Gisborne District Council plans for Waihirere Domain’s future

Gisborne District Council’s new draft Reserve Management Plan for Waihirere Domain has been released for public comment.

Located around 14 kilometres from the centre of Gisborne, Waihirere Domain is a landmark destination reserve for the region.

Since its last management plan was prepared in 1987, there have been many changes at the Domain.

Gisborne District Council Planning and Development Manager Nedine Thatcher-Swann explains “this draft Plan seeks to establish the desired mix of uses and values for the reserve and to set in place policy to guide day-to-day management.

“Preserving native wildlife, plants and water quality is a key objective of the plan (while) maintaining the bio diversity of the reserve will encourage educational opportunities.

“Waihirere Domain in its glory days was renowned for the whanau picnics and popular for summer events, due in large part to the popularity of the swimming pool.”

While there are no plans by Council to reinstate the pool, the domain’s large open space and tracks continue to see a large majority of local visitors for tramping, fitness and family use.

The draft plan proposes to maintain parking, playground and walking tracks to a safe standard and keeps grounds and buildings tidy and litter free.

Thatcher-Swann adds “in future council may consider providing for gas barbeques during summer to encourage day picnics, but camping overnight will be prohibited.

The draft plan proposes co-management of the reserve with mana whenua.

Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon supports the draft plan, concluding “Waihirere is a beautiful domain and we thank the Waihirere community for their guidance on appropriate use.”

Council is required to prepare management plans for reserves held under the Reserves Act 1977.

A hui will be held early in 2015 at Waihirere Marae to present and discuss the draft plan.

The Council is seeking public submissions on the draft management plan until 20th February 2015.

People can collect a copy of the plan and submission form from council offices and HB Williams Memorial Library or view online at www.gdc.govt.nz

6th September 2012 - GISBORNE DISTRICT COUNCIL INTRODUCES MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENTS FOR SPORTS GROUNDS