakes.

The issue is a hot topic in the small town of Dargaville which saw a strong show of solidarity by locals in the form of an organised parade of 62 trailered watercraft through the town in February to say “NO to banning powered boats on the Kai Iwi Lakes”.

“The TDGC were responsible for formulating the Draft Plan for consultation, they were also the Submissions Hearing Panel and now they will also make recommendations to Kaipara District Council,” says Rob Stevenson, spokesperson for Friends of Kai Iwi Lakes (FoKIL).

The committee will make a decision at their June meeting and this will be presented to the full Council (3 Commissioners) at their July meeting.

The Taharoa Domain Governance Committee consists of two commissioners, John Robertson and Peter Winder, and two Iwi representatives Rick Parore for Te Kuihi Iwi and Sonny Nisbet for Te Roroa Iwi.

ENDS

© Scoop Media