Kinloch rallies against council

‘‘I've lived here since 1963 and maybe I have had my finger a bit more on the pulse and knew a bit more about how the heart beats out here.’’

Kinloch ratepayers have fired shots at the Taupo District Council saying it is acting against the will of its people.

More than 175 ratepayers attended a public meeting to discuss what action should be taken regarding council’s decision to close the Kinloch Reserve to cars once new parking has been constructed.

The plan would see a swathe of angle parks created at the end of the reserve but ratepayers and residents say this option will restrict access to the waterfront for elderly and disabled lake users as well as create traffic issues in the main street.

Those at the meeting say councillors voted on an option that went against the will of the majority of people because 75 per cent of submissions were in favour of keeping the reserve open.

They also questioned how councillors were able to vote on creating new car parking when there was no consultation on what the parking would look like, how it would impact traffic and what it would mean for property owners.

Former Prime Minister Sir Keith Holyoake’s grandson, Bruce Holyoake, was at the meeting. He owns a property near where the proposed parking is to be installed and says there has been no consultation on this option with the public.

‘‘We haven’t seen any plans, any drawings or costings,’’ he said.

‘‘I would like to see council come forward and give some information because we are not getting it.’’

Holyoake has been signing people up to a petition, which has gained more than 1000 signatures, to keep the reserve open.

In response, councillors Rosanne Jollands, John Williamson, Zane Cozens and Barry Hickling have created a members’ motion to revoke the previous council decision which will be presented to council in February.

John Williamson said he didn’t want to throw any of his fellow councillors ‘‘under the bus’’ but said perhaps they did not have a full grasp on the situation.

‘‘I’ve lived here since 1963 and maybe I have had my finger a bit more on the pulse and knew a bit more about how the heart beats out here,’’ he said.

Kinloch Residents concluded the meeting by forming an voted to form an action group to work with council in future.

MATT SHAND Bruce Holyoake, grandson of former Prime Minister, Sir Keith Holyoake is leading the charge to prevent council closing the Kinloch foreshore to cars.

Councillor John Williamson (voted to keep reserve open)