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NPDC calls for feedback on draft plan to restore key coastal area

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PUBLISHED: 15 AUG 2023
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A draft plan to improve the environment, biodiversity and visitor experience in the reserve areas surrounding Paritūtū, including Centennial Park, is open for public feedback.

 

The draft management plan by NPDC, Ngā Mahanga a Tairi and Ngāti Te Whiti includes proposals covering land from Paritūtū in the north to wetlands in the south, with a focus on restoring the whenua and its relationships with hapū and local residents.

 

“This reserve is a special part of our district with a rich history and great potential for the future. The project partners want to improve how we manage it for the benefit of not only locals and visitors, but for birdlife and the whenua itself,” says NPDC Planning and Design Lead Renee Davies.

 

Encouraging more habitats and protecting the 20 species of birds that for nest in the area is a key goal, so the plan features proposals to achieve that, including managing access Paritūtū Rock during breeding season and developing walking paths directing people away from sensitive areas.

 

“We also want to ensure public safety by keeping people away from the eroding cliff-edge,” says Renee.

 

“The draft plan includes improving the wetlands and revegetating the park with native plants. We also want to explore if there is an opportunity in the future to strengthen the partnership between NPDC and mana whenua at Paritūtū’s reserve through ownership and management arrangements in recognition of the long history that they have with this land.”

 

Also proposed is a new name for Centennial Park to reconnect residents with the reserve’s history and the kaitiaki/guaradian role of mana whenua.

 

The name, Te Pukenga, has been suggested by hapū and refers to the rising water level of ponds from rainfall and reflects the environmental approach to the reserve’s management.

 

More information and a survey form are online at npdc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay. Feedback closes on 14 October.

 

Fast facts:

  • In 2013, NPDC gifted the Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protection Area to central government for use in treaty settlements with Te Atiawa (in 2014) and Taranaki (in 2015) iwi.
  • NPDC looks after 1,600ha of park and reserve land and 68ha of dunes.


Caption: Paritūtū looking north. 

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Page last updated: 10:52am Tue 15 August 2023

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