Have your say on Kerikeri Domain
The Far North District Council is asking the community how the Kerikeri Domain be managed and developed.
The public have until March 15 to make submissions on whether the draft management plan addresses the Domain’s sense of place and identity, reflects what they want it to be used for, provides for the safety and wellbeing of the community, supports people’s aspirations for the pavilion, and correctly prioritises maintenance.
Mayor John Carter said councils were required under the Reserves Act 1977 to have management plans for reserves it managed, and to review those plans at least every 10 years. The plans should outline how the council intended to provide for the use, enjoyment, protection, maintenance, preservation and, where appropriate, the development of reserves.
“A plan provides certainty about a reserve’s management, and means facilities can be developed without the need for a council process, saving time and money,” he said.
Before preparing a reserve management plan, councils were required to invite interested people and organisations to make written suggestions on the proposed plan.
“We surveyed the community last year to get preliminary feedback, and formed a community reference group to help develop the draft plan, so the community has already had significant input into the plan we are seeking feedback on,” Mr Carter added.
Relaxation and exercise were the most common uses of the Domain, according to the 132 submitters who took part in the survey.
People saw the Domain as a green space, social hub and venue for sports, festivals and concerts, and the draft plan catered for those uses.
Councillors would finalise and adopt the plan in June, after public hearings in April.
“Decisions about the final plan will focus on common themes from the consultation rather than trying to provide for all individual activities and submissions,” he said.
The draft plan and feedback form could be found at www.fndc.govt.nz, or go to Procter Library in Kerikeri.