New management plan for Kaimai Ward reserves

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has adopted a refreshed Kaimai Ward Reserve Management Plan, setting the direction for how the 63 reserves in the Kaimai Ward will be cared for and developed over the next nine years.

It includes an updated Pest Management Policy, which has been expanded to align with the Council’s Regional Pest Management Plan, and acknowledges the role of tangata whenua, volunteers and community education.

Council regularly reviews its Reserve Management Plans to reflect community needs and expectations, support a growing and diverse population, align with updated Council rules, policies and strategies, include new reserves, and guide future development and funding decisions. The Kaimai Ward Reserve Management Plan was last reviewed and adopted by Council in 2016.

“This plan shows how we’ll look after our reserves in the years ahead, making sure there’s a good mix of places to play, enjoy nature and get involved,” says Peter Watson, Council’s Reserves and Facilities Manager.

“It also supports the great work already being done in pest control and helps our community volunteers to keep making a difference.”

The adoption of the new plan, by Council’s Strategy and Policy Committee, follows public consultation earlier this year, in which 71 submissions were received.

In adopting the plan, the decision was made to formally name nine reserves – some of these retained the ‘informal’ names by which they were already known, while some were given new names.

Under the plan, Minden Lookout will retain its current name, with heritage information added to the site, including recognition of the name Te Rangituanehu, which was provided by mana whenua.

Te Puna Quarry Park will also keep its name (rather than changing to Te Puna Quarry Reserve), with a commitment to work with tangata whenua and interested parties on developing cultural presence initiatives, such as art works, sculptures and signage at the park.

Council also agreed to take another look at the Ōmokoroa Domain Concept Plan, which was adopted in October 2018. Car parking and an additional access road are two of the items which are likely to be considered in a review of the plan.

A new concept plan will also be developed for Kaimai Views Reserve, with early ideas including more planting, better walking tracks, clearer signs, a new playground on the western side, and a car park off Sentinel Avenue.

“Adopting this plan is an important step in protecting and improving our reserves,” says Peter.

“It gives us a clear direction to work alongside our communities and make sure these spaces continue to thrive into the future.”

Reserves formally named in the Kaimai Ward Reserve Management Plan 2025: