A draft plan outlining the restoration and future use of Herepoho Eskdale Park following Cyclone Gabrielle has been adopted and notified for public consultation by Hastings District Council.
The Council, which administers the 12.5 hectare recreation reserve on behalf of the Crown under the Reserves Act 1977, has approved the draft Reserve Management Plan for consultation as the first step in the statutory process.
Located on the banks of the Esk River, Herepoho Eskdale Park has a long history, including land gifted by Thomas Clark in 1919 and 1923.
Mohaka Ward Councillor, Derek Nowell-Usticke said the Reserves Act required councils to prepare management plans to guide how reserves are used, protected and developed.
“The adoption of the revised draft plan marks an important next step in progressing this work, and we look forward to hearing from the community to help shape the final plan,” said Cr Nowell-Usticke.
The draft builds on an earlier plan initiated in 2021 and draws on extensive community input gathered in 2021 and 2022 through surveys, workshops, and public open days. Reflecting the park’s role as a regional destination and its proximity to Napier, consultation included residents from both Hastings and Napier.
More than 970 survey responses and over 230 direct engagements identified key values such as river access, natural character, peacefulness and recreational opportunities. A further 143 submissions were received on the original draft plan.
Following Cyclone Gabrielle, the plan was revised to reflect the significant damage to the park. Around 100,000 cubic metres of silt was removed, and key assets were lost, including play equipment, infrastructure, and many young trees.
Since then, restoration work has included re-grassing, reinstating accessways and fencing, and repairing the cricket pitch. The park is now
open, although vehicle access remains temporarily closed to protect new turf.
Updates to the draft plan include removing references to mountain biking and a proposed footbridge, both of which will no longer proceed, and placing greater emphasis on environmental restoration, resilience and natural hazards.
Council confirmed a planting plan will be developed to restore canopy cover. The draft also clarifies that overnight camping will not be permitted. It also recognises the potential for a community-led commemoration of Cyclone Gabrielle and acknowledges the historical connection of Hukarere Girls’ College to the park.
Future improvements identified in the plan include new play equipment, park furniture, pathways, riparian planting and signage. Funding for continued cyclone recovery and upgrades is included in Council’s Long-Term Plan, with some further work scheduled to begin shortly on the remaining toilet block.
The draft plan has been publicly notified, with submissions open until 31 July 2026. The plan, supporting information, and details on how to make a submission are available at www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz.
A community drop-in session will be held at Eskdale Church on Sunday 19 April, from 10am to 1pm, where people can learn more about the park’s ongoing restoration and discuss any questions on the draft plan.
